Subject: Basic Electrical Sciences

Chapter 3B
DOMESTIC WIRING
In this chapter you gain to understand the following:

Electrical domestic wiring

Types of wiring
Suitability of a particular wiring system for a given installation
Corridor and staircase lighting
Necessity of earthing
Different types of earthing
Fuses
Different types of fuses
Working of a fluorescent lamp and sodium vapor lamp

Introduction:
Electricity is being used for our day today life. So, the knowledge of the electricity
providing to the homes through wiring is very important.
A network of wires drawn connecting the meter board to the various energy consuming
loads (lamps, fans, motors etc) through control and protective devices for efficient distribution of
power is known as electrical wiring.
Electrical wiring done in residential and commercial buildings to provide power for lights,
fans, pumps and other domestic appliances is known as domestic wiring. There are several
wiring systems in practice. They can be classified into:

 Tree system - In this system branches are tapped from the main circuit at required points.
This involves many joints making the location of the fault point difficult.
Though the method is economical it is visually unappealing with scattered fuses and is
affected by large voltage drops.

 Distribution system - This system is more organized in the sense that the main circuit is
drawn to several distribution centers and connected to the distribution boards. Branches
are tapped from these distribution boards. This system of wiring has an aesthetic appeal,
as they are without joints and also makes the location of the fault point easier. All the
points are maintained almost at the same potential. Each circuit is provided with an
independent fuse. Provides flexibility for repair and maintenance. This system is widely
preferred for indoor wiring though expensive.

Feeders, Distributors, Service Mains:

The overhead lines that run from substations to pole mounted with transformers at 11kV
are called Feeders. Each area from substation is divided into subareas called primary and
secondary distribution systems. At distribution transformer, voltage stepped down by 11kV to
400V. In secondary distributors we can see pole situated near to consumer and this forms
Distributors.
 The conductors that run from the nearest pole to the consumer premises are formed
Service mains or small cables used between the distribution station and consumer premises are
called Service mains. Length is very small, max of 50mts. For domestic, only single supply is
required. So this involves two wires in the mains (Neutral and Phase wire).
There are 2 types of service mains.
1) Overhead Service mains
2) Underground service mains

Fig. GI pipe overhead Service main connection

In Overhead mains, wire is made by ACSR (Aluminum Core Steel Reinforced) or Copper
conductors. Mains are covered by Weather proof cable or PVC cable, which are brought into
building by chipping them to a GI messenger wire. These are separated from each other by rod
insulator.

Fig. Underground cable Service main connection

 In underground cable supply, here the load of the consumer is more than 25kW. Hence
we need to take the trench of 1m deep and 0.5m wide, where cables is placed and covered with
sand and bricks. Here the cables are passed through a GI pipe, where one end is connected to
distribution line and other end to energy meter.

Meter Board and Distribution board:

Here supply is taken from service mains and connected to the input terminals of the
energy meter which is fixed in a wooden box. This wooden box is known as Meter board which
consists of Fuse or Cut-out. Fuse used as a safety device during overload or short circuits. These
all parts are sealed so that, no tampering is possible by the consumers. As per Indian Electricity
rules, fuse must be provided on Phase line. This should be installed at place which can be easily
accessible by all.
Output of the energy meter is connected to the input terminal of the main switch. Main
switch is usually called as Iron Clad Double Pole (ICDP) switch. This will be used to switch on
or off the supply to the building. Output terminals of the Main switch are connected to
Distribution board. This is also made by rectangular wooden box contains two bus bars. One is
Neutral bus bars other one is Phase bus bar. Power is distributed to domestic load by various sub
circuits from the distribution board.

Fig. House wiring system

Factors Affecting the Choice of Wiring System:

The choice of wiring system for a particular installation depends on technical factors and
economic viability.

1. Durability: Type of wiring selected should conform to standard specifications, so that it

is durable i.e. without being affected by the weather conditions, fumes etc.
 2. Safety: The wiring must provide safety against leakage, shock and fire hazards for the
operating personnel.
3. Appearance: Electrical wiring should give an aesthetic appeal to the interiors.
4. Cost: It should not be prohibitively expensive.
5. Accessibility: The switches and plug points provided should be easily accessible. There
must be provision for further extension of the wiring system, if necessary.
6. Maintenance Cost: The maintenance cost should be a minimum.
7. Mechanical safety: The wiring must be protected against any mechanical damage.

Specification of Wires:
The conductor material, insulation, size and the number of cores, specifies the electrical
wires. These are important parameters as they determine the current and voltage handling
capability of the wires. The conductors are usually of either copper or aluminum. Various
insulating materials like PVC, TRS, and VIR are used. The wires may be of single strand or
multi strand. Wires with combination of different diameters and the number of cores or strands
are available. For example: The VIR conductors are specified as 1/20, 3/22,….7/20 ………
The numerator indicates the number of strands while the denominator corresponds to the
diameter of the wire in SWG (Standard Wire Gauge). SWG 20 corresponds to a wire of
diameter 0.914mm, while SWG 22 corresponds to a wire of diameter 0.737 mm.
A 7/0 wire means, it is a 7-cored wire of diameter 12.7mm (0.5 inch). The selection of
the wire is made depending on the requirement considering factors like current and voltage
ratings, cost and application.
Example: Application: domestic wiring
1. Lighting - 3/20 copper wire
2. Heating - 7/20 copper wire
The enamel coating (on the individual strands) mutually insulates the strands and the wire
on the whole is provided with PVC insulation. The current carrying capacity depends on the total
area of the wire. If cost is the criteria then aluminum conductors are preferred. In that case, for
the same current rating much larger diameter of wire is to be used.

Types of Wiring:

 Cleat wiring
 CTS wiring or TRS wiring or batten wiring
 Metal sheathed wiring or lead sheathed wiring
 Wooden casing and capping wiring
 Conduit wiring
 Surface wiring

1. Cleat wiring:
In this type of wiring, insulated conductors (usually VIR, Vulcanized Indian Rubber) are
supported on porcelain or wooden cleats. The cleats have two halves one base and the other cap.
The cables are placed in the grooves provided in the base and then the cap is placed. Both are
fixed securely on the walls by 40mm long screws. The cleats are easy to erect and are fixed 4.5 –
15 cms apart. This wiring is suitable for temporary installations where cost is the main criteria
but not the appearance.
Advantages:

1. Easy installation and maintenance cost is very less

2. Materials can be retrieved for reuse
3. Flexibility provided for inspection, modifications and expansion
4. Relatively economical (cost is less)
5. Skilled manpower not required
6. It can be easily removed when not required

Disadvantages:

1. Appearance is not good

2. Open system of wiring requiring regular cleaning
3. Higher risk of mechanical injury
4. Not suitable for wet and damp areas.

2. CTS (Cable Type Sheathed)/ TRS (Tough Rubber Sheathed) / Batten wiring:

In this wiring system, wires sheathed in tough rubber are used which are quite flexible.
They are clipped on wooden battens with brass clips (link or joint) and fixed on to the walls or
ceilings by flat head screws. These cables are moisture and chemical proof. They are suitable for
damp climate but not suitable for outdoor use in sunlight. TRS wiring is suitable for lighting in
low voltage installations.
Advantages:
1. Easy installation and is durable
2. Lower risk of short circuit.
3. Cheaper than casing and capping system of wiring
4. Gives a good appearance if properly erected.

Disadvantages:
1. Danger of mechanical injury.
2. Danger of fire hazard.
3. Should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
4. Skilled workmen are required.

3. Metal Sheathed or Lead Sheathed wiring:

The wiring is similar to that of CTS but the conductors (two or three) are individually
insulated and covered with a common outer lead-aluminum alloy sheath. The sheath protects the
cable against dampness, atmospheric extremities and mechanical damages. The sheath is earthed
at every junction to provide a path to ground for the leakage current. They are fixed by means of
metal clips on wooden battens. The wiring system is very expensive. It is suitable for low voltage
installations.

Precautions to be taken during installation

1. The clips used to fix the cables on battens should not react with the sheath.
2. Lead sheath should be properly earthed to prevent shocks due to leakage currents.
3. Cables should not be run in damp places and in areas where chemicals (may react with
the lead) are used.

Advantages:
1. Easy installation and is aesthetic in appearance.
2. Highly durable
3. Suitable in adverse climatic conditions provided the joints are not exposed

Disadvantages:
1. Requires skilled labor
2. Very expensive
3. Unsuitable for chemical industries

4. Wooden casing and capping wiring:

It consists of insulated conductors laid inside rectangular, teakwood or PVC boxes having
grooves inside it. A rectangular strip of wood called capping having same width as that of casing
is fixed over it. Both the casing and the capping are screwed together at every 15 cms. Casing is
attached to the wall. Two or more wires of same polarity are drawn through different grooves.
The system is suitable for indoor and domestic installations.
Advantages:
1. Cheaper than lead sheathed and conduit wiring.
2. Provides good isolation as the conductors are placed apart reducing the risk of short
circuit.
3. Easily accessible for inspection and repairs.
4. Since the wires are not exposed to atmosphere, insulation is less affected by dust, dirt and
climatic variations.

Disadvantages:
1. Highly inflammable.
2. Usage of unseasoned wood gets damaged by termites.
3. Skilled workmanship required.

5. Conduit wiring:
In this system PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or VIR cables are run through metallic or PVC
pipes providing good protection against mechanical injury and fire due to short circuit. They are
either embedded inside the walls or supported over the walls, and are known as concealed wiring
or surface conduit wiring (open conduit) respectively. The conduits are buried inside the walls on
wooden gutties and the wires are drawn through them with fish (steel) wires. The system is best
suited for public buildings, industries and workshops.

Advantages:
1. No risk of fire and good protection against mechanical injury.
2. The lead and return wires can be carried in the same tube.
3. Earthing and continuity is assured.
 4. Waterproof and trouble shooting is easy.
5. Shock- proof with proper earthing and bonding
6. Durable and maintenance free
7. Aesthetic in appearance

Disadvantages:
1. Very expensive system of wiring.
2. Requires good skilled workmanship.
3. Erection is quiet complicated and is time consuming.
4. Risk of short circuit under wet conditions (due to condensation of water in tubes).

6. Surface Wiring:
Here wooden battens are fixed on the surface of the wall by the help of screws and metal
clips are provided at regular intervals of the batten. The wire runs on the batten and clamps on
the batten using metal clips.

Advantages:
1. Cheaper in cost
2. A good appearance.
3. Provide protection against fire, high temperature, etc…

Disadvantages:
1. Bending and breaking of batten.
2. Wires are always exposed to atmosphere, hence subjected to dust, dirt, fumes, etc…

Wiring schemes:
The domestic lighting circuits are quite simple and they are usually controlled from one
point. But in certain cases it might be necessary to control a single lamp from more than one
point (Two or Three different points). Hence there are two-way and three-way control of lamp
comes in wiring schemes.
For example: staircases, long corridors, large halls etc.
 1. Two-way Control of lamp:
Two-way control is usually used for staircase lighting. The lamp can be controlled from
two different points: one at the top and the other at the bottom - using two- way switches which
strap wires interconnect. They are also used in bedrooms, big halls and large corridors. The
circuit is shown in the following figure.

Switches S1 and S2 are two-way switches with a pair of terminals 1&2, and 3&4
respectively. When the switch S1 is in position1 and switch S2 is in position 4, the circuit does
not form a closed loop and there is no path for the current to flow and hence the lamp will be
OFF. When S1 is changed to position 2 the circuit gets completed and hence the lamp glows or is
ON. Now if S2 is changed to position 3 with S1 at position 2 the circuit continuity is broken and
the lamp is off. Thus the lamp can be controlled from two different points.

Position of S1 Position of S2 Condition of lamp

1 3 ON
1 4 OFF
2 3 OFF
2 4 ON

2. Three- way Control of lamp:

In case of very long corridors it may be necessary to control the lamp from 3 different
points. In such cases, the circuit connection requires two; two-way switches S1and S2 and an
intermediate switch S3. An intermediate switch is a combination of two, two way switches
coupled together. It has 4 terminals ABCD. It can be connected in two ways
a) Straight connection
b) Cross connection
1(a) In case of straight connection, the terminals or points AB and CD are connected as shown in
figure.
1(b) while in case of cross connection, the terminals AB and C D is connected as shown in
figure. As explained in two –way control the lamp is ON if the circuit is complete and is OFF if
the circuit does not form a closed loop.

The condition of the lamp is given in the table depending on the positions of the switches S1, S2
and S3.
Position of S3 Position of S1 Position of S2 Condition of the
lamp
1 3 ON
1 1 4 OFF
Straight 2 3 OFF
connection 2 4 ON
1 3 OFF
2 1 4 ON
Cross connection 2 3 ON
2 4 OFF
Protective Devices:
 Protection for electrical installation must be provided in the event of faults such as short
circuit, overload and earth faults.
 Excessive high currents and voltages in the equipment cause overheating, short-circuit,
firing and finally it damages the equipments.
 The voltage fluctuations can cause interrupted in the operation of devices and sometimes
it damages the devices.
 Failure in the insulation can cause severe shock to the operator.
 Atmospheric lightening strokes can cause fire and damages the building.

Due to all these reasons, protective devices are very essential to protect our devices. The
protective circuit or device must be fast acting and isolate the faulty part of the circuit
immediately. It also helps in isolating only required part of the circuit without affecting the
remaining circuit during maintenance. The following devices are usually used to provide the
necessary protection:
 Earthing
 Fuses
 Miniature circuit breakers (MCB)
 Earth leakage circuit breakers (ELCB)
 Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB)

Earthing:
The potential of the earth is considered to be at zero for all practical purposes as the
generator (supply) neutral is always earthed. The body of any electrical equipment is connected
to the earth by means of a wire of negligible (or very low) resistance to safely discharge electric
energy, which may be due to failure of the insulation, line coming in contact with the casing etc.
Earthing brings the potential of the body of the equipment to ZERO i.e. to the earth’s potential,
thus protecting the operating personnel against electrical shock.

The body of the electrical equipment is not connected to the supply neutral because due
to long transmission lines and intermediate substations, the same neutral wire of the generator
will not be available at the load end. Even if the same neutral wire is running it will have a self-
resistance, which is higher than the human body resistance. Hence, the body of the electrical
equipment is connected to earth only. Thus earthing is to connect any electrical equipment to
earth with a very low resistance wire, making it to attain earth’s potential. The wire is usually
connected to a copper plate placed at a depth of 2.5 to 3meters from the ground level.
The earth resistance is affected by the following factors:
1. Material properties of the earth wire and the electrode
2. Temperature and moisture content of the soil
3. Depth of the pit
4. Quantity of the charcoal used

Necessity of Earthing:

1. To protect the operating personnel from danger of shock in case they come in contact
with the charged frame due to defective insulation.
2. To maintain the line voltage constant under unbalanced load condition.
3. Protection of the equipments
4. Protection of large buildings and all machines fed from overhead lines against lightning.

The importance of earthing is illustrated in the following figures:

Animation Instruction: When the supply switch S is closed in Case I current flows only
through the healthy apparatus. No current flows through the person and does not experience
a shock.
The current which passes through the human body is calculated by an equation, is given by,

Where, Ibody = Current passing through person's body

Ri = Insulation resistance
For case I,
Ri = Infinity, hence Ibody = 0

Animation Instruction: Case II

When the supply switch S is closed with defective insulation and apparatus not earthed, a part
of the current flows through the body and the person experiences electrical shock.
In the above case II,
Ri = 0; hence large current flows through the body.
To prevent this we need to go for grounding of the un-insulated device, which is shown in the
case II.
Animation Instruction: Case III
When the supply switch S is closed with Defective insulation and apparatus being earthed
though a small part of the current flows through the body the person will not experience a
shock.

Methods of Earthing:
Earthing is achieved by connecting the electrical components to earth by employing a
good conductor called Earth Electrode. This ensures low resistance path from components to the
earth. The earth resistance for copper wire is 1 ohm and that of G I wire less than 3 ohms. The
earth resistance should be kept as low as possible so that the neutral of any electrical system,
which is earthed, is maintained almost at the earth potential. The typical value of the earth
resistance at powerhouse is 0. 5 ohm and that at substation is 1 ohm. The important methods of
earthing are,

1. Plate earthing
2. Pipe earthing
 1. Plate Earthing:

In this method a copper plate of 60cm x 60cm x 3.18cm or a GI (Galvanized Iron) plate
of the size 60cm x 60cm x 6.35cm is used for earthing. The plate is placed vertically down
inside the ground at a depth of 3m and is embedded in alternate layers of coal and salt for a
thickness of 15 cm. In addition, water is poured for keeping the earth electrode resistance value
well below a maximum of 5 ohms. The earth wire is securely bolted to the earth plate. A cement
masonry chamber is built with a cast iron cover for easy regular maintenance.
The only disadvantage of this method is that, the discontinuity of the earth wire from the
earthing plate below the earth cannot be observed. This may cause misleading and may results
into heavy loss.

2. Pipe Earthing

Earth electrode made of a GI (galvanized iron) pipe of 38mm in diameter and length of
2m (depending on the current) with 12mm holes on the surface is placed upright at a depth of
4.75m in a permanently wet ground. To keep the value of the earth resistance at the desired
level, the area (15 cms) surrounding the GI pipe is filled with a mixture of salt and coal.
 The efficiency of the earthing system is improved by pouring water (During summer
season) through the funnel periodically. The GI earth wires of sufficient cross-sectional area are
run through a 12.7mm diameter pipe (at 60cms below) from the 19mm diameter pipe and
secured tightly at the top as shown in the following figure.

When compared to the plate earth system the pipe earth system can carry larger leakage
currents as a much larger surface area is in contact with the soil for a given electrode size. The
system also enables easy maintenance as the earth wire connection is housed at the ground level.

Fuse:
The electrical equipments are designed to carry a particular rated value of current under
normal circumstances. Under abnormal conditions such as short circuit, overload or any fault the
current raises above this value, damaging the equipment and sometimes resulting in fire hazard.
Fuses are pressed into operation under such situations.
Fuse is a safety device used in any electrical installation, which forms the weakest link
between the supply and the load. It is a short length of wire made of lead-tin-alloy of lead
having a low melting point and low ohmic losses. A small piece of metal used in a fuse called
Fusing element. Under normal operating conditions it is designed to carry the full load current.
If the current increases beyond this designed value due any of the reasons mentioned above, the
fuse melts (said to be blown) isolating the power supply from the load as shown in the following
figures.
Characteristics of fuse material:
The material used for fuse wires must have the following characteristics
1. Low melting point
2. Low ohmic losses
3. High conductivity
4. Lower rate of deterioration

Different types of fuses:

 Re-wirable or kit -kat fuses: These fuses are simple in construction, cheap and available
up-to a current rating of 200A. They are erratic in operation and their performance
deteriorates with time. Here Porcelain structure containing fuse wire is bridged to the
base. The phase wire is connected to this fuse wire. If this is blows off then it can be
easily taken out.
  Plug fuse: The fuse carrier is provided with a glass window for visual inspection of the
fuse wire.
 Cartridge fuse: Fuse wire usually an alloy of lead is enclosed in a strong fiber casing.
The fuse element is fastened to copper caps at the ends of the casing. They are available
up-to a voltage rating of 25kV. They are used for protection in lighting installations and
power lines.
 Miniature Cartridge fuses: These are the miniature version of the higher rating
cartridge fuses, which are extensively used in automobiles, TV sets, and other electronic
equipments.
 Transformer fuse blocks: These porcelain housed fuses are placed on secondary of the
distribution transformers for protection against short circuits and overloads.
 Expulsion fuses: These consist of fuse wire placed in hollow tube of fiber lined with
asbestos. These are suited only for outdoor use for example, protection of high voltage
circuits.
 Semi-enclosed re-wirable fuses: These have limited use because of low breaking
capacity.
 Time-delay fuse: These are specially designed to withstand a current overload for a
limited time and find application in motor circuits.

HRC Cartridge Fuse:

The High Rupturing Capacity (HRC) fuse consists of a heat resistant ceramic body.
Then silver or bimetallic fuse element is welded to the end brass caps. The space surrounding the
fuse element is filled with quartz powder. This filler material absorbs the arc energy and
extinguishes it. When the current exceeds the rated value the element melts and vaporizes. The
vaporized silver fuses with the quartz and offers a high resistance and the arc is extinguished.

Advantages:
1. Fast acting
2. Highly reliable
3. Relatively cheaper in comparison to other high current interrupting device

Disadvantages:
1. Requires replacement
2. The associated high temperature rise will affect the performance of other devices
TERMS RELATED WITH FUSES:
 Rated current: It is the maximum current, which a fuse can carry without undue heating
or melting. It depends on the following factors:
1. Permissible temperature rise of the contacts of the fuse holder and the fuse material
2. Degree of deterioration due to oxidation
 Fusing current: The minimum current at which the fuse melts is known as the fusing
current. It depends on the material characteristics, length, diameter, cross-sectional area
of the fuse element and the type of enclosure used.
 Fusing Factor: It is the ratio of the minimum fusing current to the current rating. It is
always greater than unity.

Advantages of Fuse:
1. It is simplest and cheapest form of protecting device.
2. It requires no maintenance.
3. This can produce a current limiting effect under short circuit condition.
4. With the help of fuse, heavy current can be interrupted without smoke, flame.
5. The minimum operating time is much smaller compare to any other circuit breaker.

Disadvantages of Fuse:
1. Fuse is required to be rewired after its operation.
2. The rewiring requires a lot of time.
3. It is not possible to provide secondary protection to fuses.

Miniature circuit breakers (MCB):

 MCB is an electromechanical device which makes and breaks the circuit in normal
operation and disconnect the circuit under abnormal condition, when current exceeds a preset
value. So it is high fault capacity current limiting, trip free, automatic switching device with
thermal and magnetic operation to provide protection against short circuit and overload.
Generally it is rated for ac supply of 240V (Single phase), 415V (3-Phase). The current rating
available is from 0.5A to 63A and short circuit breaking capacity from 1kA to 10kA.
Advantages:
1. Its operation is very fast (in terms of millisecond) and automatic
2. No tripping circuit is necessary
3. It can be reset very quickly after correcting the fault, just by switching the button.

Earth leakage circuit breakers (ELCB):

In certain situation, MCB and fuse
cannot provide protection against leakage
current in the devices. Hence there is need
of a device which can directly detect the
earth leakage currents and cut the supply if
such currents exceed a preset value. If the
device is voltage operated then such a
device is called ELCB.
ELCB detect the rise in the voltage possible
due to touching of phase line to device or
failure of insulation of the device. When the
voltage between the metal body part earth
electrodes rises beyond 50V then ELCB
circulates current through relay coil which
opens the main circuit breaker and isolate
the supply. ELCB remains off till manually
reset.

Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB):

 RCCB is the current operated ELCB. It consists of a small current transformer
surrounding phase and neutral wire. The sensing coil on current transformer is connected to a
tripping coil of the circuit breaker. Under normal condition, current in phase line (IL) and neutral
line (IN) are same. Hence the flux produced by IL and IN cancel each other.
If there is a fault, then there will be a change in IL and IN. This will cause change in the
flux value in the circuit, and produce an emf in the tripping coil of the circuit breaker. Hence the
action of trip coil depends on the residual current, so device is called residual current circuit
breaker.

Electric shock:
A sudden agitation of the nervous system of a body, due to passage of an electric current is
called Electric shock.

Fluorescent Lamp:
The fluorescent lamp is an energy saving device. It consumes less power for a given
output lumens when compared to an incandescent lamp.
Construction:
It consists of a long glass tube filled with Argon an inert gas, at low pressure
(2.5mm) and a small amount of mercury. The initial ionization voltage is reduced, as the
ionization potential of argon is low. Two tungsten electrodes are placed at the ends, which are
coated with rare earth oxides. These oxides having a low work function emit the ionizing
electrons. A choke is connected in series with the electrode, which provides the voltage impulse
of nearly 1000volts to start the discharge, and also limits the flow of current through the circuit.
It also acts as ballast when the lamp is ON. The filament is connected to starter switch, a cathode
glow lamp that has a bi-metallic strip as its electrodes. The capacitor C (0.02 μF) improves the
power factor of the circuit while the capacitor C1 (4 μF) suppresses the radio interference
.

Working:
When the switch is closed the supply voltage comes across the starter electrodes
initiating a glow discharge between them. This heats the bi-metallic strip electrodes, which
expand and make contact completing the circuit. The resulting current flows through the tungsten
electrodes and the electrons are emitted from the oxide coating (low work function), which
initiate ionization of the gas molecules present in the glass tube. At this instant the bi-metallic
strip electrodes cool and the starter opens. Thus there is a sudden interruption of the current,
which induces a high voltage (`1000volts) in the choke.
This impulse strikes an arc between the electrodes lighting the lamp. The vaporized
mercury gets ionized and emits radiations partly in the visible range and partly in ultraviolet
range. The phosphor coating gives the required color and also absorbs the ultra violet light and
re-radiates in the visible spectrum.

SODIUM VAPOR LAMP

Sodium vapor lamps are mainly used for street lighting. They have low luminosity
hence require glass tubes of large lengths, which makes them quiet bulky.

Construction:
The lamp consists of a U shaped inner glass tube filled with neon gas at a pressure of
10mm. It also contains a small quantity of sodium and argon gas. The initial ionization voltage is
reduced, as the ionization potential of argon is low. Two oxide coated tungsten electrodes are
sealed into the tube at the ends. This tube is enclosed in an outer double walled vacuum
enclosure to maintain the required temperature.

Working:

A voltage of the order of 380- 450 volts (depending on the wattage) is necessary to start the
discharge, which is obtained from a high reactance transformer or an autotransformer. Initially
the sodium vapor lamp operates as a low-pressure neon lamp emitting pink color. As the lamp
gets heated and reaches a temperature of 200° C the sodium deposited on the sides of the tube
walls vaporizes and radiates yellow light. It has a maximum efficiency at 220° C. Proper
mounting of the lamp is to be ensured to prevent the sodium blackening the inner walls of the
tube .A capacitor C is used to improve the power factor.

Prepared by: Naveen C