What is the Leading Power Factor?

Power Factor 

In electrical engineering, the power factor measures how effectively electrical power is being used. It's a ratio of the real power (measured in watts) to the apparent power (measured in volt-amperes). A power factor can be leading, lagging, or unity.

The leading power factor occurs when the current leads the voltage. This usually happens when the load is capacitive, like in capacitor banks or certain types of lighting.

Having a leading power factor is often desirable for power systems because it can help counteract the effects of inductive loads, which usually cause a lagging power factor.

What Happen If Cables Placed In Magnetic Metal Conduit

What Happens If Cables Placed In Magnetic Metal Conduits 

Do we know what happens if cables are in a magnetic metal conduit? Yes, at least we know that in any circumstances, the individual phase of an AC (alternating current) circuit is in a separate magnetic metal conduit. 

What Is the Voltage Classification?

Nominal Voltage Classification in Transmission and Distribution System

To identify the voltage level effortlessly in a transmission and distribution system a significant voltage classification is essential. The voltage class is used not only to identify the level of system voltage, but the main importance is to classify the Apparatus voltage ranges for the operation and maintenance of an electrical energy transmission and distribution system.

Ola Electric Achived Record-Breaking Sales

Ola Electric achieved record-breaking sales in November, The Economic Times published a news article in their industry section.

New Electrical Vehicle Charger 2023

Fig-Electrical Vehicle Charger: Photo credit Luxman Group 

An electric vehicle (EV) charger is a device or infrastructure that allows electric vehicles to recharge their batteries. EV chargers come in various types, each with different charging speeds and capabilities. 

ENERGY SAVING TIPS FOR YOUR HOME APPLIANCES

Fig: CFL Fun Bulb

IN-HOME APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICITY SAFETY

The Domestic Sector accounts for 30% of total energy consumption in the country. There is a tremendous scope to conserve energy by adopting simple measures. This information is a guide, which offers easy, practical solutions for saving energy in Home Appliances. Please, take a few moments to read the valuable tips that will save energy & money and ultimately help conserve our natural resources. 

It would be useful to know which gadget consumes how much electricity. Economic use of home appliances can help in reducing electricity bills. The following table shows the energy consumption of various appliances normally used at home:

How Measure Electricity Made Simple - Even Your Kids Can Do It

How to measure Your Electricity?

We are thinking about measuring electricity today, did you know that Ben Franklin helped us learn about electricity over 250 years ago? Even though we cannot see electricity, this does not mean that we cannot measure it. In fact, performing measurements is often the only way to tell whether electricity is actually flowing through a wire. Have you ever heard of a volt, an amp, or a watt? Do you know the difference between voltage, current and power?

Photo: You can use a digital multi-meter to measure voltage, current, and resistance.

Fear? Not If You Use How to Measure Electricity The Right Way!

Electron Drift Velocity Basic

What is the definition of Electron Drift Velocity?

Drift velocity is the average velocity with which electrons 'drift' in the presence of an electric field. It's the drift velocity (or drift speed) that contributes to the electric current. In contrast, thermal velocity causes random motion resulting in collisions with metal ions.

The definition of drift speed can be understood by imagining randomly moving electrons in a conductor. Free electrons move in a conductor with random speeds and random directions. When we apply an electric field through a conductor, randomly moving electrons experience an electric force in the direction of the field.

Electron Drift Velocity Calculation

The calculation of the electron drift velocity formula or equation is as below:

We start with the acceleration of the electrons, 

a = F/m = eE/m. 

The average velocity gained, i.e. the drift velocity, due to this acceleration = a*t = eEt/m.

The density of conduction electrons in copper. or 0.15 mm/s! Compare this to the random thermal speed, of the electrons which is about 106 m/s or about 1010 times faster!.

So we learned that when an external field is applied across the conductor the free electrons acquire a net velocity opposite to the direction of the electric field. The average velocity acquired by them is called drift velocity.

The density of charge carriers:

The density of charge carriers, n, is the number of free electrons per unit volume. It tells how good a conductor the material is. A lower value of n means that the electrons will have to move faster in order to produce the same current.

Conductors, like metals, have high values of n – around 10²⁸per m³

Insulators, such as plastic, will have very low values of n – these may be close to 0

Semiconductors, for example, silicon, have values of n in between the two – this means they conduct better than insulators but not as well as conductors.

What is Ferrite Bead?

A ferrite bead is an electronic filter circuit that is also known by many different names- a ferrite block, ferrite core, ferrite ring, EMI filter, or ferrite choke.

Interestingly is that most people who use laptops, computers, or similar electronic types of equipment are familiar with Ferrite Beads, we see them every day, but many of us do not know the name of this guy.

It looks a like short barrel at the end of old USB cables, data cables, etc.

Switching and Earthing Operating Procedure

Switching and Earthing Operative Procedure in Electrical Energy Network

 

The keywords of this article are Switching & Earthing; we are not going to learn technical details about switching and earthing procedures in this piece, but we would like to keep in limit our focus on the key points to the safe operation of switching & earthing system.

The Switching

How keep your switching system safe and healthy in the electrical energy transmission and distribution network? Let’s review some important points that will keep you a smarter switching operator.

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Circuit Breakers and Isolator Operation

1.     Don’t allow switching or any operation in a system without clear permission of the controlling authority except in an emergency case for personnel or property;

2.     System control authority should directly communicate with an authorized person who will operate the switching;

3.     If direct contact is not possible for controlling authorities, the message may be relayed by a third party with written down without any alteration or abbreviation;

4.     If a switching or operating message send by any wireless devices then the receiver will write the message and readout to the sender to ensure that it has been received accurately;

5.     The circuit Breakers or Isolators operator should carry on the message from control authorities without delay  regarding switching or operation;

6.     If emergency switching is required to save the life or property, the report must be relayed to control authority as soon as possible;

7.     If any fault is visible to any equipment, operator must  inform to controlling authority immediately before operation or switching;

8.     Very details switching and operation record must maintain in a station Log.

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The Earthing

The earthing switch is very much related to switching or operating the circuit breakers and isolators. To ensure life and property isolator and earthing switch must be operated safely.

Circuit Main Earth or CME Operation

The Circuit Main Earth or CME must be operated under the supervision of authorized seniors and after clear instruction from the controlling authorities. The position of the earthing and location of each connection must be recorded in the station Log.

If you have many more ideas about switching and earthing operations, you can share them in the comments space. If you think others should know this for safe work, please don’t forget to hit the like or share button below.

Electricity Myth and Fact in Our Socity

Electricity Myths Can be a Killer

There are lots of juicy myths on various subjects like earthquake, eclipse, etc. in almost every nation; but the fact is that electricity myths are not jukes or fun, just a little mistake can cause of severe electrical shock, burn or even death!!

If you don’t sure or without advice from electrician, do not believe any myth on electricity. To know the fact contact your nearest electricity utility company or any electrical professional or electrician.

Our post on electricity myth and fact may not be juicy or folky but will give you some important information that will help to use safe electricity as well as save your electricity.

Myths and Facts on Electrical Safety

Myth: Power lines are insulated, no chance to shock.                               

Fact: Most of the powerlines are not insulated and insulated powerlines also can be lost their insulation any time very easily.

Myth: This line is safe because it is not a high voltage line.

Fact: Actually high voltage is not required to kill anyone, ampere flowing through the body is enough to kill. Our house using about 100 ampere where the 1-ampere shock is enough to fatal heart irregularities.

Myth: Birds landing on electric wires, so wires are safe to touch.

Fact: No, Birds touching an only live wire and not touching any ground path to complete the circuit, that’s why birds are not electrifying.

Myth: The fallen conductor is shut off, no electricity presence.

Fact: Not true always, if it is fallen on poor conductive materials like dry earth or grasses, bitumen etc.

Myth: Live conductor make sparks; so no spark fallen wire is safe.

Fact: Actually sparks happen where there is loos contact, with firm contact sparks not happen.

Myth: As the ladder is not metallic, so it can rest on live electric line.

Fact: No, If you don’t know the material property and hazard risk level, don’t use ladder rest on powerline.

Myth: Bamboo and wood are not conductors.

Fact: Actually dry bamboo and wood are poor conductors, but witty or green bamboo and wood are conductive that may cause severe shock.

Myth: Rubber is an insulator, so rubber gloves and shoes are safe to touch electricity.

Fact: Only 100% pure rubber or especially electrical insulation type rubber is a good insulator, otherwise typically mixed materials used rubber gloves or shoes are not a good insulator.

Myth: Trimming the tree and touching on electric line for a short moment of time is not dangerous.

Fact: No, never do this. Call the nearest power utility department.

Myth: Digging a sallow/ few deep in the ground, no chance to reach an underground cable.

Fact: Underground cable may be in an upper layer than you are thinking, take advice from professional.

Myth: Electric shock become only for touching the live wire, close to it is no danger.

Fact: Closed to high voltage live line is as a danger as touching. Current can jump or arc. Keep a safe distance from the electric line always, at least 3 meters. 

This is not a myth

Myths and Facts on Electric Bill

Myth: It takes more energy to turn on the switch for the light bulb or fan, so better to keep it on to save the electricity bill.

Fact: No! there is no extra electricity used to switch ON/OFF. Turning the light/fan off saves the electricity consumes. Appliances consume a small amount of energy while on standby mode, better to unplug/switch off.

Myth: Keeping the AC running the whole day in the high setting is better than running at end of the day while the room is heated, this way saves energy.

Fact: Not a wise decision, cooling the hot room down takes less energy than running the AC the whole day in any setting.

Myth: The same device takes more energy in the 240V system than the 110V system.

Fact: No, the energy measured by a unit in watts comes from the multiplication of voltage and current. In an electrical system power/watt is always the same, if the voltage increases the current decreases proportionally and vice-versa. So, wattages remain the same and so does the cost.

Myth: Faulty wiring is the cause of paying more electric bills than that used.

Fact: Yes, if the wiring system with small leakage that will not lead your line to shut off, but some leakage current always passes out from the circuit even all the switches, that you have not used but counted on the energy meter for billing at end of the month.

Myth: Mis-wiring or using undersized wire causes more electric bills.

Fact: Yes, using undersized cable in house wiring is cause to pay more electric bill than that used. If the cable/wire size is not enough to carry the current safely, the wire becomes heated, and extra electrical energy uses as dissipated heat energy is the cause of the extra electric bill. 

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What is Electricity Kite?

Franklin wrote an article for the Pennsylvania Gazette in 1752, an article that tried to prove theoretically the existence of electricity. Franklin chooses a cloudy and stormy day to do his experiment, flying a kite to reach near lightning. Franklin's kite was silken, complete with the lightning road, a key sagging on the end of the string. When lighting struck the Franklin kite volt traveled through the string and charged the metal key. Franklin touching the key got shocked and proved the existence of electricity.

Last Line: Enjoy the myths but remember the fact before coming near to electricity.

Safety Clearance to Exposed Live Conductors

Working Safety Clearance and Phase Gap between Exposed Live Conductor

Herein this article we will focus on “safety clearance to live bare live conductors during working in electrical power distribution substations or switching stations” and “phase gap or safety clearance to electrical energy transmitting energized conductors between others power conductors, communication conductors or transportation navigation system” to ensure safety for human and property, as well as operate a proficient electrical energy network system.

Lines crossing or approaching each other as pe Bangladesh Electricity Distribution Code

(1) Where an overhead line crosses or is in proximity to any telecommunication line, either the owner of the overhead line or the telecommunication line, whoever lays his line later, shall arrange to provide for protective devices or guarding arrangements, in a manner laid down in the Code of Practice or the guidelines in this respect, if any, and subject to the following provisions:-

(2) When it is intended to erect a telecommunication line or an overhead line which will cross or be in proximity to an overhead line or a telecommunication line, as the case may be, the person proposing to erect such line shall give one month’s notice of his intention so to do along with the relevant details of protection and drawings to the owner of the existing line.

(3) Where an overhead line crosses or is in proximity to another over head line, guarding arrangements shall be provided so to guard against the possibility of their coming into contact with each other.  Where an overhead line crosses another overhead line, clearances shall be as under:-  Minimum clearances in meters between lines crossing each other, 

Circuit/Line		Clearance in Meter
Lower↓	Upper→	11 - 66 kV	132 kV	230 kV	400 kV	800 kV
1	Low Voltage	2.5	3.0	4.6	5.5	8.0
2	11 - 66 kV	2.5	3.0	4.6	5.5	8.0
3	132 kV	3.0	3.0	4.6	5.5	8.0
4	230 kV	4.6	4.6	4.6	5.5	8.0
5	400 kV	5.5	5.5	5.5	5.5	8.0
6	800 kV	8.0	8.0	8.0	8.0	8.0

Provided that no guarding is required when an high voltage line crosses over another high voltage, medium or low voltage line or a road subject to the condition that adequate clearances are provided between the lowest conductor of the high voltage line and the top most conductor of the overhead line crossing underneath the high voltage line and the clearances as stipulated in this Chapter from the topmost surface of the road is maintained. 

(4) A person erecting or proposing to erect a line which may cross or be in proximity with an existing line, may normally provide guarding arrangements on his own line or require the owner of the other overhead line to provide guarding arrangements as referred.

(5) In all cases referred to in the preceding clauses the expenses of providing the guarding arrangements or protective devices shall be borne by the person whose line was last erected. 

(6) Where two lines cross, the crossing shall be made as nearly at right angles as the nature of the case admits and as near the support of the lines as practicable, and the support of the lower line shall not be erected below the upper line. 

(7) The guarding arrangements shall ordinarily be carried out by the owner of the supports on which it is made and he shall be responsible for its efficient maintenance.

Safety Clearance during Works in Substations

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Line crews often work in a substations or switching stations where all the equipment and conductors are not possible to be dead; but possible to ensure minimum safe distance for the working section from the exposed live section following as below:

1.  Dead or working section should be identified clearly and barricaded appropriate barrier-rope;

2.  Electrical live or non-working portion must be defined with appropriate signs;

3.  Recommended notices, flags must be used with recognizable languages and universal signs;

4.  Approved types of ladder must be used, not allowed over heighted ladder and others objects;

5.  Must follow the minimum horizontal and vertical safety clearances from exposed live conductor or equipment following the degree of voltages as per international standard under a senior authorized persons;

Accordance to BS 7354:1990, the minimum safety working clearances in horizontal and vertical is as below:

Rated Voltage	Safety Working Clearance
	Horizontal	Vertical
Not exceeding 11 kV	1.6 m	2.6 m
Exceeding 11 kV but not exceeding 33 kV	1.8 m	2.8 m
Exceeding 33 kV but not exceeding 66 kV	2.1 m	3.1 m
Exceeding 66 kV but not exceeding 132 kV	2.7 m	3.7 m
Exceeding 132 kV but not exceeding 275 kV	4.2 m	5.2 m
Exceeding 275 kV but not exceeding 500 kV	5.4 m	6.4 m

If the above clearance is not sufficient to ensure safety, additional arrangement should confirm.

Phase Gap or Safety Clearance between Exposed Overhead Live Line and Ground

An overhead line route which crosses or is in proximity to a high risk locality shall be given special consideration. As National and International references on the risk assessment of overhead lines for guidance in the correct identification and recommended minimum mitigating measures.

Where practical all new overhead lines will be routed to avoid the need to pass in close proximity to high risk localities. However where lines are specifically identified as being in close proximity to fishing or high amenity areas.

Right of Way Clearance (As per GETCO Standard)

Must maintain the required clearance space around the transmission line, trees below the transmission line to mitigate and avoid as far as practicable, a tree entering the required clearance space around that line if the tree falls.

KV	Min ROW
66 KV	18 Meter
132 KV	27 Meter
220 KV	35 Meter
400KV	52 Meter (Single Circuit)
400 KV	48 Meter (Double Circuit)

Allowance for Creep

Allowance must be made for the effects of creep in conductors and setting out errors as the specified clearance must be maintained for the life of the conductor. This allowance shall be as follows:

Conductor Type	Additional Clearance Required
Copper	450mm
Aluminium Alloy	600mm
ACSR	600mm

Minimum Height above Railway as Per IE-1957  

Voltage	Broad Meter & Narrow Gauges
Up to 66 KV	14.00 Meter
Above 66KV up to 132KV	14.60 Meter
Above 132KV up to 220KV	15.40 Meter
Above 220KV up to 400KV	17.90 Meter
Above 400KV up to 500KV	19.30 Meter
Above 500KV up to 800KV	23.40 Meter

Clearance between conductors and Trolley / Tram wires (IE Rule 78)

KV	Clearance (Min)
66 KV	2.4 Meter
132 KV	2.7 Meter
220 KV	3.0 Meter

Clearance for Telephone line Crossings Power Line

Low and Medium Voltage	1.2 Meter
High Voltage Line Up to 11KV	1.8 Meter
High Voltage Line Above to 11KV	2.5 Meter
Extra High Voltage Line	3.0 Meter

Permissible Min ground Clearance of Electrical Line

KV	Ground Clearance	Over National Highway
66 KV	6.1 Meter	8.0 Meter
132 KV	6.1 Meter	8.6 Meter
220 KV	7.0 Meter	9.8 Meter
400KV	8.8 Meter	10.8 Meter

Clearance to Waterways

Item	Description	Clearance (m)
	Lowest conductor (line or earth) to Towpath level or adjacent bank	0.433 kV	66kV	132kV
1	River Trent	18.3	19.2	19.8
2	River Ouse	23.2	23.2	23.8
3	Aire & Calder Canal	14.3	15.2	15.9
4	Sheffield & South Yorkshire canal	14.3	15.2	15.9
5	Calder & Hebble Canal	14.3	15.2	15.9
6	Other Canals	11.3	15.2	12.8
7	Reservoirs	12.3	15.2	15.6

Clearance from Buildings to low, medium and high voltage lines

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Voltage	Description	Distance
Low & Medium Voltage	Flat roof, open balcony, verandah roof ,When the line passes above the building a vertical clearance from the highest point	2.5 Meter
Low & Medium Voltage	Line passes adjacent to the building a horizontal clearance from the nearest point	1.2 Meter
Low & Medium Voltage	Line passes above the building a vertical clearance	2.5 Meter
Low & Medium Voltage	Vertical distance or line passes adjacent the building a Horizontal clearance	1.2 Meter
11 KV to 33 KV	Vertical distance or line passes above or adjacent   to any building or part of a building	3.7  Meter
Above 33 KV	Line passes above or adjacent   to any building or part of a building	3.7+(0.3 for every additional 33 KV )
Up to 11 KV	The horizontal clearance between the nearer conductor and any part of such building	1.2 Meter
11 KV to 33 KV	The horizontal clearance between the nearer conductor and any part of such building	2.0 Meter
Above 33 KV	The horizontal clearance between the nearer conductor and any part of such building	2.0 + (0.3 for every additional 33 KV )

Minimum Clearance between Lines Crossing Each Other (IE-1957)

System Voltage	132KV	220KV	400KV	800KV
Low & Medium	3.05	4.58	5.49	7.94
11-66KV	3.05	4.58	5.49	7.94
132KV	3.05	4.58	5.49	7.94
220KV	4.58	4.58	5.49	7.94
400KV	5.49	5.49	5.49	7.94
800KV	7.94	7.94	7.94	7.94

Clearance above ground of the lowest conductor As per IE Rule 77

Overhead Line Across Street
Low and Medium Voltage	5.8 Meter
High Voltage	6.1 Meter
Overhead Line Along  Street (Parallel To Street)
Low and Medium Voltage	5.5 Meter
High Voltage	5.8  Meter
Overhead Line Without Across or Along  Street
Low/Medium /HT line up to 11KV If Bare Conductor	4.6 Meter
Low/Medium /HT line up to 11KV If Insulated Conductor	4.0 Meter
Above 11  KV Line	5.2 Meter
Above 33KV Line	5.8 Meter + Add 0.3 meter for every additional 33KV

Clearances from Buildings of low & medium voltage lines (IE Rule 79)

For  Flat roof, Open Balcony, Verandah Roof and lean to Roof
Line Passes Over Building Vertical Clearance	2.5 Meter
Line Passes Adjustment of Building Horizontal Clearance	1.2 Meter
For pitched Roof
Line Passes Over Building Vertical Clearance	2.5 Meter
Line Passes Adjustment of Building Horizontal Clearance	1.2 Meter

Minimum Clearance Spaces Surrounding a Transmission Line

Nominal voltage	Dimension vertical below	Dimension horizontal
66 kV	3000 mm	3000 mm
Over 66 kV, less than 220 kV	3700 mm	4600 mm
220 kV	3700 mm	4600 mm
275 kV	4200 mm	5000 mm
330 kV	4700 mm	5500 mm
500 kV	6400 mm	6400 mm

Clearance to Obstacles for Nominal system Voltage 230kV (as per PGCB)

xxxThe minimum clearances defined below shall not be infringed at the specified maximum conductor temperature with the phase conductors and suspension insulators hanging vertically or deflected to any angle up to 70° from the vertical.

This is describe as Minimum Clearance for where maximum conductor temperature is 80°C.

Ground (see note d)                                      (m)                  8.0

Roads                                                              (m)                  14.0

Buildings, structures, walls or other objects on which a person can stand or against which he can lean a-

Ladder                                                             (m)                  7.0

Trees                                                               (m)                  5.5

Shrubs                                                             (m)                  5.5

Railways (measured from railway track)      (m)                  18.0

River Crossing                                                (m)                  25.0

Where:

Clearances are measured to the nearest projection of an object.

For ladder clearances also apply to earthed metal clad buildings.

For trees clearances applicable to trees under the transmission line and to trees adjacent to the line. Clearances also applicable to trees falling, towards the line with conductors hanging in a vertical plane.

For ground clearance shall be measured from the highest flood level.

Clearances Where Transmission Lines Cross for 230kV (as per PGCB)

Where a transmission line crosses above or below another transmission line, the following clearances shall be obtained.

In still air, and with the phase conductor temperature of the lower transmission line at 5°C or 80°C for 400 kV line whilst the assumed phase conductor temperature of the higher transmission line is at its maximum operating temperature, the following minimum clearances between the lowest conductor (phase or earth) of the higher transmission line are applicable:

The highest conductor (phase or earth) of the lower transmission line                5.5 m

The voltage specified is that for which transmission lines are ultimately designed to operate.

Clearances are determined by the ultimate voltage of either the upper or lower transmission line, whichever is the greater.

Clearances are determined by the ultimate voltage of the upper/lower transmission line.

In addition to the above at the point of crossing, the clearance in (a) shall be obtained assuming the conductors of the lower transmission may swing up to 45° from the vertical. The sags of the upper and lower transmission lines shall be those at the maximum operating temperature.