A

B -- General
General rules of-electrical installation design
design
Installed power
Regulations -
4 Power loading of an installation B15

B - General design - Regulations - A17

Installed power 4 Power loading of an installation B15

In
In order
order toto design
design an an installation,
installation, thethe actual
actual maximum
maximum load load demand
demand likely
likely to be
to be imposed
imposed on theonpower-supply
the power-supplysystem system
must must be assessed.
be assessed.
To
To base
base thethe design
design simply
simply onon the
the arithmetic
arithmetic sum
sum of of all
all the
the loads
loads existing
existing inin the
the
installation
installation would
would be be extravagantly
extravagantly uneconomical,
uneconomical, and and bad bad engineering
engineering practice.
practice.
In order
The to design an installation, the actual maximumtaking load demand likely to diversity
be
The aim
aim ofof this
this chapter
chapter is is to
to show
show how how some
some factors
factors taking into into account
account thethe diversity
imposed
(non on the power-supply
simultaneous operation of ofsystem must beofassessed.
all appliances
appliances
(nonsimultaneous operation all of aa given
given group)
group) and
and utilization
utilization (e.g.
(e.g.
an
an electric
To base the
electric motor is
design
motor is not generally
simply
not on theoperated
generally arithmeticat
operated its
its full-load
atsum of all the
full-load capability, etc.)
loads existing
capability, etc.) ofin all
the
of all existing
installation
existing and be
andwould projected
projected loadsloads
extravagantly
can be can be assessed.
uneconomical,
assessed. Theand The
valuesbadvalues given
engineering
given are
are based based
practice.
on
on
The experience
experience andand
aim of this on on
chapter records
records taken
is totaken
show from
howfrom actual
actual
some installations.
installations.
factors takingIninto In account
addition
addition to providing
to providing
the diversity
basic
basic installation-design
installation-design
(nonsimultaneous data
dataofon
operation onallindividual
individual
appliancescircuits,
circuits, the
the results
of a given group)will
results andprovide
will provide a global
utilization (e.g.
avalue
anglobalforvalue
electric the for is
the installation,
installation,
motor not from which
generally from which
the
operated at the
requirementsrequirements
its full-load of a of asystem
supply
capability, supply
etc.) ofsystem
all
(distribution
existing and network,
(distribution projectedMV/LV
network, loads transformer,
HV/LV transformer,
can be [Link]
or generating
generating
The values set) can
can be
set)given arespecified.
be specified.
based on
experience and on records taken from actual installations. In addition to providing
basic installation-design data on individual circuits, the results will provide a global
value for the installation, from which the requirements of a supply system
4.1 Installed
(distribution network, power (kW) or generating set) can be specified.
HV/LV transformer,

Most
Most electrical
electrical appliances
appliances and and equipments
equipments are are marked
marked to to indicate
indicate their
their nominal
nominal
The installed power is the sum of the nominal
power
power rating
rating (Pn).
(Pn).
powers of all power consuming devices
powerconsuming devices in the 4.1 Installed
The
The installed
installed power
power is ispower
the
the sumsum of of(kW)
the
the nominal
nominal powers
powers of of all
all power-consuming
power-consuming
in the installation.
installation. devices
devices in in the
the installation.
installation. ThisThis is is not
not the
the power
power to
to be
be actually
actually supplied
supplied in in practice.
practice.
This is not the power to be actually supplied in This
This is
Most the
the case
iselectrical for
for electric
caseappliances
electricand motors,
motors, where
where the
equipments arepower
the power
marked rating
rating refers
refers to
to indicate to the output
output power
thenominal
their
The installed power is the sum of the nominal at its driving shaft.
in practice.
practice. power at (Pn). The
its driving
rating [Link]
Thepowerinput consumption will evidently
power consumption be greater.
will evidently be greater
powers of all powerconsuming devices in the
Fluorescent
Fluorescent and discharge lamps associated with stabilizing ballasts, are
The installed andpowerdischarge
is the lamps
sum of associated
the nominal with stabilizing
powers of all ballasts, are other
power-consuming other
installation. cases
cases in
devices ininwhich the
the nominal
the installation.
which nominalThis power
power indicated
is not on
on the
the power
indicated lamp
to be
the is
is less
actually
lamp than
than the
lesssupplied theinpower
practice.
power
This is not the power to be actually supplied in consumed
This is the by
consumed by the
case lamp
thefor and
electric
lamp its
its ballast.
and motors, where the power rating refers to the output
ballast.
practice. power at of
Methods its assessing
driving shaft. The input power consumption will evidently be greater
Methods of assessing the actual power consumption
the actual power consumption of of motors
motors andand lighting
lighting
appliances
Fluorescent are
and given in
discharge Section
lamps
appliances are given in Section 3 of this Chapter.3 of this Chapter.
associated with stabilizing ballasts, are other
cases
The in which the nominal power indicated on the lamp is less than the power
The power
power demand
demand (kW) (kW) is is necessary
necessary to to choose
choose the
the rated
rated power
power ofof aa generating
generating set
set
consumed
or by the lampthe and its ballast. of a prime mover have to be considered.
or battery,
battery, andand where
where the requirements
requirements of a prime mover have to be considered.
Methods
For of assessing the actual power consumptionor of motors and lighting
For aa power
power supply
supply from
from a a LVLV public-supply
public-supply network,
network, or through
through aa MV/LV
HV/LV transformer,
transformer,
appliances
the are given in Section 3 of this Chapter.
the significant
significant quantity
quantity is is the
the apparent
apparent powerpower in
in kVA.
kVA.
The power demand (kW) is necessary to choose the rated power of a generating set
or battery, and where the requirements of a prime mover have to be considered.
For a power supply from a LV public-supply network, or through a HV/LV transformer,
4.2 Installed
the significant apparent
quantity power
is the apparent (kVA)
power in (kVA)
kVA.

The installed apparent power is commonly The

The installed
installed apparent
apparent powerpower isis commonly
commonly assumed assumed to to be
be the
the arithmetical
arithmetical sum
sum of
of
thethe
kVAkVAof of individual
individual loads.
loads. The
The maximum
maximum estimated
estimated kVAkVAtotobebesupplied
suppliedhowever
howeveris
assumed to be the arithmetical sum of the kVA kVA 4.2 Installed apparent
is
notnot equal
equal to to
thethe total
total installed
installed [Link] (kVA)
kVA.
of individual loads. The maximum estimated
The
The apparent-power
apparent-power demand demand of of aa load
load (which
(which might
might be be aa single
single appliance)
appliance) is
is
kVA
kVA toto be
be supplied
supplied however
however is
is not
not equal
equal to the
The obtained
The
obtained from
installed its
its nominal
fromapparent nominal power
power rating
rating (corrected
is commonly
power assumed
(corrected ifif necessary, as
as noted
noted above
to be the arithmetical
necessary, sum for
above of
to theinstalled
total installed apparent
total installed
kVA. kVA. power is commonly
for motors, etc.)
assumed to be the arithmetical sum of the kVA
the kVA etc.)
motors, andand
of individual thethe application
loads. The maximum
application of theof the following
estimated
following coefficients:
kVA to be supplied however is
coefficients:
not equal to the total installed kVA.
of individual loads. The maximum estimated η
η == the
the per-unit
per-unit efficiency
efficiency = = output
output kW kW // input
input kWkW
The apparent-power demand of a load (which might be a single appliance) is
kVA to be supplied however is not equal to the cos ϕ
cos ϕ == the
the power
power factor
factor = = kW
kW // kVA
kVA
obtained from its nominal power rating (corrected if necessary, as noted above for
total installed kVA. The
The apparent-power
etc.) and the kVA
apparent-power
motors, kVA demand
demandofof
application the
ofthe load
thefollowing
load coefficients:
Pa
Pa == Pn
Pn /(/(η cos ϕ
η xx cos ϕ))
η = the per-unit efficiency = output kW / input kW
From ϕ this value, the full-load / kVA IIaa (A)
current (A)(1) taken
taken by by the
the load
load will
will be:
(1)
From
cos this
= thevalue,
power thefactor
full-load
= kWcurrent be:
Pa x 103
The apparent-power kVA demand of the load
c Ia =
b
Pa = Pn /(ηVx cos ϕ)
for single phase-to-neutral connected load
current Iaload
for
From single
this phase-to-neutral
value, the full-load connected (A)(1) taken by the load will be:
3
Pa x 10 3
c II a
c
b a=
Pa x 10
= 3xU
3xU
three-phase
for three-phase
single balanced load
phase-to-neutral where:
connected
for balanced load where: load
V = phase-to-neutral 3 voltage (volts)
V = phase-to-neutral
Pa x 10 voltage (volts)
c I aphase-to-phase
© Schneider Electric - all rights reserved

U= = voltage (volts)
U = phase-to-phase3xU voltage (volts)
It may be noted that, strictly speaking, the total kVA of apparent power is not the
Itformay be noted balanced
three-phase that, strictly speaking,
load where: the total kVA of apparent power is not the
arithmetical sum of the calculated kVA ratings of individual loads (unless all loads
arithmetical
V = sum of the
phase-to-neutral calculated
voltage (volts)kVA ratings of individual loads (unless all loads are
are at the same power factor).
at
U the
= same power factor).
phase-to-phase
It is common practicevoltage
however, (volts)
to make a simple arithmetical summation, the result
ItIt is common practicestrictly
however, to makethea simple arithmetical summation, thethe
result
ofmay which bewill
notedgivethat,
a kVA value speaking,
that exceeds total
the kVA of apparent
true value power is not
by an acceptable “design
of which
arithmetical will sum of the calculated exceeds
give a kVA value that theof
kVA ratings true value byloads
individual an acceptable
(unless all “design
loads
margin”.
margin”.
are at the same power
When some or all of thefactor).
load characteristics are not known, the values shown in
It is common
Figure B9 next practice
page may however,
be usedto make a simple
to give arithmetical summation,
a very approximate the result
estimate of VA
of which will
demands give a kVA
(individual loadsvalue
are that exceeds
generally toothe true
small tovalue by an acceptable
be expressed in kVA or“design
kW).
(1) For greater precision, account must be taken of the factor margin”.
The estimates for lighting loads are based on floor areas of 500 m2.
of
(1)maximum utilization
For greater as account
precision, explained below
must be in 4.3 of the factor
taken When some or all of the load characteristics are not known, the values shown in
of maximum utilization as explained below in 4.3
Figure B9 next page may be used to give a very approximate estimate of VA
Schneider Electric
Electric -- Electrical
Schneiderdemands Electrical installation
installation guide
guide 2016
2005
(individual loads are generally too small to be expressed in kVA or kW).
2
 A - General rules of electrical installation design

A18

When some or all of the load characteristics are not known, the values shown in
Figure A9 may be used to give a very approximate estimate of VA demands
(individual loads are generally too small to be expressed in kVA or kW).
The estimates for lighting loads are based on floor areas of 500 m2.

Fluorescent lighting (corrected to cos ϕ = 0.86)

Type of application Estimated (VA/m2) Average lighting
fluorescent tube level (lux = lm/m2)
with industrial reflector (1)

Roads and highways 7 150

storage areas, intermittent work
Heavy-duty works: fabrication and 14 300
assembly of very large work pieces
Day-to-day work: office work 24 500
Fine work: drawing offices 41 800
high-precision assembly workshops
Power circuits
Type of application Estimated (VA/m2)
Pumping station compressed air 3 to 6
Ventilation of premises 23
Electrical convection heaters:
private houses 115 to 146
flats and apartments 90
Offices 25
Dispatching workshop 50
Assembly workshop 70
Machine shop 300
Painting workshop 350
Heat-treatment plant 700
(1) example: 65 W tube (ballast not included), flux 5,100 lumens (Im),
luminous efficiency of the tube = 78.5 Im / W.

Fig. A9: Estimation of installed apparent power

4.3 Estimation of actual maximum kVA demand

All individual loads are not necessarily operating at full rated nominal power
nor necessarily at the same time. Factors ku and ks allow the determination
of the maximum power and apparent-power demands actually required to dimension
the installation.

Factor of maximum utilization (ku)

In normal operating conditions the power consumption of a load is sometimes less
than that indicated as its nominal power rating, a fairly common occurrence that
justifies the application of an utilization factor (ku) in the estimation of realistic values.
This factor must be applied to each individual load, with particular attention
to electric motors, which are very rarely operated at full load.
In an industrial installation this factor may be estimated on an average at 0.75
for motors.
For incandescent-lighting loads, the factor always equals 1.
For socket-outlet circuits, the factors depend entirely on the type of appliances being
supplied from the sockets concerned.
For Electric Vehicle the utilization factor will be systematically estimated to 1, as it
takes a long time to load completely the batteries (several hours) and a dedicated
© Schneider Electric - all rights reserved

circuit feeding the charging station or wall box will be required by standards.

Schneider Electric - Electrical installation guide 2016

 4 Power loading of an installation
A19

Diversity factor - Coincidence factor (ks)

It is a matter of common experience that the simultaneous operation of all installed
loads of a given installation never occurs in practice, i.e. there is always some
degree of diversity and this fact is taken into account for estimating purposes by the
use
of a factor (ks).
This factor is defined in IEC60050 - International Electrotechnical Vocabulary,
as follows:
b Coincidence factor: the ratio, expressed as a numerical value or as a percentage,
of the simultaneous maximum demand of a group of electrical appliances
or consumers within a specified period, to the sum of their individual maximum
demands within the same period. As per this definition, the value is always y 1 and
can be expressed as a percentage
b Diversity factor: the reciprocal of the coincidence factor. It means it will
always be u 1.
The determination of ks factors is the Note: In practice, the most commonly used term is the diversity factor, but it is
responsibility of the designer, since it requires used in replacement of the coincidence factor, thus will be always <= 1. The term
"simultaneity factor" is another alternative that is sometimes used.
a detailed knowledge of the installation and the
The factor ks is applied to each group of loads (e.g. being supplied from a
conditions in which the individual circuits are to
distribution or sub-distribution board).
be exploited. For this reason, it is not possible
The following tables are coming from local standards or guides, not from
to give precise values for general application. international standards. They should only be used as examples of determination
of such factors.

Diversity factor for an apartment block

Some typical values for this case are given in Figure A10, and are applicable to
domestic consumers without electrical heating, and supplied at 230/400 V (3-phase
4-wires). In the case of consumers using electrical heat-storage units for space

Number of downstream Diversity

consumers factor (ks)
2 to 4 1
5 to 9 0.78
10 to 14 0.63
15 to 19 0.53
20 to 24 0.49
25 to 29 0.46
30 to 34 0.44
35 to 39 0.42
40 to 49 0.41
50 and more 0.38

4th 6 consumers Fig. A10: Example of diversity factors for an apartment block as defined in French standard
floor 0.78 NFC14-100, and applicable for apartments without electrical heating
36 kVA

3 rd 4 consumers heating, a factor of 0.8 is recommended, regardless of the number of consumers.

floor 0.63
24 kVA
Example (see Fig. A11):
5 storeys apartment building with 25 consumers, each having 6 kVA of installed load.
The total installed load for the building is: 36 + 24 + 30 + 36 + 24 = 150 kVA
2 nd 5 consumers
floor 30 kVA
0.53 The apparent-power supply required for the building is: 150 x 0.46 = 69 kVA
From Fig. A11, it is possible to determine the magnitude of currents in different
sections of the common main feeder supplying all floors. For vertical rising mains
fed at ground level, the cross-sectional area of the conductors can evidently be
1st
floor
6 consumers 0.49 progressively reduced from the lower floors towards the upper floors.
36 kVA
These changes of conductor size are conventionally spaced by at least 3-floor
© Schneider Electric - all rights reserved

intervals.
In the example, the current entering the rising main at ground level is:
ground 4 consumers
floor 24 kVA 0.46 150 x 0.46 x 103
= 100 A
400 3
the current entering the third floor is:
(36 + 24) x 0.63 x 103
= 55 A
Fig. A11: Application of the diversity factor (ks) to an apartment 400 3
block of 5 storeys

Schneider Electric - Electrical installation guide 2016

 A - General rules of electrical installation design

A20

Rated Diversity Factor for distribution switchboards

The standards IEC61439-1 and 2 define in a similar way the Rated Diversity Factor
for distribution switchboards (in this case, always y 1)
IEC61439-2 also states that, in the absence of an agreement between the assembly
manufacturer (panel builder) and user concerning the actual load currents
(diversity factors), the assumed loading of the outgoing circuits of the assembly or
group of outgoing circuits may be based on the values in Fig. A12.
If the circuits are mainly for lighting loads, it is prudent to adopt ks values close to
unity.

Type of load Assumed loading factor

Distribution - 2 and 3 circuits 0.9
Distribution - 4 and 5 circuits 0.8
Distribution - 6 to 9 circuits 0.7
Distribution - 10 or more circuits 0.6
Electric actuator 0.2
Motors y 100 kW 0.8
Motors > 100 kW 1.0

Fig. A12: Rated diversity factor for distribution boards (cf IEC61439-2 table 101)

Diversity factor according to circuit function

ks factors which may be used for circuits supplying commonly-occurring loads,
are shown in Figure A13. It is provided in French practical guide UTE C 15-105.

Circuit function Diversity factor (ks)

Lighting 1
Heating and air conditioning 1
Socket-outlets 0.1 to 0.2 (1)
Lifts and catering hoist (2) b For the most powerful
motor 1
b For the second most
powerful motor 0.75
b For all motors 0.60
(1) In certain cases, notably in industrial installations, this factor can be higher.
(2) The current to take into consideration is equal to the nominal current of the motor,
increased by a third of its starting current.

Fig. A13: Diversity factor according to circuit function (see UTE C 15-105 table AC)
© Schneider Electric - all rights reserved

Schneider Electric - Electrical installation guide 2016

 motor 1
c For the second most
powerful motor 0.75
4 Power loading of an installation c For all motors 0.60
(1) In certain cases, notably in industrial installations, this factor can be higher.
(2) The current to take into consideration is equal to the nominal current of the motor,
oncreased by a third of its starting current.
A21
Fig. B13 : Factor of simultaneity according to circuit function

4.4 Example of application of factors ku and ks

4.4 Example of application of factors ku and ks
An example in the estimation of actual maximum kVA demands at all levels of an
An examplefrom
installation, in theeach
estimation of actual
load position maximum
to the point ofkVA demands
supply at all
(see Fig. B14levels of an
opposite
installation,
page). from each load position to the point of supply is given Fig. A14.
In
In this
this example,
example, thethe total
total installed
installed apparent
apparent power
power is
is 126.6
126.6 kVA,
kVA, which
which corresponds
corresponds
to
to an
an actual
actual (estimated)
(estimated) maximum value at
maximum value at the
the LV
LV terminals
terminals of
of the
the MV/LV transformer
HV/LV transformer
of
of 65
65 kVA
kVA only.
only.
Note: in order to select cable sizes for the distribution circuits of an installation, the
Note: in order to select cable sizes for the distribution circuits of an installation, the
current I (in amps) through a circuit is determined from the equation:
current I (in amps) through a circuit is determined from the equation:
kVA x 103
I=
U 3
where
where kVA
kVA isis the
the actual
actual maximum
maximum 3-phase
3-phase apparent-power
apparent-power value
value shown
shown on on the
the
diagram
diagram for
for the
the circuit
circuit concerned,
concerned, and
and U
U is
is the
the phase to- phase
phaseto- phase voltage
voltage (in
(in volts).
volts).

4.5 Diversity factor

The term diversity factor, as defined in IEC standards, is identical to the factor of
Level
simultaneity (ks) used Level 2in 4.3. In some English-speaking
1 guide, as described
in this Level 3

Utilization Apparent Utilization

countries
Apparent
however (at
Diversity
the time of writing)
Apparent Diversity
diversity factor is the
Apparent Diversity
inverse of ksApparent
i.e. it is
power factor power u 1. factor
always power factor power factor power
(Pa) max. demand demand
Schneider Electric - Electrical installation guide 2005
demand demand
kVA max. kVA kVA kVA kVA

Workshop A Lathe no. 1 5 0.8 4 Distribution

box
no. 2 5 0.8 4
no. 3 5 0.8 4 Power
circuit
0.75 14.4 Workshop A
no. 4 5 0.8 4 distribution
Pedestal-
box
drill no. 1 2 0.8 1.6
18.9 Main
no. 2 2 0.8 1.6 0.9 general
5 socket- Socket-
oulets distribution
outlets 10/16 A 18 1 18 0.2 3.6 Lighting board
circuit MGDB
30 fluorescent 3 1 3 1 3
lamps
Power
circuit Workshop B
Workshop B Compressor 15 0.8 12 1 12 Socket- LV / MV
oulets distribution
3 socket- 10.6 1 10.6 0.4 4.3 box 15.6 65
outlets 10/16 A Lighting 0.9
10 fluorescent 1 1 1 1 1 circuit 0.9
lamps
Workshop C Ventilation no. 1 2.5 1 2.5 Distribution Workshop C
box distribution
no. 2 2.5 1 2.5 Powver
circuit box
1 35
Oven no. 1 15 1 15
0.9 37.8
no. 2 15 1 15
5 socket- Socket-
oulets
outlets 10/16 A 18 1 18 0.28 5 Lighting
circuit
20 fluorescent 2 1 2 1 2
lamps

Fig A14: An example in estimating the maximum predicted loading of an installation (the factor values used are for demonstration purposes only)
© Schneider Electric - all rights reserved

Schneider Electric - Electrical installation guide 2016

 A - General rules of electrical installation design

A22
B - General design - Regulations -
B20
Installed power 4 Power loading of an installation
B - General design - Regulations -
B20
Installed power 4 Power
4.5 Choice of loading
transformerof an
rating installation
When an installation is to be supplied directly from a MV/LV transformer
and the maximum apparent-power loading of the installation has been determined,
a suitable rating for the transformer can be decided, taking into account the following
c Installation constraints
considerations (see Fig. A15):
(temperature...) standard transformer ratings
b
The The possibility
nominal of improving
full-load current Inthe
onpower
the LVfactor
side of
of the installation
a 3-phase (see chapter
transformer L) by:
is given
b Anticipated3extensions to the installation
Pa x 10 constraints (e.g. temperature)
bI nInstallation
=
Standard
U 3transformer
c Installation
b constraintsratings.
(temperature...) standard transformer ratings
where
The nominal full-load current IIn
The nominal full-load current on the
n on the LV
LV side
side of
of aa 3-phase
3-phase transformer
transformer is
is given
given by:
by:
c Pa P =akVA rating
x 10 3 of the transformer
cI nU== phase-to-phase voltage at no-load in volts (237 V or 410 V)
U 3
c In is in amperes.
where
where
b Pa = kVA rating of the transformer
c Pa = kVA rating of the transformer
b U = phase-to-phase voltage at no-load in volts (237 V or 410 V)
c IUna=issingle-phase
b
For phase-to-phase voltage at no-load in volts (237 V or 410 V)
in amperes. transformer:
c In is in amperes.
For a single-phase transformer:
Pa x 103
In =
For a single-phase
V transformer:
where
where
cV
b V== voltage
voltage between
between LVLV terminals
terminals at
at no-load
no-load (in
(in volts)
volts)
Pa x 103
cI nSimplified
= equation for 400 V (3-phase load)
SimplifiedVequation for 400 V (3-phase load)
c In = kVA x 1.4
b In = kVA x 1.4
where
The IEC standard for power transformers is IEC 60076.
The
cV= IEC standard
voltage for power
between transformers
LV terminals is IEC(in
at no-load 60076.
volts)
c Simplified equation for 400 V (3-phase load)
c In = kVA x 1.4
4.7 Choice
The IEC ofpower
standard for power-supply sources
transformers is IEC 60076.

The study developed in E1 on the importance of maintaining a continuous supply

raises the question of the Apparent power
use of standby-power In (A)plant. The choice and characteristics
kVA 237 V 410 V
4.7 Choice of power-supply
of these alternative sources
100
are described in
244
sources
E1.4.
141
For the main source of supply the choice is generally between a connection to the
160 390 225
HV
Theorstudy
the LV network in
developed of E1
theonpower-supply
the importance utility.
of maintaining a continuous supply
250 609 352
raises
In the question
practice, connection of the
to use of standby-power plant. Thewhere
choicethe and characteristics
315a HV source may 767 be necessary 444 load exceeds
of these alternative
(or is planned eventually sources are described
to exceed) a certain in E1.4.
level - generally of the order of
400 974 563
250 kVA,
For the or ifsource
main the quality
of 500of service
supply required
the choice is greaterbetween
is 1218
generally than
704 thatanormally
connection available
to the
from
HV ora the
LV LV
network.
network of630 the power-supply utility. 1535 887
Moreover,
In practice,ifconnection
the installation
to a is
800 HVlikely
source to cause
may 1949
bedisturbance
necessary towhere
1127 neighbouring
the load exceeds
consumers,
(or is planned when connected
eventually to a LVanetwork,
to exceed)
1000 certain2436 the supply
level authorities
- generally
1408 of the mayorderpropose
of
a
250HVkVA,
service.
or if the quality of service required3045
1250 is greater than
1760that normally available
from a LVatnetwork.
Supplies HV can have 1600
certain advantages: 3898 2253
in fact, a HV consumer:
c
Moreover,
Is not disturbed 2000consumers,
if the installation
by other is likely to cause
which 4872
disturbance
could be the2816
tocase
neighbouring
at LV
consumers, when connected 2500 to a LV network, 6090 the supply 3520
authorities may propose
c Is free to choose any type of LV earthing system
a HV service. 3150 7673 4436
c Has a wider choice of economic tariffs
Supplies at HV can have certain advantages: in fact, a HV consumer:
c Can accept very large increases in load
c IsA15:
Fig. not disturbed
Standard by otherpowers
apparent consumers, which could be the case at LV
It should be noted, however, that:for MV/LV transformers and related nominal output currents
c Is free to choose any type of LV earthing system
c The consumer is the proprietor of the HV/LV substation and, in some countries,
c Has
he musta wider
build and choice of economic
equip it at his own tariffs
expense. The power utility can, in certain
c Can accept very large increases
circumstances, participate in the investment, in load at the level of the HV line for example
c
It A
should bethe
part of noted, however,
connection that:
costs can, for instance, often be recovered if a second
c The consumer
consumer is connected to the HV of
is the proprietor linethewithin
HV/LV a certain timeand,
substation following
in some the countries,
original
consumer’s
he must build ownandconnection
equip it at his own expense. The power utility can, in certain
c
circumstances,
The consumerparticipate
has access in only
the investment,
to the LV part at the level
of the of the HVaccess
installation, line for to
example
the
c A part
HV part being
of thereserved
connection to the utility
costs can,personnel
for instance,(meter reading,
often operations,
be recovered etc.).
if a second
© Schneider Electric - all rights reserved

However,
consumer in is certain
connectedcountries,
to the HVthe line
HV protective circuittime
within a certain breaker (or fused
following load-break
the original
switch)
consumer’scan be own operated
connectionby the consumer
c The type
consumerand location
has accessof theonly
substation
to the LV are agreed
part of thebetween the consumer
installation, access to the and
the
HV utility
part being reserved to the utility personnel (meter reading, operations, etc.).
However, in certain countries, the HV protective circuit breaker (or fused load-break
switch) can be operated by the consumer
c The type and location of the substation are agreed between the consumer and
the utility

Schneider Electric - Electrical installation guide 2016

 4 Power loading of an installation
A23

4.6 Choice of power-supply sources

The importance of maintaining a continuous supply raises the question of the use
of standby-power plant. The choice and characteristics of these alternative sources
are part of the architecture selection, as described in chapter D.
For the main source of supply the choice is generally between a connection
to the MV or the LV network of the power-supply utility. In some cases main source
of supply can be rotating generators in the case of remote installations with difficult
access to the local Utility public grid (MV or LV) or where the reliability of the public
grid does not have the minimum level of reliability expected.
In practice, connection to a MV source may be necessary where the load exceeds
(or is planned eventually to exceed) a certain level - generally of the order of
250 kVA, or if the quality of service required is greater than that normally available
from a LV network.
Moreover, if the installation is likely to cause disturbance to neighbouring consumers,
when connected to a LV network, the supply authorities may propose a MV service.
Supplies at MV can have certain advantages: in fact, a MV consumer:
b Is not disturbed by other consumers, which could be the case at LV
b Is free to choose any type of LV earthing system
b Has a wider choice of economic tariffs
b Can accept very large increases in load
It should be noted, however, that:
b The consumer is the owner of the MV/LV substation and, in some countries,
he must build equip and maintain it at his own expense. The power utility can,
in certain circumstances, participate in the investment, at the level of the MV line
for example
b A part of the connection costs can, for instance, often be recovered if a second
consumer is connected to the MV line within a certain time following the original
consumer’s own connection
b The consumer has access only to the LV part of the installation, access to the
MV part being reserved to the utility personnel (meter reading, operations, etc.).
However, in certain countries, the MV protective circuit breaker (or fused load-break
switch) can be operated by the consumer
b The type and location of the substation are agreed between the consumer
and the utility.
More and more renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic panels are used
to supply low-voltage electrical installations. In some case these PV panels
are connected in parallel to the Utility grid or these PV panels are used in an
autonomous mode without connection to the public grid. Conversion from d.c. to a.c.
is then necessary as rated voltage of these PV panels are higher and higher (few
hundreds volts) and also because PV panels produce d.c. currents.
See also chapter P "Photovoltaic installations"

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Schneider Electric - Electrical installation guide 2016