The questions are mostly on lighting and power design for building structures

Topics discussed include the following:

Three-phase generation and supply: The supply to houses and other small buildings is by an underground ring circuit from local sub-stations. Supplies to factories and other large buildings or complexes are taken from the 132 or 33 kV main supply. Larger buildings and developments will require their own transformer, which normally features a delta-star connection to provide a four-wire, three-phase supply to the building.

Electricity distribution

Electricity Intake to a building

Earthing systems and bonding: Types of earthing systems.

Consumer unit, what is a consumer unit? MCB ratings, Define RCD, Give two types of RCD’s.

Power and lighting circuits: Radial and ring circuits.

Types of protective devices: Overload protection, Fault current protection, Earth Fault protection:

Electric wiring

Testing completed installation: Steps involved and tools required.

Cable rating: How to determine voltage drops.

Diversity: Diversity factors, Demand factors,

Light sources, lamps and luminaires: Lux, Illuminance, Efficacy, Luminous intensity, How to determine the number of fittings required.

Lighting controls:

Extra-low-voltage lighting

Lighting design: Formulae etc.

What is a bill of quantity (BOQ)?

Be familiar with the tendering process and also the Public Procurement Act

You also need to be familiar with Fire Detection and Protection schemes and devices, Audio Visual Technologies and designs, Structured Cabling (Computer and telephony networking), Building management systems, Electric Fence systems, solar lighting designs (Street lighting etc), solar power designs, LIFT Installations designs, Generator Installations designs etc.

You must also ensure you’re able use design software like AUTOCAD and REVIT MEP.

I would recommend that you read these books: ON-SITE GUIDE BS 7671:2008: IEE Wiring Regulations, and the ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION DESIGN GUIDE: Calculations for Electricians and Designers.

Do you have more suggestions or additions? Please comment below.

You can also contact me for any query.

Eng.Benard Makaa,PE

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