IS : 732 -1989

( Reafffinned 199.5 )

Indian Standard

CODEOFPRACTTCEFOR
ELECTRICALWIRINGINSTALLATIONS
(Third Revision )
Second Reprint FEBRUARY 1999

UDC 621.315.3.696.6 : 006.76

0 Copyright 1989

BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS

MANAK BHAVAN, 9 BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARG
NEW DELHI 110002

Price Rs 225.00 November 1989

 ISt732-1989

Indian Standard
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR
ELECTRICAL WIRING INSTALLATIONS
( Third Revision )
Electrical Installations Sectional Committee, ETDC 20

Chuifmun
SHBI M. L. DONQ~E
M-3 Satyam, 88 Sion Circle, Bombay 400 022
Members Re#resenti&
SHRI P. ANANTHARAMAN Engineet-in-Chief’s Branch, Army Headquarters ( Ministry of
Defence ), New Delhi
SH~I S. K. SHANQARI ( Altrrncte )
SHRI P. D. BA~ADE Tata Consulting Engineers, Bombay
SHRI R. K. KAUL ( Allemote)
SHRI V. S. BHATIA Siemens India Ltd, Bombay
SXRI M. M. SHETHNA ( Alternatr )
SHRI K. V. CHAUBAL Federation of Electricity Undertaking of India, Bombay
SH~I KS. JOSHI ( Altesnute )
SHRI R. R. CHOUDHURI Larsen & Toubro ( Construction Group ), Madraa
SERI N. BALA~UBRAMANIAN ( Alternate )
CHIEF ELEOTRICAL ENOINEER Railway Board ( Ministry of Railways ), New Delhi
DEPUTY DIRECTOR S~ANDA~DB ( ELEO )-DI,
RDSO ( At6ernate )
CHIEF ELECTRICAL INSPECTORTO GOVEBNYIENT Chief Electrical Inspector to Government of Tamil Nadu, Madras
OF TAMIL NADU
ELEGT~ICAL INSPECTOR ( TEOE~IOAL ) TO
GOVERNMENT OF TAMIL NADU ( Alternate )
CHIEF ENGINEER ( ELEC I-1 Central Public Works Department, New Delhi
SUPEBINTEN~ENT SURVEYOFCox WOBEB
( ELEC )-I ( Alfcrnate )
SHRI DEVENDER NATH Larsen & Toubro Ltd, Bombay
SHBI T. P. R. SARYA ( Alternate )
SHRI K. W. DEAR~Y~ADHIKARI Jyoti Ltd, Vadodara
DR V. N. MALLER ( Alternate )
SERI G. L. DUA Rural Electrification Corporation Ltd, New Delhi
SHBI S. K. SETHI ( Alternate )
SHRI R. C. KHANNA Delhi Electric Supply Undertaking, New Delhi
SHBI P. S. SAWHNEY (Altcmatr )
MEMBER ( HYDRO-ELECTRIC ) Central Electricity Authority, New Delhi
DIRECTOR ( HED )-I ( Alternate)
En S. PANEERSELVAM Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, Madras
SERI V. JANARDHANAN ( Alternate )
SHRI K. P. R. PILLAI Fact Engineering and Design Organiiation, Udyogamandal
SHRI C. R. R. MENON ( Altcrnute )
SHRI V. RADHA KRISHNAN Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd, Hyderabad
SHRI H. S. RAO Crompton Greaves Ltd, Bombay
PROF G. RAVEENDRAN NAIB Chief Electrical Inspector to the Government of Kerala, Trivandrum
SHRI S. R. SARDA Maharashtra State Electricity Board, Bombay
SHRI R. SATHIYABAL Tariff Advisory Committee ( General Insurance ), Bombay
SHRI K. K. MONDAL ( Altcrnatr )
SERI H. K. SITARAM Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation Ltd, Calcutta
SHRI S. K. PALIT ( Alternate )
SHRI P. SRINIVASA POTI Karnataka Electricity Board, Bangalore
SHRI JOSEPH PHILOYENY ( Alternate )
SHRI D. S. TAWARE Electrical Engineer to Government of Maharashtra, Bombay
SHRI S. J. HARIDAS ( Alfernate )
SHRJ G. N. THADANI Engineers India Ltd. New Delhi
SH~I S. K. GHOST ( Alfernuts )
SHRI G. S. THAKUB Chief Electrical Inspector, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal
( Cot&& on pug8 2 )

Q Copyright 1989
BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS
This publication is protected under the Indian CopyrightAct ( XIV of‘1957 ) and production in whole or in part by
any means except with written permission of the publisher shall be deemed to be an infringement of copyright
under the said Act. I
?Sr7SZ-MM9 .

( Continusd from puge 1 )

Chairman
SEW V. T. WARAN~ Bombay Electric Supply and Trausport Undertaking, Bombay
SHRI R. P. PATEL ( Alternuts )
SBRI S. P. SACEDIPV, Director General, BIS ( Ex-O&O Member )
Director (Elec tech )
s&r4ta?y
SERI K. GAH~~SH
Deputy Director ( Elec tech ), BIS

Panel for Electrical Wiring Installations, ETDC 20 : P30

,
Convcnrr
SHRI R. K. SEEGAL Bombay Suburban Electric Supply Co Ltd, Bombay
Mmbm
SERI P. S. PANDYA ( Alkmat# to
Shri R. K. Sehgal )
Crtxas EN~INBEB ( ELECT )-I Central Public Works Department, New Delhi
SUPERINTENDINQ SWVEYOR OP WORKS
( ELECT )-I ( Alftraetr )
SHRI G. KRISHNASWA~~Y Best and Crompton Engineering Ltd, Madras
Srta~ A. G. LAK~H*IKABAYANAN ( Alfnnats )
&tar D. N. PUBAI~DAI~E Electrical Contractor’s Association of Maharashtra, Bombay
SHRI SHIRISH S. JEAV~I ( A&act8 )
SHRI K. P. R. PILLAI Fact Engineering and Design Organization, Udyogamandal
SHBI A. 0. 00-n ( Atrrmotr )
P~olr G. RAVE~DRAN NAIIC Chief Electrical Inspector to the Government of Kerala, Trivaudrum
SHEX R. SATHIYABAL Tariff Advisory Committee, Bombay
SHBI K. K. MONDAL ( Affemat6 )
SHRI M. K. THADANI Engineer-in-Chief’s Branch, Army Headquarters, New Delhi
SHRI R. K. Snar ( Al@rnefr )
SEBI G. N. THADANI Engineers India Limited, New Delhi
SHBI S. K. GHOSB ( dlwmzf~ )

2
 IS t ‘132- 1989

CONTENTS

Page
0. FOREWORD’ .. . 5

1. SCOPE ... 6

SECTION 1 TERMINOLOGY

2. TERMINOLOQY ... 6

SECTION 2 ASSESSMENT OF GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

OF INSTALLATIONS

3. ASSESSMENT
OF CHARACTERISTICS
- GENERAL ... 12

4. EXTERNALINFLUENCES .. . 13

SECTION 3 PROTECTION FOR SAFETY

5. REQUIREMENTS
FOR PROTECTIONFOR SAFETY ,.. 19

SECTION 4 DESIGN OF INSTALLATION, SELECTION AND

ERECTION OF EQUIPMENT

6. FUNDAMENTALREQUIREMENTS ... 39
7. COMMON RULES ... 41
8. CABLES,CONDUCTORS
AND WIRING MATERIALS .. . 43
9. SWITCHGEAR *. . 49
10. EARTHINGARRANQEMEMTAND PROTECTIVECONDUCTORS ... 51
11. SUPPLIESFOR SAFETY SERVICES ... 51

SECTION 5 INSPECTION AND TESTING

12. INITIAL INSPECTION

AND TESTING ... 52
13. ALTERATIONSTO INSTALLATIONS .. . 54
APPENDIX A TYPES OF WIRING SYSTEMSAND THEIR SELECTION ... 54
APPENDIX B METHODS OF INTERNALWIRINQ 60
APPENDIX C GUIDELINES FOR SPECIFIC EQUIPMENT, FITTIN@ AND
ACCESSORIES ... 68
APPENDIX D SPECIFICGUIDANCE OF SELECTION OF EQUIPMENTWITH
REGARD TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCES ... 70
APPENDIX E CHECK LIST 0~ INITIAL INSPECTION ... 74
As in the Original Standard, this Page is Intentionally Left Blank
 IS : 732 - 1989

Indian Standard
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR
ELECTRICAL WIRING INSTALLATIONS
( Third Revision )

0. FOREWORD

0.1 This Indian Standard was adopted by the account in that the information has been called
Bureau of Indian Standards on 25 January 1989, from various Indian Standard specifications and
after the draft finalized by the Low Voltage other literature available and presented as a single
Switchgear and Controlgear Sectional Committee comprehensive code. Efforts were made to iden-
had been approved by the Electrotechnical Divi- tify gaps and the opportunity utilised to incor-
sion Council. porate the latest trends in wiring practice. It is,
however, indicated that this revision was purely
0.2 The Indian Electricity Rules, together with
a temporary measure to meet the immediate
the supplementary regulations of the state electri-
needs of the practising engineers and the ultimate
city departments and electricity undertakings,
aim was to bring out a comprehensive safety-
govern the electrical installation work in build-
oriented code on electrical installations in build-
ings in this country. Regulations for the electrical
ings based on the international work in this
equipment in buildings as recommended by the
regard.
Institution of Electrical Engineers, UK, have also
often been followed in this work. Expanding use 0.6 Soon after the publication of the second
of electricity and increase in the number of elec- revision, work on the preparation of National
trical installations in buildings, necessitated the Electrical Code ( NEC ) began under the purview
preparation of a code of practice to guide and of the National Electrical Code Sectional Commi-
govern installation of electrical wiring in build- ttee, ETDC 56. This work, aimed as a compen-
ings, with particular reference to safety and good dium of all relevant information in IS Codes
engineering practice. This code was, therefore, including IS : 732, concluded in 1985 when NEC
first published in 1958 with the above objective. was published. NEC besides drawing assistance
from IS : 732, further elaborates the stipulations
0.3 Since the first version of this code covered
on wiring practice with reference to specific
electrical installations only in buildings which occupancies.
could be considered as non-industrial locations,
where the system voltage generally did not exceed 0.7 During the preparation of NEC it became.
650 volts, the need for having a similar code for evident that IS : 732 would require considerable
industrial locations was also felt and many addi- updating in order to align with modified pattern
tional requirements had to be looked after. There- of power consumption and advancing technology
fore, in addition to the revision of this code, a in installation design. There was also a strong
separate code on the latter subject was published need to align the code with the work being accom-
as IS : 2274-1963”. plished at the international level, namely, at the
level of IEC/TC 64 ‘Electrical Installations of
0.4 Experience in implementation of these stan-
Buildings’, which cover comprehensively the rele-
dards had proved that most of the ‘industrial’ vant issues. This revision of IS : 732 ( third ) is
installations required references to guidelines for
an attempt to improve the contents of the code
system of voltages not exceeding 650 V in their
to meet this need.
design. Moreover, considerations such as layout
of electrical installations, measurement, etc, for 0.8 It is emphasized that the information con-
which separate Indian Standard specifications tained in this code is oriented towards electrical
exist, require comprehensive reading, and it has safety. The accent is on protection from the
been felt that a single Indian Standard to provide various hazards arising from use of electricity and
for all aspects of wiring would serve as a com- the rules relating to wiring practice are based on
prehensive reference guide on the subject. the international guidelines on such matters. It
is in this respect that the present version of this
0.5 In the second version of IS : 732 brought out standard differs from the earlier versions which
in 1982 in 3 parts, this fact has been taken into were oriented towards design and constructional
*Code of practice for electrical wiring installations aspects. However, a series of appendices have
voltage exceeding650 volts ).
( system been added to this Code dealing with specific

5
IS I 732.~1989

guidelines on wiring practice as applicable to The International Electrotechnical Commission

design, construction and execution of work. ( IEC ).
Whenever necessary, the provisions of this Code
shall be read in conjunction with other Codes IEC Dot: 64 ( Secretariat ) 430. Pub 364
such as those on earthing, lightning protection, Chapter 52 Selection and Erection of Wiring
etc, Systems. The. International Electrotechnical
Commission ( IEC ).
0.9 In the preparation of this standard, consider-
IEE Wiring Regulations ‘Regulations for
able assistance has been derived from the follow-
electrical installations” 15th Edition ( 1981 )
ing publications:
( as amended up to January 1985 ). The Insti-
IEC Pub 364 ( in several parts ) Electrical tution of Electrical Engineers ( UK ).
Installations of Buildings. The International
0.10 For the purpose of deciding whether a
Electrotechnical Commission ( IEG ) .
particular requirement of this standard is complied
IEC Dot: 64 ( Secretariat ) 437 Electrical with, the final value, observed or calculated,
Installations of Buildings. Part 2 Definitions. expressing the result of a test, shall be rounded
International Electrotechnical Commission off in accordance with IS : 2-1960*. The number
( IEC ). of significant places retained in the rounded off
value should be the same as that of the specified
IEC Dot: ( IEV 826 ,) ( Central Office ) 1193 value in this standard.
International Electrotechnional Vocabulary.
Part 826 Electrical Installations of Buildings. *Rules for rounding off numerical values ( revised ).

1. SCOPE 1.5 This code covers all general guidelines appli-

cable to installations operating within the ranges
,~I.~1This code covers the essential requirements given in 1.4. Supplementary or additional pro-
and precautions regarding wiring installations for visions may be necessary to be complied with in
ensuring satisfactory and reliable service and respect of specific occupancies depending on their
safety from all possible hazards from the use of nature. For the purposes of guidelines on indi-
electricity. vidual occupancies reference may be National
Electrical Code ( SP : 30-1985 ).
1.2 This code applies to the design, selection,
erection and inspection and testing of wiring 1.6 This code is not applicable to the following:
installations whether permanent or temporary,
4 Systems for distribution of energy to the
in and about buildings,
public, or to power generation and trans-
1.3 It relates generally to all wiring installations mission for such systems.
in non-industrial and industrial locations, whe- b) Wiring installations in special locations
ther the electric supply is derived from an external such as mines or other areas where potenti-
source or from a private generating plant. ally explosive atmosphere exists.
4 Lightning conductors, telecommunications
1.4 Installations utilizing the following nominal
and alarm systems.
voltage ranges are dealt with in this code:
4 Traction installations, motor vehicles, ins-
a) voltages normally not exceeding 50 V ac tallations on board ships, aircraft or
or 120 V dc whether between conductors offshore installations.
or to earth.
b) voltages normally exceeding extra-low 1.7 This code also does not apply to matters
voltage but not exceeding 1 000 V ac or concerning specifications of individual items of
1 500 V dc between conductors or 600 V equipment and does not deal with requirements
ac or 900. V dc between conductors and for the construction of prefabricated assemblies of
earth. electrical equipment.

SECTION 1 TERMINOLOGY
2. TERMINOLOGY 2.2 Ambient Temperature - The temperature
of the air or other medium where the equipment
2.0 For the purposes of this standard, the follow- is to be used.
ing definitions shall apply.
2.1 Accessory - A device, other than current- 2.3 Appliance - An item of current using
using equipment, associated with such equipment equipment other than a luminaire or an inde-
or with the wiring of an installation. pendent motor.

6
2.4 Arm’s Reach - A zone extending from any N-2 - Specially formed building voids are
point on a surface where persons usually stand or also known as ducts.
move about, to the limits which a person can 2.9 Buried Direct - A cable laid in the ground
reach with the hand in any direction without in intimate contact with the soil.
assistance.
2.10 Bonchtd - Cables are said to be bunched
NOTE - Thir space is by convention, limited a~
shown in Fig.1. when two or more are contained within a single
conduit, duct, ducking, or tnmking cr, if not
enclosed, are not -rated from each &her:
2.11 Cable BLnnntl - An enclosure situated
above o; ,111the ground, open or ventilated or
clo&; and having dimensions which do not
prmit the access of persons but allow access to
the conductors and/or cabks throughout their
length during and after installation.
NATE - A cable channel may or may not form
part of the building construction
2.12 Cable Bracket - A cable support consist-
ing of single devices fixed to elements of building
or plant construction.
2.13 Cable Coupler - A means enabling the
connection, at will, of two flexible cab& It con-
sists ofa connector and a plug.
2.14 Cable Ducting - A manufactured enclo-
\
1.25 m sure of metal or insulating material, other than
conduit or cable trunk& intended for tha protec-
tion of cables which are drawn-in after erection
of the ducting, but which is ‘not specifically
intended to form part of a building structure.
2.15 Cable Traaking - A factory made closed
support and protection system into which con-
ductors and/or cables are laid after removal of the
cover.
2.16 Cable Tunnel - An enclosure ( corridor )
containing supporting structures for conductors
and/or cables and joints and whose dimensions
allo.w free access to persons throughout the entire
I//////// LIMIT OF ARM’S REACH length.
S = Surface expected to be occupied by person
2.17 Cable Tray - A cable support consisting
FIG. 1 ARM’S Rt~ca of a continuous base with raised edges and no
covering. A cable tray is considered to be non-
2.5 Barrier - A part providing a defined degree perforate9 where less than 30 percent of the
of protection against contact with live parts, from material IS removed from the base.
any usual direction of access.
218 Cable’ Ladder - A cable ‘support occupy-
2.6 Baeie Insulation - Insulation applied to in8 less than 10 percent ‘of the plan area and
live parts to provide basic protection against cotisisting of a series of supporting elements
electric shock. rigidly fixed to each other or to a main supporting
Nom - Basic insulation ,does not necessarily in- member or members.
clude insulation used exclusively for__functional pur- 2.19 Cartridge Fuse Link - A device com-
poses.
prising a fuse element or several fuse elements
2.7 Bonding Conductor - A protective con- connected in parallel enclosed in a cartridge
ductor providing equipotential bonding. usually filled with an arc-extinguishing medium
and connected to terminations. The fuse link is
2.8 Building Voids - Space within the struc-
the part of a fuse which requires replacing after
ture or the components of a building accessible
the fuse has operated.
only at certain points.
2.20 Circuit - An assembly of electrical equip
NOT= 1 - Examples are: Space within partitions,
suspended floors, ceilings and certain types of window ment supplied from the same origin and protected
frame, door frame and architraves. against overcurrent by the same protective

7
IS 1732 -1989

,device(s). Certain types of circuit are categorised 2.26 Connector - The part of a cable coupler
as follows: or of an appliance coupler which is provided
with female contact and is intended to be attached
4 Category 1 Circuit - A circuit ( other than to the flexible cable connected to the supply.
a fire alarm or emergency lighting circuit )
operating at low voltage and supplied 2.27 Conventional Touch Voltage Limit -
directly from a mains supply system. Maximum value of the touch voltage which is
Category 2 Circuit - With the exception of permitted to be maintained indefinitely in specified
W conditions of external influences.
fire alarm and emergency lighting circuits,
any circuit for telecommunication ( for 2.28 Conventional Operating Current ( of a
example, radio, telephone, sound distri- Protective Device )- A specified value of the
bution, intruder alarm, bell and call and current which causes tht protective device to
data transmission circuits ) which is sup- operate within a specifiqd time, designated
plied from a safety source. conventional time.
4 C&egory 3 Circuit - A fire alarm circuit or
NOTE - For fuses this current is called the ‘ con-
an emergency lighting circuit. ventional fusing current ‘. For circuit breakers this
current ia called the ‘ conventional operating current ‘.
2.21 Circuit Breaker - A mechanical switching
device capable of making, carrying and breaking The conventional operating current is greater than
currents- under normal circuit conditions and also the rated current or current setting of the device and
the conventional time varies according to the type and
of making, carrying for a specified time, and rated current of the protective device.
breaking currents under specified abnormal
circuit conditions such as those of short circtit. 2.29 Current Carrying Capacity of a Con-
ductor - The maximum current which can bd
NOTE - A circuit breaker is usually intended to carried by a conductor under specified conditions
operate infrequently, although some types are suitable
for frequent operation. without its steady state temperature exceeding a
specified value.
2.22 Class I Equipment - Equipment in which
protection against electric shock does not rely on 2.39 Current Using Equipment - Equipment
basic iniulation only, but which indudes an which converts electrical energy into another
additional safety precaution in such a way that form of energy, such as light, heat, or motive
means are provided for the connection of exposed power.
conductive parts to a protective conductor in the 2.31 Danger - Danger to health or danger to
fixed wiring of installation in such a way that life or limb from shock, burn or injury from
accessible conductive parts may not become live mechanical movement to persons ( and livestock
in the event of a failure of basic installation. where present ), or from fire attendent upon the
NOTE- For information on classification of equip- use of electrical energy.
ment with regard to means ~~#M&d for protection
against electric shock,su IS : 9409-1980*. 2.32 Design Current ( of a Circtlit ) - The
magnitude of the current intended to be carried
2.23 Class II Equipment - Equipment in
which protection against electric shock does not by the circuit in normal service.
rely on basic insulation only, but in which additio- 2.33 Direct Contact - Contact of persons or
nal safety precautions, such as double or reinforced livestock with live parts which may result in
insulation are provided, there being no prQvision electric shock.
for the connection of exposed metalwork of the
equipment to a protective conductor, and no 2.34 Distribution Circuit ( of Buildings )- A
reliantie upon precautions to be taken in the fixed circuit supplying a distributing board.
wiring of the installation.
2.35 Double Insulation - Insulation compris-
2.24 Conduit - A part of a closed wiring system ing both basic insulation and supplementary
a circular or non-circular cross section for conduc- insulation.
tors and/or cables in electrical installations,
allowing them to be drawn in and/or replaced. 2.36 Duct - A closed passage way formed
Conduits should be sufficiently closed-jointed underground or in a structure and intended to
so that the conductors can only be drawh in and receive one or more cables which may be drawn
not inserted laterally. in.

2.25 Confined LConductive Location - A 2.37 Ducting - See2.14.

location having surfaces which are mainly com-
2.38 Earth - The conductive mass of the earth,
posed of extraneous condutive parts and which
whose electric potential at any point is conven-
are of such dimensions that movement is restricted
tionally taken as zero.
to such an extent that contact with surfaces is
difficult to avoid ( for example, in a boiler ). 2.39 Earth Electrode - A conductor or group
*Classificationof electrical and electronic equipment of conductors in intimate contact with and provid-
with regardto protectionagainstelectric shock. ing an electrical connection to earth.
8
 IS t 732 - 1989

2.40 Earth Electrode Resistance - The resis; 2.52 Enclorure - A part providing protection of
tance of an earth electrode to earth. equipment againstc ertain external influences and,
in any direction, protection against direct contact.
2.41 Earth Fault Loop Impedance - The
impedance of the earth fault current loop ( phase 2.53 Equipment - See2.47.
to earth loop ) starting and ending at the point of
earth fault. 2.54 Equipotential Bonding - Electrical con-
nection putting various exposed conductive parts
2.42 Earth Leakage Current - A current and extraneousconductive parts at a substantially
which flows to earth, or to extraneous conductive equal potential.
parts, in a circuit which is electrically sound.
NOTE- In a building installation equipotential
NOW - This current may ‘have a capacitive com- bonding conductors ahall interconnect the following
ponent including that resulting from the deliberate conductive parts:
use of capacitors. a) Protective conductor,
2.43 Earthing Resistance, Total - The resis- b) Earth continuity conductor, and
tance between the main earthing terminal and c) Risers of air-conditioning system and beating
the earth. systems ( if any ).

2.44 Earthed Concentric Wiring - A wiring 2.55 Exposed Conductive Part - A conductive
system in which one or more insulated conduc- part of electrical equipment, which can be touched
tors are completely surrounded throughout their and which is not normally live, but which may
length by a conductor, for example a sheath, become live under fault conditions.
which acts as a PEN conductor.
2.56 External InBuence - Any influence exter-
2.45 Earthing Conductor-A protective conduc- nal to an electricalinstallation which affects the
tor connecting the main earth terminal ( or design and safe operation of that installation.
equipotential bonding conductor of an installation
when there is no earth bus ) to an earth elec- 2.57 Extramourn Conductive Part - A con-
trode or to other means of earthing. ductive part pot forming part of the electrical
installation a/id liable to introduce a potential,
2.46 Electric Shock - A dangerous patho- generally the karth potential.
physiological effect resulting from the passing of 2.58 Factory Built Assembly ( of LV Switch-
an electric current through a human body or an y;T;*and Controlgear ) - SeuIS : 862 (Part l)-
animal.

2.47 Elect&al Equipment ( 466: Equip- 2.59 Final Circuit - A circuit connected direct-
ment ) - Any item for such purposes as genera- ly to current using equipment, or to a socket
tion, conversion, transmission, distribution or outlets or other outlet points for the connection of
utilization of electrical energy, such as machines, such equipment.
transformers, apparatus, measuring instruments,
protective devices, wiring materials, accessories, 2.60 Fixed Equipment - Equipment fastened
and appliances. to a support or otherwise secured.

2.48 Elect&al Inrtallation (of a Building) - 2.61 Functional Earthing - Connection to

An assembly of associated electrical equipment to earth necessary for proper functioning of electrical
fulfil a specific purpose or purposes and having equipment.
coordinated characteristics. 2.62 Fare Element - A part of a fuse designed
to melt when the fuse operates.
2.49 Electrically Independent Earth Elec-
trades - Earth electrodes located at such a 2.63 Fuse Lkk - A part of fuse, including the
distance from one another that the maximum fwe element(s), which requires replacement by a
current likely to flow through one of them does new or renewable fuse link after the fuse has
not significantly affect the potential of the operated and before the fuse is put back into
other(s). service.

2.50 Electrode Boiler (or Electrode Water 2.64 Hand-Held Equipment - Portable equip-
Heater ) - Equipment for the electrical heating ment intended to ‘be held in the hand during
of water or electrolyte by the passage of an normal use, in which the motor, if any, forms an
electric current between electrodes immersed in integral part of the equipment.
the water or electrolyte. NOTE- A hand-held equipment is an item of
equipment, the functioning of which requires constant
2.51 Emergency Switching - Rapid cutting manual support or guidance.
off of electrical energy .to remove any hazard to
*Specification for factory built assemblies of switchgear
persons, livestock, or property which may occur and controlgear for volt es upto and including 1 000~ volt
unexpectedly. ac and I 200 volt dc: P 3 t 1 General requirements.

9
fS : 732 -‘1383

2.65 Indirect Contact - Contact of ‘persons or 2.78 Overcmrreat - A current exceeding the
livestock with exposed conductive parts made live rated value. For conductors the rated value is the
by a fault and which may result in electric shock. current carrying capacity.
2.66 Installations - See2.48. 2.79 Overcurrent Detection - A method of
establishing that the value of current in a circuit
2.67 Insulating Floor ( or WalJ ) - A floor exceeds a. predetermined value for a specified
( or wall ) such that, in the event of direct con- length of time.
tact with a live part, a person standing on the
floor ( or touching the wall ) cannot be traversed 2.80 Ovetload Corrent ( of a Circuit ) - An
by a shock current flowing to the floor (or wall). overcurrent occurring in a circuit in the absence
of an electrical fault.
2.66 Insulation-Suitable non-conductive mate-
rial enclosing surrounding, or supporting a 2.81 PEN Condactor -A conductor combining
conductor. the functions of both protective conductor and
neutral conductor.
Norm -See also the definitions for basic insulation,
double insulation, reinforced insulation and supplemen- 2.82 Phase Conductor - A conductor of an ac
tary insulation.
system for the transmission of electrical energy,
2.69 Isolation - Cutting off an electrical instal- other than a neutral conductor.
lation, a circuit, or an item of equipment from NOTE - The term also means the equivalent con-
every source of electrical energy. tlor of a dc system unless otherwise speci6ed ia this
.
2.70 Live Part - A conductor or conductive
part intended to be energised in normal use 2.83 Plug - A device, provided with contact
including a neutral conductor but, by convention, pins, which is intended to be attached to a flexible
not a PEN conductor. cable, and which can be engaged with a socket
outlet or with a connector.
2.71 Laminaire - Equipment which distributes
filters or transforms the light from one or more 2.84 Point ( in Wiring) - A termination of the
lamps, and which includes any parts necessary fixed wiring intended for the connection of current
for supporting, fixing and protecting the iamps, using equipment.
but not the lamps themselves, and, where nece- 2.85 Portable Equipment - Equipment which
ssary, circuit auxiliaries together with the means is moved while in operation or which can easily
for connecting them to the supply. be moved from one place to another while con-
NOTB -For the purposes of this code a batten nected to the supply.
lampholder, or a lampholder suspended by flexible
cord, is a luminaire. 2.86 Prospective Touch Voltage A The
highest touch voltage liable to appear in the event
2.72 Main Earthing Terminal - The terminal of a fault of negligible impedance in the electrical
or bar which is the equipotential bonding conduc- installation.
tor of protective conductors, and conductors for
2.87 Protective Conductor - A conductor used
functional earthing, if any, to the means of earth-
for some measures of protection against electric
ing.
shock and intended for connecting together any of
2.73 Mechanical Maintenance - The replace- the following parts:
ment, refurbishment or cleaning of lamps and a) Exposed conductive parts,
non-electrical parts of equipment, plant and b) Extraneous conductive parts,
machinery.
c) The main earthing terminal, and
2.74 Neutral Conductor ( Symbol N ) - A d) The earthed point of the source, or an
conductor connected to the neutral point of a artificial neutral.
system and capable of contributing to the trans-
2.88 Reinforced Insulation - Single insulation
mission of electrical energy.
applied to live parts, which provides a degree of
2.75 Nominal Voltage - St6 2.109. protection against electric shock equivalent to
double insulation under the conditions specified in
2.76 Obstacle- A part preventing unintentional the relevant standard.
contact with live parts but not preventing delibe- NOTE - The term ‘single insulation’ does not
rate contact. imply that the insulation must be one-homogeneous
piece. It may comprise several layers which cannot be
2.77 Origin of an Electrical Installation - tested singly as supplementary or basic insulation.
The point at which electrical energy is delivered 2.89 Rcaidual Current - The algebraic sum ot
to an installation. the instantaneous values of current flowing through
NOTE - An electrical installation xhay have more all live conductors of a circuit at a point of the
than one origin. electrical installation.

10
 IS:732:1989

2.90 Residual Cyrrent Device ( RCD ‘) - A circle of diameter equal to the major axis of the
mechanical switchrng device or association of cable.
devices intended to cause the opening of the con-
tacts when the residual current attains a given 2.99 Spur - A branch cable connected to a ring
value under specified conditions. or radial final circuit.

2.91 Residual Operating Current - ResiduaI 2.100 Standby Supply System - A system
current which causes the residual current device intended to maintain supply to the installation or
to operate under specified conditions. part thereof, in case of interruption of the normal
supply, for reasons other than safety of persons.’
2.92 Resistance Area (for an Earth Electrode
NOTE - Standby supplies are necessary, for exam-
only) - The surface area of ground ( around an ple, to avoid interruption of continuous industrial
earth electrode ) on which a significant voltage processes or data processing.
gradient may exist.
2.101 Stationary Equipment - Either fixed
2.93 Ring Pinal Circuit - A final circuit equipment or equipment not -provided with a
arranged in the form of a ring ‘and connected to carrying handle and having such a mass that it
a single point of supply. cannot easily be moved.
2.94 Shock Current-A current passing through 2.102 Supplementary Insulation - Indepen-
the body of a person or an animal and having dent insulation applied in addition to basic
characteristics likely to cause dangerous pathophy- insulation in order to provide protection against
siological effects. electric shock in the event of a failure of basic
insulation.
2.95 Short-Circuit Current - An overcurrent
resulting from a fault of negligible impedance be- 2.103 Switch - A mechanical switching device
tween live conductors having a difference in capable of making, carrying and breaking current
potential under normal operating conditions. under normal circuit conditions, which may
include specified operating overload conditions,
2.96 Simultaneously Accessible Parts - Con- and also of carrying for a specified time currents
ductors or conductive parts which can be touched under specified abnormal circuit conditions such
simultaneously by a person or, where applicable as those of short circuit.
by livestock.
NOTE - A switch may also be capable of making,
Norx - 1x1the context of protection against direct but not breaking, rhort-circuit currents.
contacts a live part may be accessible with:
2.104 Switch, Linked - A switch the contacts
a) qnother live part, or
of which are so arranged as to make or break all
b) an exposed conductive pert, or
poles simultaneously or in a definite sequence.
c) an extraneous conductive part, or
d) a protective conductor. 2.105 Switchboard - An assembly of switchgear
with or without instruments, but the term does not
The following may constitute simultaneously apply to a group of local switches in a final
accessible parts in the context of protection circuit.
.against indirect contacts:
NOTE - The term ‘switchboard’ includes a distri-
a) Exposed conductive parts, bution board.
b) Extraneous conductive parts, and 2.106 Switchgear - An assembly of main and
c) Protective conductors. auxiliary switching apparatus for operation, regu-
lation, protection or other control of electrical
It should be noted that the word touched
installations.
signifies any contact with any part of the body
( hand, foot, head, etc ). NOTE- For more comprehensive definitions of the
terms in 2.103 to 2.106 ( ICI IS : 1885 ( Part 17 )-1987*.
2.97 Socket Outlet - A device, provided with
female contacts, which is intended to be installed 2.107 System - An electrical system consisting
with the fixed wiring, and intended to receive a of a single source of electrical energy and an
plug. installation.
NOTE- A luminaire track system is not regarded NOTE - The types of systems depending upon the
as a socket outlet system. relationship to the source and of the exposed conductive
parts of the installation to earth are defined in
2.98 Space Factor - The ratio ( expressed as a IS : 3043-1987t.
percentage ) of the sum of the overall cross-
sectional areas of cables (including insulation and 2.108 Touch Voltage - The potential difference
sheath ) to the internal cross-sectional area of the between a grounded metallic structure and a point
conduit or other cable enclosure in which they
+Electrotechnical vocabulary:Part 17 Switchgear and
are installed. The effective overall cross-sectional controlgear (Jirsl raoision ) .
area of a non-circular cable is taken as that of a tCode of practice for earthing.

11
on the earths surface separated by a distance 2.109Voltage, Nominal (of an Installation)-
equal to the normal maximum horizontal reach Voltage by which an installation or part of an
approximately 1 metre. installation is designated.

SECTION 2 ASSESSMENT OF GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF INSTALLATIONS

3. ASSESSMENT OF CHARACTERISTICS c) Prospective short-circuit current at the

origin of the installation;
3.0 An assessment shall be made of the following
characteristics of the installation in accordance d) Type and rating of the overcurrent protec-
with the clauses indicated: tive device acting at the origin of the
installation;
a) The purpose for which the installation is
intended to be used, its general structure,
e>installation,
Suitability
for the requirements of the
including the maximum
and its supplies (3.1 ); demand; and
b) The external influences to which it is to be
exposed ( 3.2 );
f>The earth loop impedance of that part of
the system external to the installation.
c) T?l?$ compatibility of its equipment ( 3.3 );
NOTE- As regardsitem (f), it may only be possi-
ble to ascertain an expected maximum value.
d) Its maintainability ( 3.4 ).
3.1.4.2 Su@lies for safety services and standby
These characteristics shall be taken into purposes - Where a supply for safety services or
account in the choice of methods of protection standby purposes is specified, the characteristics
for safety ( see Section 3 ) and the selection and of the sources of any such supply shall be assessed.
erection of equipment ( see Section 4 ). Such supplies shall have adequate capacity, relia-
bility and rating and appropriate changeover
3.1 Purposes, Sapplies and Structure time for the operation specified.
3.1.1 Maximum Demand - The maximum Where the normal source of energy is to be
demand of the installation, expressed as a current provided by a supply undertaking, the supply
value, shall be assessed. undertaking shall be consulted regarding switching
3.1.2 Diversity - In determining the maximum arrangements for safety and standby supplies,
demand of an installation or parts thereof, diver- especially where the various sources are intended
sity may be taken into account. to operate in parallel.

3.1.3 Arrangement of Live Conductors and Tyke of NOTE- For further reqtiitementsfor suppliesfor
Earthing safety servicessee3.4.

3.1.3.1 General - The characteristics men- 3.1.5 Installation Circuit Arrangements

tioned in 3.1.3.2 and 3.1.3.3 shall be ascertained 3.1.5.1 Every installation shall be divided
in order to determine which methods of protection into circuits as necessary to:
for safety, will be appropriate.
a) avoid danger and minimise inconvenience
3.1.3.2 .Number and types of live conductors - in the event of a fault, and
The number and types of live conductors ( for
example single-phase two-wire ac, three-phase b) facilitate safe operation, inspection, testing,
four-wire ac ) shall be assessed, both for the and maintenance.
source of energy and for the circuits to be used 3.1.5.2 Separate circuits shall be provided
within the installation. Where the source of for parts of the installation which need to be
energy is provided by a supply undertaking, that separately controlled, in such a way that these
undertakings shall be consulted, if necessary. circuits are not affected by failure of other
3.1.3.3 Typos of earthing anangement - The circuits.
type of earthing arrangement or arrangements to 3.1.5.3 The number of final circuits requi-
be used for the installation shall be determined. red, and the number of points supplied by any
3.1;4 .hG&reof Sr#!y final circuit, shall be such as to comply with the
requirements for overcurrent protection, for isola-
3.1.4.1 General - The following character- tion and switching, and as regards current-
istics of the supply or supplies shall be ascertained carrying capacities ofconductors.
for an external supply and shall be determined
for a private source: 3.1.5.4 Where an installation comprises
more than one final circuit, each final circuit shall
a) Nominal voltage(s); be connected to a separate way in a distribution
b) Nature of current and frequency; board. The wiring of each final circuit shall be

12
 18873291%?9

clecttically separate from that of every other final Cl generator sets independent of the normal
circuit, so as to prevent indirect energisation of a supp1.y , and
final circuit intended to be isolated.
d) a separate feeder effectively independent
3.2 Compatibility . of the normal feeder.
3.2.1 An assessment shall be made of any NOTE- The use of separate independent feeders
character@@ .ofequi$ment likely to have harmful should be based on an assessment that the two supplies
are unlikely to fail concurrently.
effects upon other electrical equipment or other
services, or likely to impair the supply. The 3.4.2 ClassiJication - A safety service is either:
characteristics include, for example: a non-automatic supply, the starting of
4 transient overvoltages; which is initiated by an operator, or
b) rapidly fluctuating loads; an automatic supply, the starting ol
which is independent of an operator.
4 ‘starting currents;
d) harmonic currents ( such as with fluores- An automatic supply is classified according to
cent lighting loads and thyristor drives ); changeover time:
e>mutual inductance; a) no-break - an automatic supply which can
f) dc feedback; ensure a continuous supply within specified
conditions during the period of transition,
!3) high frequency oscillations; for example, as regards variations in volt-
h) ‘earth leakage currents; and age and frequency;
j) any need for additional connections to b) oery short break: an automatic supply avail-
earth ( for example, for equipment needing able within 0.15 second;
a connection with earth independent of
c) short brsak: an automatic supply available
the main means of earthing of the installa-
within 0.5 second;
tion, for the avoidance of interference with
its operation ). d) medium break: an automatic supply avail-
able within 15 seconds; and
NOTII- For an external source of energy it is
eaaential that the supply undertaking be consulted e) long break: an automatic supply available in
regarding any equipment of the installation having a more than 15 seconds.
characterirtic likely to have a significant influence on
the supply, for example, having heavy starting 4. EXTERNAL INFLUENCES
currents.
3.3 Maintainability 4.1 Identification of External Influences on
the Electrical Installrrtion
3.3.1 An assessment shall be made of the fre-
4.1.1 The characteristics of the following
.quency and quality of maintenance that the ins-
external influences shall be assessed:
tallation can reasonably be expected to receive
during its intended life. This assessment shall, 1) Environments
wherever practicable, include consultation with a) Ambient temperature,
the person or body who will be responsible for b) Atmospheric humidity,
the operation and maintenance of the installation.
‘Having regard to the frequency and quality of c) Altitude,
maintenance expected, the requirements of this d) Presence of water,
Code shall be applied so that: e) Presence of foreign solid bodies,
4 any periodic inspection, testing, mainten- f) Presence of corrosive or polluting subs-
ance and repairs likely to be necessary tances,
during the intended life can be readily g) Mechanical stresses,
and sefely carried out;
h) Presence of flora and/or mouid growth,
b) the protective measures for safety remain
effective during the intended life; and j) Presence of fauna,
the reliability of equipment is appropriate k) Electromagnetic, electrostatic or ionizing
4 influences,
to the intended life.
3.4 Supplies for Safety Services m) Solar radiation,
n) Seismic effects,
NOTE- The need for safety services and their
nature are frequently regulated by statutory authoritiw p) Lightning, and
whose requirements have to be observed.
q) Wind.
3.4.1 General’- The following sources for
safety services are recognized: 2) Utilization
a) storage batteries, a) Capability of persons,
b) primary cells, b) Electrical resistance of human body,

13
JS t 732 - 1989

c) Contact of persons with earth potential, For the time being, the characteristics of influences.
( co1 2, Table 1 ) are given in descriptive laagu8ge
d) y;;ditions of evacuation in an emergency, only. Codification for the same .( SW Note 1 above ),
as recommended by IEC are given in co1 4 for infor-
mation. It is hoped that in due course the users of the
e) Nature of processed or stored material. Code would be familiar with the codification in terma-
ofwhich the requirements would be stated in future
3) Construction of Buildings’ editions.
a) Constructional materials, and
4.2 Compatibility - An assessment shall be-
b) Building design.
made of any characteristics of equipment likely
4.1.2 Table I suggests the classification and to have .harmful effects upon other electrical.
codification of external influences which require equipment or other services or likely to impair
assessment in-the design and erection of electrical the supply. Those characteristics include, for
installation. example:
NOTE 1 - Each condition of external influence is a) transient overvoltages,
designated by a code comprising a group of two capital
letters and a number as follows: b) rapidly fluctuating loads,
ThaJirSt letter relates to rhe general category of external c) starting currents,
inJkence : d) harmonic currents,
A - environment e) dc feedback,
B = utilization f ) high-frequency oscillations, and
C = construction of buildings
g) earth leakage currents.
The second leltcr relates to the nature of the exxlnnal
it&mca:
4.3 Maintainability - An assessment shall be
A .. . made of the frequency and quality of mainten-
B... ance the installation can reasonably be expected
C .. . to receive, during its intended life. Where an
authority is to be responsible for the operation of’
The number relates lo the class within each external
inJt#ncc :
the installation, that authority shall be consulted.
Those characteristics are to be taken into account
1 .. .
in applying the requirements of this code so Xhat,
2 .. . having regard to the frequency and quality of‘
3 .. . maintenance expected:
For example, the code AC 2 signifies:
a) any periodic inspection and testing and
A - environment maintenance and repairs likely to be
AC = environment altitude necessary during the intended life can be
AC2 = environment altitude > 2 000 m. readily and safely carried out,
The code given here is not intended to he used for b) the effectiveness of the protective measures
marking equipment. for safety during the intended life is ensur-
NOTE 2 - The characteristics defined for electrical ed, and
installations are those accepted by the IEC and as
c) the reliability of equipment for proper func-
applicable for electrical installations in buildinga.
Influences on outdoor installations are separately defy- tioning of the installation is appropriate to
ned in the respective parts of the Code. the intended life.

14
L..”

IS : 732 - 1989

TABLE 1 ASSESSMENT OF GENERAL CHA&UICTERISTICS OF BUILDINGS

( Clam 4.1.2 )

CLA~SDESIONATION CHARAOTERISTIC~ APPLICATION AND EXAXPLES CODZI

(1) (2) (3) (4)

Environment
1) Ambient The ambient temperature to be
temperature considered for the equipment is
the temperature at the place
where the equipment is to be
installed resulting from the
influence of all other equipment
in the same location, when
operating, not taking into acco-
unt the thermal contribution of
the equipment to be installed.
Lower and upper limits of ranges
of ambient temperature: AA1
- 60% AA2
- 40% $1: AA3
-i-5% AA4
Y: 0 +40°c AA5
+ 40% AA6
::“E0 f6O’C
The average temperature over a
24 hour period must not exceed
5°C below the upper limits.
Combination of two ranges to
define some environments may
be necessary. Installations sub-
ject to temperatures outside
the ranges require special con-
sideration.
.2) Atmospheric under consideration
humidity
3) Altitude C2000m AC1
I >2OOOm AC2
4) Presence of water
Negligible Probability of presence of water is Locations in which the walls do not AD1
negligible genernlly show traces of water
but may do so for short periods,
for example, in the form of
vapour which good ventilation
dries rapidly
Free-falling Possibility of vertically falling Locations in which water vapour AD2
drops drops occasionally condenses as drops
or where steam may occasionally
be present
Sprays Possibility of water falling as spray Locations in which sprayed water AD3
at an angle up to 60°C from the forms a continuous film on fIoors
vertical and/or walls
Splashes Possibility of splashes from any Locations where equipment may be AD4
direction subjected to splashed water, this
applies, for example, to certain
external lighting fittings, conatru-
ction site equipment, etc.
Jets Possibility ofjets of water from Locations where bosewater is used AD5
any direction regularly ( yardr, car-washing
bays )
Waves Possibility of water waves Seashore locations such as piers, AD6
beaches, quays, etc.
Immersion Possibility of intermittent partial Locations which may be flooded and/ AD?
or total covering by water or where water may be at leaat
150 mm above the highest point
of equipment, the lowest part of
equipment being not more than
1 m below the water surface
Submersion Possibility, of permanent and total Locations such as swimming pools AD&?
covering by water where electrical equipment ia per-
manent!y and totally covered with
water under a pressure greater
thanwl bar
( Continwd )

15
IS:732-1889

TABLE 1 ASSESSMENT OF GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BUILDINGS - Contd

CLASS DESIUNATION CHABACTERISTICS APPLICATIONS AND EXAMPLES CODE

(1) (2) (3) (4)

5) Presence of foreign
solid bodies:
Negligible The quantity of nature of dust or AEl
foreign solid bodies is not signi-
ficant
Small Objects Presence of foreign solid bodies Tools and small objects are exam- AE2
where the smallest dimension is ples of foreign solid bodies of
not less than 2.5 mm which the smallest dimension is
at least 2’5 mm
Very small Presence of foreign solid bodies Wires are examples of foreign solid AE3
objects where the smallest dtmension bodies of which the smallest
is not less than 1 mm dimension is not less than 1 mm.
Nom - In conditions AEI
and AE3, dust may be present
but is not significant to operation
of the electrical equipment
Dust Presence of dust is significant AE4
quantity
6) Presence of
corrosive or pol-
luting subtances:
Negligible The quantity or nature of corrosive AFI
or polluting substances is not
significant
Atmospheric The presence of corrosive or Installations situated by the sea or AFZ
polluting substance of atmos- industrial aones producing serious
pheric origin is significant atmospheric pollution, such as
chemical works and cement
works; this type of pollution arises
especially in the production of
abrasive, insulating or conductive
dusts
Intermittent Intermittent or accidental subjec- Locations where some chemical AF3
or accidental tion to corrosive or polluting products are handled in small
chemical substances being used quantities and where these pro-
or produced ducts may come only accidentally
into contact with electrical equip-
ment; such conditions are found
in factory, laboratories, other
laboratories, or in locations where
hydro-carbons are used ( boiler-
rooms, garages, etc ).
Continuous Continuously subject to corrosive For example, chemical works AF4
or polluting chemical rubs-
tances in substantial quantity
7) Mechanical Stresses:
a) Impact
Low severity Household and similar conditions AGl
Medium severity Usual industrial conditions AG2
High severity Severe industrial conditions AG3
NOTES- Provisional classili-
cation. Quantitative expression
of impact severities is under
-onsideration
b) Vibration
Low severity Household and similar conditions AH1
where the effects of vibration are
generally negligible
Medium severity Usual industrial conditions AH2
High severity Industrial installations subject to AH3
severe conditions
NOTE - Provisional classifi-
cation. Quantitative expression
of vibration severities is under
consideration ( Confinusd )

16
_” _ _ _.

ISr732-Ml9
-
TABLE I ASSESSMENT OF GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BUILDINGS - Cod

CLASS DESIONATION CHAEACTERISTICS APPLICATIONS AND EXAYPL~S CODE

(3) (41
c) Other mechanical Under consideration AJ
stresses
8) Presence of fungus
and/or mould growth:
No hazard No hazard of fungus and/or mould AK1
growth
Hazard hazard of fungus and/or mould The hazard depends on local condi- AK2
growth tions and the nature of fungus.
Distinction should be made be-
tween harmful growth of vegeta-
tion or conditions for promotion
of mould growth
9) Presence of vermin:
No hazard No hazard AL1
Hazard Hazard from fauna ( insects, birds, The hazard.depends on the nature AL2
small animals ) of the vermin. Distinction should
be made between:
- presence of insects in harmful
quantity or of an aggressive
nature
- presence of small animals or
birds in harmful quantity or of
an aggressive nature
10) Electromagnetic,
electrostatic or
ionizing influences:
Negligible No harmful effects from stray AM1
currents, electromagnetic radia-
tion, electrostatic fields, ionizing
radiation or induction
Stray currents Harmful hazards of stray currents AM2
Electromagnetics Harmful presence of electromag- AM3
netic radiation
Ionization Harmful presence of ionizing AM4
radiation
Electrostatics Ha;eyA;l presence of electrostatic AM5

Induction Harmful presence of induced AM6

currents
11) Solar radiation
Negligible ANI
Significant Solar radiation of harmful intensity AN2
and/or duration
12) Seismic effects
Negligible Up to 30 Gal ( 1 Gal = 1 cm/s1 ) API
Low severity Over 30 up to and including 300 AP2
Gal
Medium severity Ov;l300 up to and including 600 AP3
a
High severity Greater than 600 Gal Vibration which may cause the AP4
destruction of the building is out-
side the classification
Frequency is not taken into account
in the classification; however, if
the seismic wave resonates with
the building, seismic effects must
be sprciallv considered. In
general, the frequency of seismic
acceleration is between 0 and
10 Hz

( Confinwd

17
18:732-19a9

TARLE 1 ASSESSMENT OF GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BUILIMNGS - Cmtd

CLAaS DEa1lsnrsror CEARACTEBIBTICS APFLICATIONS AND EXAMPLSS CODE

(1) (2) (3) (4)
13) Lig~toiag
EICgligible
AQ1
Indirect Hazard from supply arrangements Installations supplied by overhead
exposure
AQ2
lines
Direct exposure Hasard from exposure of equip- Parts of installations located outside
ment
AQ3
buildings. The risks AQ2 and
AQ3 relate to regions with a parti-
cularly high level of thunderstorm
activity
14) Wind
(Under consideration)
Utiliaxtion
1) Capability of pexwns
ordblary Uninstructed penons BAl
Children Children in locations intended for Nurseries BA2
their occupation
NOTE- This class does not
necessarily apply to family
dwellings
Handicapped Persons not in command of all Hospitals BA3
their _physical and intellectual
;tz, ( sick persons, old

Iostnlsted Persons adequately advised or Electrical operating areas BA4

supervised by skilled persons to
enable them to avoid dangers
which electricity may create
( operating and mainrenance
staff)
,Skilled Persons with technical knowledge Closed electrical operating areas BA5
or sufficient experience to enable
them to avoid dangers which
electricity may create ( engi-
neers and technicians )
2) Electrical r&stance
of the human b~dj
Classification (Under BB
consideration)
3) Contht of Pera0m
with earth potential

None Persons in non-conducting situa- Non-conducting locations BCI

tions
Low PersOns do not in usual conditions BC2
make cOotact with extraneous
conductive parts or stand on coo-
ducting surfaces
Frequent Persons are frequently in touch Locations with extraneous conductive BC3
with extraneous conductive parts parts, either numerous or of large
or stand on conducting surfaces area
Contiouour Persons are in ‘permanent contact Metallic surroundings such as boi- BC4
with metallic surroundings and lers and tanks
for whom the possibility of inter-
rupting cOntact is limited
4) Conditions of
evacuation in
an emergency
Low deosi ty occupation, easy con- Buildings of normal or low height BDl
ditions of evacuatiqo used for habitation
Low density occupation, difficult High-rise buildings BD2
cooditimu of evacuation
High density occupation, easy Locations open to the public BD3
conditions of evacuation ( theitres, cinemas )
High density occupation, diflicult High-rise buihiiigs open to the BD4
coodjtioor of evacuation public ( hotels, hospitals, etc )
( CsnfinM )

18
 IIt1989

TABLET ASS- OF GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS 01 BUILDINGS - Cmtd

CLASSDnaerotrr~xow CHABACTBBlSTIOS hPLICATIOIW AND tiAXPLlES CODE

(1) (2) 43) (4)

5) Nature of processed
or atored m8teriialr
No rigni6cant risks - BE1
Fire risks Manufacture,processing or storage Ba~~~o;exi-working shops, paper BE2
of flamtnab+e materials including a
prebnce of dust
Rxplosion risk Processing or storage of explosive Oil refinerier, hydrocarbon stores BE3
or low flashpoint materials
including presence of explosive
dusts
Contamination Presence of unprotected foodstuffs, Foodstuff industries, kitchens BE4
risks harmaceutics, and similar pro-
Bucts without protection NOTS - Certain prec8utions
may be necessary, in the event of
fruit, to prevent processed
materials being contaminated by
electrical equipment, for exam-
ple, by broken lamps
Conotnnctious of BuMbg
1) Constructional
materials
Non-comburtible CA1
Combustible Buildings mainly constructed of Wooden buildings CA2
combustible materials
2) Building design
Negligible risk CBl
Propagation of fire Buildings of which the shape and High-rise buildings, forced ventila- CB2
dimensions facilitate the spread tion systems
of fire ( for example, chimney
effectr )
Movement Risks due to structaral movement Buildiogs of considerable length or CB3
(for example, diiplacemeat be- erected on unstable ground
tween a building and the ground,
or rettlement of ground or build- Contraction or expansion joints
ing foundations )
Flexible or Structures which are weak or sub- Tents, air-suppoat structures. false CM
unstable jects to movement ( for example, ceilings. removable partition1
cscill8tion )
Flexible wiring, installatioos needing
s”Ppo*

SECTION 3 PROTECTION FOR SAFETY

5. REQUIREMENTS FOR PROTECTION This protection can be achieved by one of the

FOR SAFETY following methods:
a) Preventing a current Gem passing through
5.0 Fundamental Reqdremmts for Safety - the body of any pcraon or any livestock;
The rquirements for protection for safety of and
pcraons, livestock and property involve protection
b) Limiting the current which can pass thro-
against electric shock, thermal effects, overcurrent,
ugh a body to a value lower than the shock
overvoltage and undervoltage and a measure of
current.
isolation and switching of electric circuits. The
protective measures may be applicable to the 5.0.2 Protection Against Indirect Contact - Pcr-
entire installation or a part or an item of equip- sons and livestock shah be protected against
ment. The requirements stated below in this dangers that may arise from contact with exposed
Section are based on the following basic princi- conductive parts.
ples. This protection can be achieved by one of the
SO.1 Protection Against Dirrct Contact - Persons following methods:
aod livestock shall be protected against dangers a) Preventing a fault current from passing
that may arise 6om watact with live parts of the through the body of any person or any
installation. livestock;
19
IS:732 -1989

b) Limiting the fault current which can pass capable of carrying that current without assuming
through a body to a value lower than the excessive temperature, until the protective gear
shock current; and operates.
c) Automatic disconnection of the supply on
the occurrence of a fault likely to cause a NOTE 1 - Particular attention should be given to
current to flow through a body in contact earth fault currents.
with exposed conductive parts, where the NOTE 2 - For live conductors, compliance with 5
value of that current is equal to or greater assures their protection against any fault currents,
than the shock current. including overcurrents.

5.0.3 Protection Against Thermal E@cts in .Nonal 5.0.5.1 Precautions against earth leokoge and
Service - The electrical installation shall be so metalwork of electrical
earth fault currents -Where
arranged that there is no risk of melting besides equipment, other than current-carrying conduc-
ignition of flammable materials due to high tem- tors, may become charged with electricity in such
perature or electric arc. Also during normal a manner as to cause danger if the insulation of a
operation of the electrical equipment, there shall conductor should become defective or if a fault
be no risk of persons or livestock suffering burns. should occur in any equipment:

5.0.4 Protection Against Overcurrent - Persons or a>the metalwork shall be earthed in such a
manner as will cause discharge of electrical
livestock shall be protected against injury and
energy without danger, or
property shall be protected against damage due to
excessive temparatures or electromechanical b) other equally effective precautions shall be
stresses caused by any overcurrents likely to arise taken to prevent danger.
in live conductors.
This protection can be achieved by one of the Every circuit shall be arranged so as to prevent
following methods: the persistence of dangerous earth leakage
currents.
a) Automatic disconnection on the occurrence
of an overcurrent before this overcurrent Where metalwork is earthed, the circuits
attains a dangerous value taking into concerned shall be protected against the persis-
account its duration; and tence of dangerous earth fault currents by:
b) Limiting the maximum overcurrent to a
safe value and duration. a) the overcurrent protective devices required
by 5.0.4.1, or
5.0.4.1 Overcurrent grotection devices - Where b) a residual current operated device or
necessary to, prevent danger, every installation equally effective device.
and every circuit thereof shall be protected against
overcurrent by devices which:
The method described in (b) above shall be
a) will operate automatically at values of used whenever the prospective earth fault current
current which are suitably related to the is insufficient to cause prompt optration of the
safe current ratings of the circuit; overcurrent protective devices.
b) are of adequate breaking capacity and,
where appropriate, making capacity; and Where necessary to prevent danger and where
metalwork of electrical equipment is earthed for
c) are suitably located and are constructed SO
compliance with (a) above and is accessible
as to prevent danger from overheating,
simultaneously with substantial exposed metal
arcing or the scattering of hot particles
parts of other services, the latter parts shall be
when they come ‘into operation and to
effectively connected to the main earthing termi-
permit ready restoration of the supply with-
nal of the installation.
out danger.

NOTE - Where the supply undertaking pro- 5.0.6 Protection Against Overvoltage - Persons or
vides switchgear or fusegear-at the origin of-the livestock shall be protected against injury and
installation it may not be necessary to duplicate property shall be protected against any harmful
the means of overcurrent protection for that part
of the installation between its origin and the main effects of a fault between live parts of circuits
distribution point of the installation where the supplied at different voltages.
next step for overcurrent protection is provided.
In domestic installations the protection and isolat-
ing functions are combined in the same device. Persons or livestock shall be protected against
injury and property *shall be protected against
5.0.5 Protection Against Fault Currents - Conduc- damage from any excessive voltages likely to arise
tors, other than live conductors, and any other due to other causes ( for example, atmospheric
parts intended to carry a fault current shall be phenomena or switching voltages ).
 .. _ “_._
_“_.._,..~.._

IS I 732 - 1989

SECTION 3A PROTECTION AGAINST ELECTRIC SHOCK

-5.1 R&@ements for Protection Against intentionally be connected to any of

Elect&’ sho.& the following:

5.1.1 Proi&Zon Against Both Direct and bdirect 1) Earth,

Contact 2) Protective conductors or exposed
conductive parts of another system,
5J.l.I General +‘Qne of the follotiing .basic or
protective measures for protection Against both 3) Extraneous conductive parts, except
direct contact and indirect contact shall be used: that where electrical equipment is
a) Protection by safety extra low voltage, inherently required to be connected
to extraneous conductive parts it
b) Protection by functional extra low voltage, shall be verified that those parts can-
and not attain a voltage exceeding the
c) Protection. by limitation of discharge of limit of the safety .extra low voltage
energy. circuit. If the exposad conductive
parts of safety extra low voltage
5.1.1.2 Protection by safety extra low voltage - circuits are liable to come into con-
Protection against electric shock is provided when tact fortuitously with exposed
all the following requirements are fulfilled: conductive parts of other circuits,
the protection no longer depends
4 The nominal voltage of the circuit concer- solely on the measure for protection
ned does not exceed extra low voltage. by safety extra low voltage and shall
b) The supply is from one of the safety sources be in accordance with the require-
listed in (1) below. ments for the measures applicable to
The conditions of (2) below are fulfilled. the latter exposed condactive parts.
4
iii) Live parts of safety extra low voltage
NOTE - limits may be required
Lower voltage equipment other than cables shall be
for certain conditions of external influences.
electrically separate from those of
sources - The safety source shall be higher voltage circuits. The electrical
1) Safety separation between live parts of safety
one of the following:
extra low voltage circuits and higher
9 A class II safety isolating transformer, voltage circuits shall be not less than
the secondary-winding being isolated that between the input and output
from earth. windings of safety isolating transfor-
ii) A source of current providing a degree mers.
of safety equivalent to that of the safety iv) Safety extra low voltage circuit conduc-
isolating transformer specified in (a) tors shall preferably be physically
above ( for example, a motor generator separated from those of any other
with windings providing equivalent circuit. Where this requirement is im-
isolation ). practicable, one of the following
iii) An electrochemical source ( for exam- arrangements is required:
ple, a battery ) or another source 1) Safety extra low voltage circuit
independent of a higher voltage circuit conductors shall be insulated in
( for example, a engine-driven genera- accordance with the requirements of
tor ). this code for the highest voltage
iv) Electronic devices where measures have present.
been taken so that even in the case of 2) Safety extra low voltage circuit
an internal fault the voltage at the out- cables shall be non-metallic sheathed
going terminals cannot exceed extra cables.
low voltage.
3) Conductors of circuits at different
Arrangement of Circuits voltages shall be separated from
2) those at safety extra low voltage by
i) Live parts of safety extra low voltage an earthed metallic screen or an
circuits shall not be connected to earth earthed metallic sheath.
or to live parts or protective conductor
4) Circuits at different voltages may be
forming part of other circuits.
contained in a multicore cable or
ii) Exposed conductive parts of safety other grouping of conductors but the
extra low voltage circuits shall not conductors of safety extra low

21
IS I 732 l 19119

voltage cvcuits shall be insulated, parts may be touched by a &rson having a con-
individually or collectively, for the ventionalty normal body resistance, and shall be
highest voltage present. appropn*atcly reduced in conditions where reductd
or very low body resistance ir to be exjtcted.
.NCWl - In arrangements (2) and (3)
basic insulation of any conductor need be NOTE - Conventionally normal body resistance
sufficient only for the voltage of the circuit relates to a contact involving one hand and both
of which it is a part. feet, the skin being dry or moist wlth perspiration
( but not wet ). Reduced body’ resistance may be
v) Plugs and socket outlets of safety extra expected in situations where the hands and/or feet
low voltage circuits shall comply with are likely to be wet or where the shock current
all of the following requirements: path may not be through the extremities, and
very low body resistance ( of the order of one
1) The plugs shall not be capable of quarter of the conventionally normal body reair-
tance ) is KO be expected in locationa where a
entering socket outlets of other person is immersed in water or working in confined
voltage systems in use in the same conductive locations.
premises.
2) The socket outlets shall exclude 5.1.1.3 Functional extra low voltage systems
plugs of other voltage systems in use 4 If for functional reasons extra low voltage
in the same premises. is used but not all the requirements
3) The socket outlets shall not have a of 5.1.1.2 regarding safety extra low voltage
protective conductor connection. are fulfilled, the appropriate measures de+
vi) Mobile safety sources shall be selected cribed in (b) to (e) below shall be taken in
or erected in accordance with 5.1.3.2. order to ensure protection against electric
shock. Systems employing these measures
vii) If the nominal voltage exceeds 25 V ac are termed ‘functional extra low voltage
rms 50 Hz, or 60 V ripple-free dc, systems’.
protection against direct contact shall
be provided by one or more of the NOTE- Such conditions may, for example, be
following: encountered in extra low voltage circuits when
one point of the extra low voltage circuit is con-
1) Barriers or enclosures affording at nected to earth or if the circuit contains compo-
nents (such as transformers, relays, remote-control
least the degree of protection IP 2X. switches, contactors) insufficiently insulated with
2) Insulation capable of withstanding a respect to circuits at higher voltages.
test voltage 500 V dc for one minute.
b) If the extra low voltage system complies
with the requirements ol 5.1.1.2 f-or safety
If the nominal voltage does not exceed 25 V ac
extra low voltage except that live or
rms 50 Hz, or 60 V ripple-free dc, protection
against direct contact is not required by this code exposed conductive parts are connected to
except as specified below: earth or to the protective conductors of the
systems [ see 5.1.1.2(b)(i) and (ii) ] protec-
Application of Protective Measure - Safety tion against direct contact shall be provided
extra-low voltage by one or more of the following:
Where the use of safe9 extra-low voltage i) Enclosures giving protection at least
( SELV ) is relied upon for protection against equivalent to IP 2X.
direct contact, that is, where live parts are not ii) Insulation capable for resisting a test
insulated or provided with bam*ers aird enclosures voltage of 500 V rms for one minute.
in accordance waIh 5.1.1.2(2) (vii), tb nominal
voltage shall not in any event exceed 25 V rms ac Such a system is connected to afford
or 60 V ripple-fee dc. These voltage limits are protection against indirect contact.
applicable ody to conditions where simultane-
This requirement does not exclude
ously accessible parts may be touched by a fierson
the installation or the use without
having a body resistance assumed as conven-
supplementary protection of equipment
tionally normal, and shall be appropriately reduced
conforming to the relevant standard,
in conditions where reduced or very low body
providing an equivalent degree of
resistance is to be expected.
safety.
Where SELV is used for protection against c) If the extra low voltage system does not
indirect contact only, and where the live parts of
generally comply with the requirements of
the SEL V tircuit are insulated or provided with
5.1-l for safety extra low voltage, protec-
barriers and enclosures in accordance tion against direct contact shall be provided
with 5.1.1.2(2)(vii), the nominal voltage shall by one or more of the following:
nof in any event exceed 50 V rms ac or 120 V
r&&free dc. These voltage limits are applicable i) Barriers or enclosures according
only to conditions where simultaneously accessible to 5.1.2.2.

22
ii) Insulation corresponding to the mini- 5.1.1.4 Prokction by limitation of discharge of
mum test voltage required for the energy - For equipment complying with the
primary circuit. appropriate standard, protection against electric
shock is afforded when the equipment incorporates
In addition, protection against means of limiting the current which can pass
indirect contact shall be provided in through the body of a person or livestock to a
accordance with (d) below. value lower than the shock current. Circuits rely-
The extra low voltage circuit may be ing on this protective measure shall be separated
used to supply factory built equipment from other circuits in a manner similar to that
whose insulation does not comply with specified in !5.1.1.2(2)(iii) and (iv) for safety extra
the minimum test voltage required for low voltage circuits.
the primary circuit provided that the
accessible insulation of that equipment Application of protective measure-Limitation
is reinforced during erection to with- of discharge of energy
stand a test voltage of 1 500 V rms for
one minute. This measure shall be applied only lo individual
If the primary circuit of the functional items of current-using equipment complying with an
extra low voltage source is protected by appropriate Indian Standard, where the equipment
automatic disconnection, exposed conduc- incorporates means of limiting to a saje value the current
tive parts of the equipment in the function- that can Jlow from lhe equipment through the body of a
al extra low voltage circuit shall be perron or livestock. The application of this measure may
connected to the protective conductor of be extended to a part of an installation derived from such
the primary circuit. items of cqulpment, where the relevant Indian Standard
concerned provides specz$ally for this, for example, to
NOTE - Thii doer not exclude the nossibilitv electric fences supplied from electricfence controllers.
of connecting a conductor of the functi6nal ext&
low voltage circuit to the protective conductor of
the primary circuit. 5.1.2 Protection Against Direct Contact
If the primary circuit of the functional
extra low voltage source is protected by 5.1.2.0 General - One or more of the fGllow-
electrical separation, the exposed conduc- ing basic protective measures for protection against
tive parts of equipment in the functional direct contact shall be used:
extra low voltage circuit shall be connected a) Protection by insulation of‘iive parts,
to the non-earthed protective conductor of
the primary circuit. b) Protection by barriers or enclosures,
c) Protection by obstacles, and
N~T~G- This latter requirement does not con-
travene 5.1.5.5(c), the combination of the d) Protection by placing out of reach.
electrically separated circuit and lhe extra low
voltage circuit being regarded as one electrically
separated circuit. 5.1.2.1 Pro&lion by insulation of lizlt parts -
Live parts shall be completely covered with insu-
The socket outlet of functional extra low lation which can only be removed by destruction
voltage systems shall not admit plugs inten- and which is capable of durably withstanding.the
ded for use with other systems in use in the mechanical, electrical, thermal and che&al
same premises. stresses to which it may be subjected in service.
Application of Protective Measure -
Functional extra-low voltage NOTE 1 - Where insulation is app)ied during the
erection of the installation. the aualitv of the insulation
Where, for functional reasons, t&a-low should be confirmed by iests km&r to &se which
voltage is ustd but: ensure the quality of the insulation of similar factory’
built equipment.
i) &c point of the extra-low voltage circuit is NOT~P2 - General purpose, paints, varnishes, lac-
required to be earthed, or
quers and similar products without additional insulation
ii) Live pcrtts or exposed conductive parts of the do not provide adequate insulation for protection
extra-low voltage circuit art conntctcd to tht against direcf contact.
prottc fiive condu&rs qf other sys&ns (whttka:
those protective conductors art earthed or not); Application of protective measure - Insulation
or of live parts
iii) The insulation between the extra-low voltagt
This measure relates to basic insulation, and is inten-
circuits and other circuits is not equivalent to
ded to prevent contact with live parts. 4, is generally
that provided by a safety source.
applicable for protection against direct contact, in conjunc-
The syskm shall be treated as a functional tion with a measure for procction tigainst indirect
extra-lowvoltage system Fnd 5.1.1.3 applg. contad.
-.

IS : 732 - 1989

5.1.2.2 Protection by barriers or enclosures accessories complying with an Indian Standard

where comjLiance with the generality of 5.1.2.2(a)
4 Live parts shall be inside enclosures or is imbracticable by reason of the function of
behind barriers providing at least the
those items, for exam@, to lampholder;. Where-
degree of protection IP 2X except that,
ver that exception is used, the opening shall be as
where an opening larger than that admitted small as is consistent with the requirements for
for IP 2X is necessary to allow the replace-
proper functioning and for replacement of parts.
ment of parts or to avoid interference
with the proper functioning of electrical 5.1.2.3 Protection by obstacles
equipment both of the following require-
ments apply: a) Obstacles shall prevent, as appropriate, the
following:
i) Suitable precautions shall be taken to
prevent persons or livestock from i) Unintentional bodily approach to live
unintentionally touching live parts, parts, or
and ii) Unintentional contact with live parts
ii) It shall be established as far as practi- when operating equipment live in
cable, that persons will be aware that normal use.
live parts can be touched through the b) Obstacles shall be so secured as to prevent
opening and should not be touched. unintentional removal but may be remov-
b) Horizontal top surfaces of barriers or able without using a key or tool.
enclosures which are readily accessible shall Application of Protective Measure-Obstacles
provide a degree of protection of at least
IP 4x. This measure is intended to prevent unintentional
contact with Liveparts, but not intentional contact by
4 Barriers and enclosures shall be firmly deliberate circumvention af the obstacles. It shall be used
secured in place and have sufficient stability only for protection against direct contact in areas accessi-
and durability to maintain the required ble only to skilled persons, or instructed persons under
degrees of protection and appropriate sepa- direct supervision.
ration from live parts in the known condi-
tions of normal service. 5.1.2.4 Protection by placing out of reach
4 Where it is necessary to remove barriers or
to open enclosures or to remove parts of a) Bare or PVC covered overhead lines for
enclosures, one or more of the following distribution between buildings and struc-
rquirements shall be satisfied: tures shall be installed in accordance with
good practice.
i) The removal or opening shall be possi-
b) Bare live parts shall not be within arm’s
ble only by use of a key or tool,
reach.
ii) The removal or opening shall be possi-
c) Where bare live parts other than overhead
ble only after disconnection of the
lines are out of arm’s reach but nevertheless
supply to live parts against which the
may be accessible, they shall not be within
barriers or enclosures afford protection,
2.5 m of any of the following:
restoration of the supply being possible
only after replacement or reclosure of i) Exposed conductive parts,
the barriers or enclosures, and ii) Extraneous conductive parts, and
iii) An intermediate barrier shall be provi- iii) Bare live parts of other circuits.
ded to prevent contact with live parts,
such barrier affording a degree of pro- d) If a normally occupied position is restricted
tection of at least IP 2X and removable in the horizontal plane by an obstacle ( for
only by the use of a tool. example, handrail mesh screen ) affording
a degree of protection less than IP 2X,
This requirement does not apply to ceiling arm’s reach shall extend from that obstacle.
roses or to ceiling switches operated by a cord. In the overhead direction, arm’s reach is
2.5 m from the surface S not taking into
Application of Protective Measure - Barriers
account any intermediate obstacle provid-
or enclosures
ing a degree of protection less than IP 2X
a) This measure is intended to prevent or deter any ( see Fig. 1 ).
contact with liveparts It isgenerally applicable
NOTE - The values of arm’s reach refer to
for protectiun against direct contact in conjunction bare hands witbout any assistance, for example,
-wirh a measure for protection against tndirect from tools or a ladder.
contact. In places where bulky or long conducting
4
b) The exception in 5.1.2.2(a) allowing for open- objects are normally handled, the distances
ings larger than IP 2X in barriers or cndosures required by (b) to (d) shall be increased
shall be applied only to items of equipment or accordingly.
lmm-.__..__ -.. __-..

IS : 732 - 1989

Application of Protective Measure - Placing where in the installation shall be of

out of reach such magnitude and duration as not
to cause danger.
This measure is intended only to prevent unintentional
contact with live parts and shall be applied only for NATE 1 - For information on types of
protection against direct contact. The applicatien of the earthing arrangements, SII IS : 3043-1987..
provisions of 5.1.2.4(b) to (d) shall be limited to loca- NOTE2 - For the conditions of connection
of exposed conductive parts SII 5.1.3.1(b) to
tions accessible only to skilled jersons, or instructed (d) and as appropriate to the earthing
persons under direct supervision. arrangement concerned.

5.1.3 Protection Against Indirect Contact iii) The provisions of (ii) above are consi-
dered to be satisfied if the automatic
5.1.3.0 General - One or more of the follow-
disconnection provided for occurs with-
ing basic protective measures for protection against
in the duration not permitting the
indirect contact shall be used:
touch voltage to exceed the safe value.
4 Earthed equipotential bonding and auto- iv) Where protection is afforded by an
matic disconnection of supply, overcurrent protective device, and the
b) Use of Class II equipment or equivalent nominal voltage to earth (V, ) is
insulation, 240 V rms ac, the earth fault loop im-
pedance ( & ), for compliance with
C>Non-conducting location, (iiiesabove, shall not exceed safe
4 Earth free local equipotential bonding,
and
v) Where compliance with the disconnec-
4 Electrical separation. tion times of (iii) above is afforded by
a residual current device in an installa-
5.1.3.1 Protection by earfhed equipotential bonding tion, the product of the rated residual
and automatic disconnection of supplr operating current in amperes and the
a) General earth fault loop impedance in ohms
shall not exceed the values given in
9 In each installation main equipotential IS : 3043-198i* for different types of
bonding conductors complying with system earthing.
IS : 3043-1987* shall connect extrane-
ous conductive parts including the vi) Within the zone formed by the main
following to the main earthing termi- equipotential bonding, local supple-
nal for that insulation: mentary bonding connections shall be
made to metal parts, to maintain the
1) Main water pipes, equipotential zone, where those parts:
2) Main gas pipes,
1) are extraneous conductive parts,
3) Other service pipes and ducting,
2) are simultaneously accessible with
4) Risers of central heating and air- exposed conductive parts or other
conditioning systems, and extraneous conductive parts, and
5) Exposed metallic parts of the build- 3) are not electrically connected to the
ing structure. main equipotential bonding by
NOTE 1 - This bonding is intended to permanent and reliable metal-to-
create a ione in which any voltages be- metal joints of negligible
tween exposed conductive parts and extra- impedance.
neous conductive parts are minimised.
NOTE - Where local equipotential
NOTE 2 - Compliance with (a) (i) will bondinn is nrovided in accordance with (vi)
normally satisfy the relevant requirements above, “meialwork which may be required
of the protective multiple earthing. to be bonded includes baths and exposed
NOTE 3 - Additional equipotential metal pipes, sinks, taps, tanks and radiators
bonding may be required [see 5.1.3.1(a)(v)]. and, where practicable, accessible struc-
tural metalwork.
ii) The characteristics of the protective
devices for automatic disconnection, b) Installations which are part of a TN system:
the earthing arrangements for the i) All exposed conductive parts of the
installation and the relevant impe- installation shall be connected by pro-
dances of the circuits concerned shall be tective conductors to the main earthing
coordinated so that during an earth terminal of the installation and that
fault the voltages between simultane- terminal shall be connected to the
ously accessible exposed and extrane- earthed point of the supply source in
ous conductive parts occurring any accordance with IS : 3043-1987*.
eCode of practice for earthing ( jrtirrt
r&fort ). *Code of practice for earthing.

25
IS:732-1989

ii) The protective devices shall be of one such magnitude and duration between simultane-
or more of the following type: ously accessible conductive parts that danger could
arise. Il includesall methods involving the earth-
1) Overcurrent protective devices, and
ing of exposed conductive parts. The limiting
2) Residual current devices. values of earth fault loop impedance speciJied
Provided that where the neutral in 5.1.3.1 (a)(iv) shall be applied. where the
and the protective functions are combi- conditions are such that conventionally normal
ned in one conductor (PEN conductor) body resistance applies. In conditions where
a residual current device shall not be reduced or very low body resistance is to be
used. expected, either the earth fault loop impedance
values shall be appropriately reduced or another
c) Installations which are part of a TT system: protective measure shall be used.
i) Where protection is afforded by over-
NOTE -Conventionally normal body resistance
current protective devices or residual relates to a contact involvine cjne band and both
current devices, exposed conductive feet, the skin being dry or Goist with perspiration
parts shall be connected by protective ( but not wet ). Reduced body resistance may be
conductors individually, in groups or expected in situations where tile hands and/or. feet
are likely to be w&or where the shock current
collectively to an earth electrode or path may not.& through the extremities. and very
electrodes. low body resistance (of the order of one quarter of
the conventionally normal body resistance ) is to
ii) The protective dt.4ces shall be of one be expected m locations where a person is immer-
or more of the following types: sed in a water or working in confined conductive
locations.
1) Residual current devices, and
2) Overcurrent protective devices. b) The limiting values of earth fault loop impedance
spe@ed in 5.1.3.lja)(iv) are aqplicable only
d) Installations which are part of an IT where the exposed conductive parts af the equip-
system: ment concerned and any extraneous conductive
i) No live conductor of the installation parts are situated within the cane created by the
shall be directly connected to earth. main equipotential bonding [ see 5.1.3.1 (a) (i)].

NOTE -To reduce overvoltage or to damp Where a circpit originating in that zone is
voltage oscillations, it may be necessary to pro- specijically intended to supply equipment to be
vide earthing through impedances or artificial
used outside the zone, and that equipment may be
neutral points and the characteristics of these
should be appropriate to the requirements of touched by a person in contact directly with thd
the installation. general mass of earth, the following requirements
ii) Exposed conductive parts shall be apply:
earthed either individually, in groups or i) For solidly grounded system it shall be suji-
collectively. Simultaneously accessible cient to check whether de provisions of
exposed conductive parts and associated 5.1.3.1 are complied with in general;
extraneous conductive parts shall be ii) It shall be veriJed whether the main over-
connected only to an earth electrode current protection drvice afords the degree of
common to those parts. protection envisaged by 5.1.3.1 (a) (iv);
iii) The protective devices shall be residual iii) Where the overcurrent protective device did not
current devices. aford the degree of protection in 5.1.3.1(a)
iv) An insulation monitoring device shall (iv) and where the earthing is inadequate, a
be provided to indicate the occurrence separate residual current device shall be *ins-
of first fault from a live part to exposed talled, afordind a protection in compliance
conductive parts or to earth. The device Gth 5.1.3.l(a)(iv); and
shall automatically disconnect the iv) The automatic disconnecting device shall be
supply, or initiate an audible and/or so installed that proper discrimination between
visual signal. the circuits being protected is available.
NOTE- First fault should be eliminated as 4 Where the measure is used in a househsld or
quickly aa practicable. similar installation forming part of a TT system
or where the earthing is not effective, every socket
v) After the occurrence of first fault, condi- outlet circuit shall be protected by a residual
tions for disconnection of supply, as
current device having a rated residual operating
specified for TN and TT systems, shall
current not exceeding 30 mA.
apply*
d) Automatic disconnection using residual current
Application of protective measure - Automa- devices shall not be applied to circuits itlcorpordt-
tic disconnection of supply ing a PENoenductor. The measure is otherwise
a) This measure is gensrally applicable, and is generally applicable, provided that the deviee is
intended to prevent the occurrence of voltage of selected to have a residual operating current

26
b... _. .” _.. .___. -.

ISr732-1989

ensuring compliance with 5.1.3.1 (a)(ii) and of the installation and exposed metalwork
(v). The use of s&h devices is preferred where of that equipment.
the value of earth fault loop impedance prevents
4 The electrical equipment being ready for
the use of overeurrent devices to obtain compli-
operation, all conductive parts separated
ance with the disconnection times specified
from live parts by basic insulation only
in 5.1.3.l(a)(iii).
shall be contained in an insulating
NOTE - If a residual current device affording enclosures affording at least the degree of
protection against indirect contact has a rated protection IP 2X.
residual current equal to or less than 30 mA and
an operating time of 40 msor less at a residual 4 The insulating enclosure shall be capable
current of 250 mA, it may also be used to reduce of resisting the mechanical, electrical and
the risk associated with direct contact in case of thermal stresses to which it is likely to be
failure of other protective measures. Such a device
subjected.
cannot be used as a sole means of protection
against direct contact and does not obviate the NOTE - Coatings of paint, varnish and similar
need to apply one of the protective measure speci- products are generally considered not to comply
fied in 5.1.2.0.
with (d).
e) Automatic disconnection using fault voltage opera- If the insulating enclosure has not previ-
ted protective devices is recogniscdfor use in TT
e)
ously been tested, a suitable test shall be
and IT systems and is suitabte where the impe- carried out ( see Section 5 ).
dance of the earth fault loop prevents compliance
with 5.1.2.2(b) and (c) by theuse of overcurrent f) The insulating enclosure shall not be
protective devices. pierced by conductive parts, other than
circuit conductors, likely to transmit a
5.1.3.2 Protection by use of Class II equipment potential. The insulating enclosure shall not
or by equivalent insulation contain any screws of insulating material,
the replacement of which by metallic
a) Protection shall be provided by one or screws could impair the insulation provided
more of the following: by the enclosure.
i) Electrical equipment of the following NOTE-Where the insulating enclorure must be
types, type tested and marked to the pierced by mechanical ‘oints or connections ( for
relevant standards: example, for operating h andlea of bui’:t-in equip-
ment, and for fixing screws ) these should be
1) Electrical equipment having &ouble arranged in such a way that protection against
or reinforced insulatiofi ( Class II indirect contact is not impaired.
equipment ).
f3)Where lids or doors in the insulating enclo-
2) Factory built assemblies of electrical sure can be opened without the use of a
equipment having total insulation. tool or key, all conductive parts which are
ii) Supplementary insulation applied to accessible if the lid or door is open shall be
electrical equipment having basic insu- behind an insulating barrier’ which prevent
lation only, as a process in the erection persons from coming into contact with those
of an electrical installation, providing a parts; this insulating barrier shall provide a
degree of safety equivalent to that of degree of protection of at least XP 2X and
electrical equipment accor$ing to (i) (1.) be removable only by use of a tool.
;:;J; and compiymg with (b) to (J) h) Conductive parts enclosed in the insulating
. enclosure shall not be connected to a pro-
tective conductor. However, provision may
iii) Reinforced insulation applied to uninsu-
be made fur connecting protective conduc-
lated live parts, as a process in the erec-
tion of an electrical installation, tors which necessarily run through the
enclosure in order to serve other items of
providing a degree of safety equivalent
to electrical equipment according to electrical equipment whose supply circuit
also runs through the enclosure. Inside that
(i)(l) above and complying with (b) to
enclosure, any such conductors and their
(j), such insulation being recognized
terminals or joints shall be insulated as
only where constructional features
though they were live parts and their ter-
prevent the application of double insu-
minals shall be appropriately marked.
lation.
j) The enclosure provided for this measure
b) The installation of equipment described in
shall not adversely affect the operation of
item (a) (i) above ( for example the fixing
the equipment protected.
and connection of conductors ) shall be
effected in such a way as not to impair the Application of. protective measure - Class II
protection afforded in compliance with the _
equipment or equivalent insulition
equipment specification, Class 11 equipment
shall be so installed that basic insulation is a) This measure is intended to prevent !he appearance
net the only protection between live parts of a dangerous voltage on the exposed metalwork

27
IS ; 732 - 1989

of electrical equipment through a fault in the basic ii) 100 kQ where the supply voltage exceeds
insulation. It is generally applicable to items of 500 V but does not exceed 1 000 V.
equipment, either by the selection of equipment
complying with an appropriate Indian Standard If at any point the resistance is less
where that standard provides for the use of than the specified value, the floors and
Class N construction or total insulation, or by the walls are extraneous conductive parts for
application of suitable supplementary insulation the purposes of protection against shock.
during erection.
NOTX- Stepa may need to be taken SOthat
b) Where a circuit supplies items of Class II equip- humidity will not effect the resistance of Boom
ment, a means of connection to the protective and walk to such an extent that they do not com-
ply with 5.1.3.S(c).
conductor of the circuit shall nevertheless be provi-
ded at every point for the supply of current-using The arrangements
equipment likely to be changed by the user, and
4 made shall be perma-
nent. They shall also afford protection
at terminations for accessories similarly likely to where the use of mobile or portable equip
be changed by the user. This requirement need ment is envisaged.
not be observed where (c) below applies.
NOTE - Attention is drawn to the risk that
NOTE- Exposed metalwork of Class II equip-
where electrical installations are not under effec-
ment should preferably be mounted so that it is
not in electrical contact with any part of the ins- tive supervision, further conductive parts may be
tallation connected to a protective conductor. Such introduced at a later date ( for example, mobile
or portable Class I equipment or metallic water
a contact may impair the Class II protection
pipes ), which may invalidate compliance
provided by the equipment specification. with (d).
4 Where this measure is to be used as a sole means
of protection against indirect contact ( that is, 4 Precautions shall be taken so that a poten-
where a whole installation or circuit is intended tial on extraneous conductive parts in the
to consist entirely of Class II equipment or the location cannot be transmitted outside that
equivalent ), it shall be verified that the installa- location.
tion or circuit concerned will be under ejective
Requirement of 5.1.3.3(a) is fulfilled if
supervision in normal use so that no. change is
the location has an insulating floor and
made that would impair the eflectiveness of the
walls and one or more of the following
Class If or equivalent insulation. The measure
arrangements applies:
shall not therefore be so applied to any crrcuit
which includes socket outlets or where a user may 1) Relative spacing of exposed conductive
change items of equipment without authorisation. parts and of extraneous conductive parts
Cables having a non-metallic sheath OY a non- as well as spacing of exposed conductive
metallic enclosure shall not be described as being parts: This spacing is sufficient if the
of Class N constiti.on. However, the use of such distance between two parts is not less
cables installed in accordance with relevant than 2 m; this distance may be reduced
standard is considered to aford satisfactory pro- while out of the zone of arm’s reach.
tection against direct and indirect contact.
2) Interposition of effective obstacles be-
5.1.3.3 Protection by non-conducting location tween exposed conductive parts and
Exposed conductive parts shall be arranged extraneous conductive parts: Such
4 obstacles are sufficiently effective if they
so that under ordinary circumstances a
person will not come into simultaneous extend the distances to be surmounted
contact with: to the values stated in (1) above. They
shall not be connected to earth or to
i) two exposed conductive parts, or
exposed conductive parts; as far as
ii) an exposed conductive part and any Essio&they shall be of insulating
extraneous conductive part, .
if these parts are liable to be at different
potentials through failure of the basic insu- 3) Insulation or insulating arrangement of
extraneous conductive parts: The insula-
lation of live parts. tion shall be of adequate electrical and
b) In a non-conducting location there shall be mechanical strength.
no protective conductors, and any socket
outlets shall not incorporate an earthing Application of Protective Measure - Non-
contact. conductive location

4 The resistance of insulating floors and walls This measure is intended to prevent simultaneoy
at every point of measurement under the con&et with parts which may be at di&ent potentials
conditions specified in 12.3 shall be not less through failure of the basic irt.sulationof live parts. It 1s
than: not recognised in these clauses for general use, but may
i) 50 kQ where the supply voltage does not be apfiied in special situations under e&tive supeririJ,iun,
exceed 500 V, or where spectfied by a suitably qualijisd rlectn’cal engineer.

28
 Protection by earth frcG
5.1.3.4 local equigotential 2) such that the output is separated
bonding from the input and from the tnclo-
sure by an isolation satisfying the
Equipotential bonding conductors shall
conditions of 5.1.3.2(a) to (j). If such
connect together all simultaneonsly accessi-
a source supplies several items of
ble exposed conductive parts and extraneous
equipment, exposed metalwork of
conductive parts.
that equipment shall not be conntc-
The local equipotential bonding conductors ted to the metallic enclosure of the
shall not be in electrical contact with earth source.
directly, or through exposed conductive
parts or through extraneous conductive c) The separated circuit shall comply with the
following requirements:
parts.
NOTE -Where (b) caunot be obrerved, i) Live parts of the separated circuit shall
requirements far protection by automatic discon- not be connected at any point to another
nection of supply are applicable [ sse 5.1.3.1 (a)
circuit or to earth and to avoid the risk
to(d) 1.
of a fault to earth, particular attention
Precautions shall be taken so that persons shall be given to the insulation of such
entering the equipotential location carmot parts from earth, especially for flexible
be exposed to ,dangerous potential diffe-
cables and cords.
rence, in particular, where a conductive
floor insulated from earth is connected to ii) Flexible cables and cords shall be visible
the earth fret tquipotentiai bonding throughout every part of their length
conductors. liable to mechanical damage.
iii) A separate wiring system shall prefer-
Application of Protective Measure-Earth fret
ably be used for tht separated circuit.
local equipotential bonding
Alternatively, multicore cables .without
This measure is intended to prevent the appGorance metallic sheath, or insulated conductors
of a dangerous voltage between simultaneously accessible in insulating conduit shall be used, their
#arts in the event of failure of the basic insulation. It rated voltage being not less than the
shall be applied only in special situations which are highest voltage likely to occur, and each
earth free and under e$cctive supsrvision and where spcci- circuit shall be protected against over-
fied by a suitably qualrfied electrical engineer. current. ,
iv) Live parts of the separate circuit shall
5.1.3.5 Protection by electrical separation -The
be electrically separated from other
voltage of the electrically separated circuit shall
circuits. Arrangements shall ensure
not exceed 500 V:
electrical separation not less than that
a>Protection by electrical separation shall be
afforded by compliance with (b) and (c)
between the input and output of a
safety isolating transformer.
below and with (d) below for a, supply to
one item of equipment, or (t) below for a NOTE -In particular, electrical separation
ir necessary between the live parts of electri-
supply to more than one item of tquip- cal equipment such as relays, contactors,
mtnt. auxiliary switches and any part of another
The source of supply to the circuit shall circuit.
b)
comply with the following requirements: For a circuit supplying a single item of
4
i) It shall be either: equipment, no exposed metalwork of the
separated circuit shall bt connected inten-
1) a safety isolating transformtr, the tionally tither to the protective conductor
secondary winding being isolated or to exposed conductive parts of other
from earth; or circuits.
2) a source of current providing a If precautions are taken to protect the
degree of safety equivalent to that of d
separated circuit from damage and insula-
the safety isolating transformer tion failure, a source of supply complying
referred to above ( for txamplt, a with 5.1.3.5(b)(i) to (iii) may supply more
motor gtntrator with windings pro- than one item of equipment provided that
viding equivalent isolation ). all the following requirements art fulfilled:
ii) Mobile sonrces of supply fed from a
fixed installation shall be stltcttd or i) The exposed metalwork of the separated
installed in accordance with 5.1.3.2(a) circuit shall be connected together by
insulated and non-earthed equipotential
to (j), or
bonding conductors. Such conductors
iii) Equipment used as a fixed source of shall not be connected to the protective
supply, shall bt tither: conductors or exposed conductive parts
1) .,stlecttd and installed in accordance of other circuits or to any extraneous
with 5.1.3.2(a) to (j), or conductive parts.
29
IS : 732- 13))

ii) All socket’outlets shall be provided with 4 Exposed conductive parts, which owing to
protective contacts which’shall be con- their reduced dimensions or their disposition
nected 0 cquipotcntial bonding cannot be gripped or cannot be contacted
conducto f provided in accordance with by a major surface of the human body,
(i) above. provided that connection of these parts to
iii) All flexible cables of equipment other a protective conductor cannot readily be
than Class II equipment shall embody made or cannot be reliably maintained.
a protectiv conductor for use as an NOTE- This clause applies to small isolated
equipotent e 1 bonding conductor. metal Darts such as bolts. rivets. nameolates and
cable ciips. For the purposes of (c) above a major
iv) It shall be verified that, if two faults to surface of the human body is considered to be
exposed me alwork occur and these are 50 mm x 50 mm.
fed by con x uctors of different polarity,
an associated protective device will meet 4 Fixing screws for non-metailic accessories
the requirements of 5.1.3.l(a)(ii). provided that there is no appreciable risk
of the screws coming into contact with live
Application of Protective Measure- Electrical parts.
separation Short lengths of metal conduit for mechani-
4
This measure is intended, in the individual circuit, cal protection of cables having a non-
to prevent shock currents through contact with exjosed metallic sheath, or other metal enclosures
conductive @arts which mig&t be energised by a fault in mechanically protecting equipment.
the basic insulation of that bircuit. It may be a@(icd to 5.1.5 Automatic Disconnection and Reduced System
the supply of any individual item of equipment by means Voltages
of a transformer the secondor) of which is not earthed, or
a source of equivalent safety. Its use to supplv several 5.1.5.1 Where for functional reasons the use
items of equipment from a single separated source is recog- of extra-low voltage is impracticable and there is
n&cd in these clauses only fw skecial situations under nd requirement for the use of safety extra-low
r$ective supervision, where sbe&ed by a suitably qual$ied voltage, a reduced low voltage system may be used
electrical engineer. as specified in 5.1.5.2 to 5.1.5.7.
5.1.4 Special Provisions and Exemptions
5.1.5.2 The nominal voltage of the reduced
5.1.4.1 For areas to which only skilled low voltage circuit shall not exceed 110 V rms ac
persons, or instructed persons under direct super- between phases ( three phase 65 V to earthed
vision, have access it is sufficient to provide neutral, single phase 55 V to earthed midpoint ).
against unintentional contaqt with live parts by
5.1.5.3 The source of supply to reduced low
use of obstacles in accordance with 5.1.2.3, or by
voltage circuits shall be one of the following:
placing of live parts out of reach in accordance
with 5.1.2.4, subject also to 5.1.4.2 to 5.1.4.4. - a double wound isolating transformer;
- a motor generator having windings provid-
5.1.4.2 The dimensions of passage-ways and
ing isolation equivalent to that provided by
working platforms for open type switchboards and
the windings of an isolating transformer; or
other equipment having exposed live parts shall
comply with relevant standards, as appropriate to - a source independent of other supplies, for
jhe nominal voltage of the live parts. example a diesel generator.

5.1.4.3 For areas which are accessible only 5.1.5.4 The neutral (star) point of the
to skilled persons by the use of a safety ward lock secondary windings of three-phase transformers
key or tools, the measures of protection against and generators, or the midpoint of the secondary
electric shock specified in this section may be windings of single-phase trtisformers and genera-
totally dispensed with, where this is permitted by tors, shall be connected to earth.
the appropriate authority. 5.1.5.5 Protection against direct contact shall
5.1.4.4 Areas reserved for skilled or instruc- be provided by insulation or by barriers or enclo-
ted persons shall be clearly and visibly indicated sures.
by suitable warning signs.
5.1.5.6 Protection against indirect contact
5.1.4.5 It is permissible to dispense with by automatic disconnection shall be provided by
measures of protection against indirect contact in means of an overcurrent protective device in each
the following instances: phase conductor or by a residual current device,
and all exposed conductive parts of the reduced
4 Overhead line insulator wall brackets and low voltage system shall be connected to earth.
metal parts connected to them if such parts The earth fault loop impedance at every point of
are not situated within arm’s reach. utilisation, including socket outlets, shall be such
b) Steel reinforced concrete poles in which the that the disconnection time does not exceed
steel reinforcement is not accessible. 5 seconds. Where a residual current device is used,

30
-._ _,.__
___..
_._
,I X._I

IS : 732 - l!MJ!9

the productof the rated residual operating current supply unit shall be connected to the pro-
in amperes and the earth fault loop impedance in tective conductor of the final circuit from
ohms shall not exceed 50. which the supply is derived.

5.1.5.7 Plugs, socket outlets and cable coup- e) In a room containing a fixed bath or
shower cubicle, parts of a lampholder with-
lers of reduced low voltage systems shall have a in a distance of 2.5 m from the bath or
protective conductor contact and shall not be shower cubicle shall be. constructed of
inter-changeable with plugs, socket outlets- and or shrouded in insulating material. Bayonet
cable couplers for use at other voltages in the type (B22) lampholder shall be fitted with
same installation. a protective shield. As an alternative,
totally enclosed luminaries may be used.
5.1.6 Protective Measures for ParticuLar Locations-
In certain locations the susceptibility of persons, f 1 Every switch or other means of electrical
and livestock where present, to electric shock may control or adjustment shall be so situated
be so high as to necessitate special combinations as to be normally inaccessible to a person
of protective measures and supplementary precau- using a fixed bath or shower. This require-
tions as specified in the following clauses. ment does not apply to electric shaver
supply units installed in accordance with
5.1.6.1 Bathrooms and showers (d) above or to insulating cords of cord-
operated switches, :or to controls incorpo-
In a room containipg a fixed bath or rated in instantaneous water heaters. No
shower, there shall be no socket outlets stationary appliance having heating
and there shall be no provision for connec- elements which can be touched shall be
ing portable equipment. Wh&e shower installed within reach of a person using the
cubicles are located in rooms other than bath or shower. For the purpose of this
,bathrooms, any socket outlets shall be standard the sheath of a silica glass sheath-
situated at least 2.5 m from the shower ed element is regarded as part of the
cubicle. These requirements do not apply element.
to shaver supply units complying with (d)
below. 5.1.6.2 Agricultural installations
In a room containing a fixed bath or a) In situations accessible to livestock in and
shower, supplementary cquipotential bond- around agricultural buildings, electrical
ing shall be provided between simultane- equipment shall, so far a: is practicable, be
ously accessible exposed conductive parts of Class II construction, or constructed of
and simultaneously accessible extraneous or protected by suitable insulation material.
conductive parts, and between simultane- Where protection against indirect contact
ously accessible extraneous conductive is provided by automatic disconnection in
parts. such situations, the limiting values of earth
For circuits supplying equipment in a room fault loop impedance prescribed in 5.1.3.1
containing a fixed bath or shower, where (a) (iv) are not applicable and shall be
the equipment is simultaneously accessible reduced as appropriate to the type of live-
with exposed conductive parts of other stock whose presence is envisaged.
equipment or with extraneous conductive
NOTE - The very low body resistance of horses
parts, the characteristics of the protective and cattle, for example, makes them susceptible
devices and the earthing arrangements shall to electric shock at voltages lower than 25 V rm~
be such that in the event of an earth fault, ac.
disconnection occurs within 0.4 seconds. Where protection by the use oisafety extra-
b)
In a room containing a fixed bath or low voltage is used in situations accessible
shower, electric shavers shall be connected to livestock in and around agricultural
only by means of a shaver supply unit buildings, the upper limit of nominal
complying with the relevant Indian Stan- voltage spe’cified in 5.1.1.2 does not apply .
dard. The earthing terminal of the shaver and shall be reduced as appropriate.

SECTION 3B PROTECTION AGAINST THERMAL EFFECTS

5.2 Reqairements for Protection Against provided by the appropriate measures specified in
Thermal Effects this section.
5.2.1.2 All switchgear shall be selected and
5.2.1 General erected in accordance with the requirements
of Section 4 so as to prevent danger from
5.2.1.1 Protection against thermal effects overheating, arcing, or the scattering of hot
caused by fixed electrical equipment shall be particles during operation.
31
 5.2.2 Protection Against Fire Application of Protective Measure .- U&r
considiiation.
5.2.2.1 Fixed equipment shall be selected,
located and erected so that its intended heat dissi-
pation is not inhibited and it does not present a
c- .
.\

1
fire hazard to adjacent building materials. \\
5.2.2.2 Fixed equipment which in normal \\
operation has a surface temperature exceeding
90°C shall be adequately ventilated and be moun-
\\
ted so that no material constituting ,a fire hazard
is within 300 mm above or 150 mm laterally from ’,\
or below the equipment ( see Fig. 2 ), except that I
these distances may be reduced if a suitable fire- 600
resistant shield or enclosure is installed between I
I
the equipment and any such material.
k
This does not apply to lamps, luminaires and
appliances installed in accordance with the manu-
facturer’s instructions and considered to comply
with this requirement.
5.2.2.3 Where a distribution board .is cons- I I
,_ 150 _ HEAT 150 4
tructed without a back or without one or more of
*I SOURCE *
the other enclosing surfaces it shall be fitted only I
to surfaces of materials or to other equipment in I :
I I \
such a way as to complete the enclosure. R 150 RI50 ’
I
\ 150 I
5.2.2.4 All fixed lumintiires and lamps shall \
,
be placed or guarded so as to prevent ignition of . _’
any material which in the conditions of use fore-
seen are likely to be placed in proximity to the FIG. 2 CLRARANCLI FROM EQUIPMENT
luminaires or lamps. Any shade or guard used for
this purpose shall be suitable to withstand the
5.2.3 Protection Against Burns - Where the tem-
hear from the luminaire or lamp.
perature of any part of the enclosure of fixed
Fixed luminaires mounted in accordance with equipment is liable to exceed 80X, the enclosure
the manufacturer’s installation instructions comply shall be so located or guarded as to prevent
with this requirement. accidental contact therewith.

SBtiTION 3C PROTECTION AGAINST OVERCURRENT

5.3 Requirements for Protection Against 5.3.2 Nature of Protective Devices

Overcurreat
5.3.2.1 General - The protective devices
5.3.1 General shall be of the appropriate types indicated
5.3.1.1 Live conductors shall be protected by in 5.3.2.2 to 5.3.2.4.
one or more devices for automatic interruption of
the supply in the event of overload ( SGC5.3.3 ) 5.3.2.2 Protection ugdirtir both Overload and short-
and short circuits ( see 5.3.4 ) except in cases circuit currents - Devices protiding protection
where the overcurrent is limited in accordance against both overload curp@ and short-circuit
with 5.3.6. current shall be capable of breaking ( and, for
NOTE I - Live conductors protected against circuit breakers, making ) any overcurrent up to
overload in accordance with 5.3.3 are considered to he and including the prospective short-circuit current
protected also against faults likely to cause over currenta at the point where the device is installed. They
of a magnitude similar to overload currents.
shall satisfy the requirements of 5.3.3 and 5.3.4.3
NOTE 2 - Protection of conducton in accordance (b) and (c). Such protective devices may be circuit
with this clause does not necessarily protect the equip- breakers incorporating overload rele+e, or fuses,
ment connected to the conductors or flexible cahler
connecting such equipment to fixed inrtallationa or circuit breakers in conjunction with fuses, i
through plugs and socket outlets. I

5.3.1.2 The protection against overload and NOTE- The use of a projective device having a.
rated breaking capacity below the due of the prospe
the protection against short circuits shall be co- tive short circuit current at its lace of installation
ordinated in accordance with 5.3.5. subject to the requiremenu of 5. B.4.3.bL

32
 br732-1999

Protection against overload current on+

5.3.2.3 length and disposition, have no branch circuits
Devices providing protection against overload l throughout their length and are arranged so as to
currents shall satisfy the requirements of 5.3.3. carry substantially equal currents. This does not
Such devices may have a breaking capacity below appiy to ring circuits:
the value of the prospective short-circuit current
at the point where the device is installed. Application of protective measure against
overcurrent
5.3.2.4 Protection against short-circuit current
a) Position of devices for overload protection
only - Devices providing protection against short-
circuit currenti shall satisfy the requirements A device for protection againrt overload shall
of 5.3.4. Such devices shall be capable of breaking
i)
be placed at the point iuhere a reduction occurs
( and, for circuit breakers, making ) short-circuit in the value of current-carrying capacity of
currents up to and including the prospective short- the conductors of the installation. This
circuit current. Such devices may be circuit requirement does not apply where the arrange-
breakers with short-circuit release, or fuses. ments mentioned in (ii) below are adopted, and
no overload protective deuice need be provided
5.3.3 Protection Against Overload Current
where (b) below applies.
5.3.3.1 Protective devices shall be provided
NOTE-A reduction in the value of current-
to break any overload current flowing in the carrying capacity may be caused by a change
circuit conductors before such a current could in cross-sectional area, method of installation,
cause a temperature rise detrimental to insulation, type of cable or conductor, or in environmen-
joints, terminations, or surroundings of the tal conditions.
conductors. ii) The device protecting conductors against over-
5.3.3.2 Coordination between conductors and load may be placed along the run of those
protective devices - The characteristics of a device conductors, provided that the part ofi run
protecting a circuit against overload shall satisfy between the point where the value of current-
the following conditions: carrying capacity is reduced and the position
of the protective device has no branch tircuits
Its nominal current or current setting ( In ) or outlets for the connection of current-using
is not less than the design current ( I= ) of equipment.
the circuit.
b) Omission of &ices for overload protection -
b) Its nominal current or current setting ( In) Devices for protection against overload need not be
does not exceed the lowest of the current provided for:
carrying capacities ( Ix ) of any of the i) conductors situated on the load side of the
conductors of the circuit. point where a reduction occurs in the value of
c) The current causing effective operation of current-carrying capacity, where the conductors
the protective device ( 1s ) does not exceed are efectively protected against overload by a
1.45 times the lowest of the current carry- protective device placed on the supply side of
ing capacities ( 1, ) of any of the conductors that point;
of the circuit. ii) conductors which because of the characteristics
Where the device is d fuse or a circuit breaker, of the load, are not likely to carry overload
compliance with condition \b) also results in com- current;
pliance with condition (c). iii) circuits supplying equipment where unexpected
Where the device is a semi-enclosed fuse, com- opening of the circuit could cause a greater
pliance with condition (c) is afforded if its nominal danger than an overload condition, for exam-
current ( I, ) does not exceed O-725 times the ple, supply circuits of li$ing magnets, exciter
current-carrying capacity of the lowest rated circuits of rotating machines; and
conductor in the circuit protected. iv) secondary circuits of current transformers.
NOTE 1 - The conditions of 5.3.3.2 may be stated NOTE - The omission of overioad protec-
as formulae as follow: tion is recommended for the circuits described
in (iii) above, but in such cases the provision
IB < In < IZ
of an overload alarm should be considered.
1, < 1’45 x 1s
NOTE 2 - It is expected that the circuit is so c) Overload protective device in IT systems
designed that small overloads of long duration will not i) The provisions of (a) (ii) and (b) are appli-
frequently occur (‘see 3.1.1 ).
cable to installations forming part qf’an 17
_
* 5.3.3.3 Protection of conductors in parallel - system, only where the conductors concerned
When the same protective device protects conduc- are protected by a residual current protecttie
tors in parallel, the value of le is the sum of the device, or all the equipment Jupplied by the
current-carrying capacities of those conductors. circuit concerned ( including the conductors )
This provision is applicable only if those conduc- complzes with the protective measure described
tors are of the same type, cross-sectional area, in 5.1.3.2.

33
 5.13.4 Protection Against Short-Circuit Curreti - NOTE For certain types of circuit breakers,
This clause deals only with the case of short especially aontcurrent-limiting types, this. assump-
tion may not btixalid for the whole range of short-
circuits anticipated between conductors belonging circuit currenta; ‘Zo case of doubt, itr validity
to the same circuit. should be checked in 2tccordance with the require-
ments of(d) below.
5.3.4.1 General - Protective devices shall be
provided to break any short-ciruit current in the Where (c) above does not apply, it shall be
conductors of each circuit before such current verified as follows that al.1 currents caused
could cause danger due to thermal and mechani- by a short-circuit occurring,,?t any point of
cal effects produced.in conductors and connections. the circuit shall bq interrupted in a time
The nominal current of such a protective device not exceeding that which brings the cable
may be greater than current-carrying capacity of conductors to the admissible limiting tem-
the conductor being protected. perature. In addition it shall be verified for
larger installations that the cable is unlikely
563.4.2 D6tannination of pros~cti~c short-circuit to be damaged mechanically.
CWY6flt- The prospective short-circuit current at
every relevant point of the complete installation
For short-circuits of duration up to 5 seconds
shall be determined. This may be done either by
the time t in which a given short-circuit
calculation or by measurement of the relevant
current will raise the conductors from the
impedances.
highest permissible temperature in normal
Nom - If the prospective short-circuit current at duty to the limit temperature, can as an
the origin of an installation is less than the breaking approximation be calculated from the
capacity rating of the smallest rated protective device
to be used in the installation, no further assessment of formula:
the prospective rhort-circuit current is necessary.
t _-- ks S’
5.3.4.3 Chamcten*stics of short-circuit protective I’
-d&6$
a) Each short-circuit protective device shall where
meet the requirements of (b) and (c)
below; to duration in seconds;
b) The breaking capacity rating shall be not SW cross-*tional area in mm*;
less than the prospecti& short&rcuit current I- effective short-circuit current in
at the point at which the device is amperes expressed, for ac,.as the
installed. rms value;
A lower breaking capacity is permitted if k = 115 for copper conductors insula-
another protective device having the nece- ted with PVC;
ssary breaking capacity is installed on the 134 for copper conductors insulated
supply aide. In that case the characteristics with 60°C rubber, 85%
of the devices shall be coordinated so that rubber;
the energy let-through of these two devices 143 for copper conductors with
does not exceed that which can be with- 90°C thermosetting insulation;
stood without’damage by the device on the
load side and the conductors protected by 108 for copper conductors insuia-
these devices. ted with impregnated paper;
135 for mineral-insulated cables
Other characteristics may need to be taken with copper conductors;
into account, such as dynamic stresses and
arcing energy, for the device on the load 76 for aluminium conductors
aide. insulated with PVC;
89 for aluminium conductors
NOTP - Details of the characteristics needing
coordination should be obtained from the manu- insulated with 60°C rubber,
facture= of tlm devicu concerned. Coordination 85°C rubber;
with regatd to their aperating times ia of 94 for aluminium conductors with
impauncc.
90°C thermosetting insulation;
Cl yhcrq an ovcAoad protective device com- 71 for aluminium conductors
flyip~ with 5.3.3 is to be used also for short insulated with impregnated
-circuit protection, and has a rated breaking
paper;
capacity not less than the value of the pros-
pee@ve abort-circuit curreut at its point Of 87 for mineral-insulated cables
i@tion, it may generally be assumed with aluminium conductors;
that the requirements are satisfied as 100 for tin-soldered joints in ,cop
regards short-circmt protection of the per conductors, corresponding
conductor ou the load ride of that point. to a temperature of 160°C.

34
 NOTE.- For very short durations (len b) Omission of devices for sho&&c& prutectian
than O-1 second ) where a symmetry of the
current ir of importance and for current i) Devices for protection against shoti circuit
limiting devices, the value of PS’ for the need not be proti’dedfw:
cable rbould ba greater than the value of
let-through energy ( Pt ) of the device aa 1) conductorsconnecting generators, trmfw-
quoted by the manufacturer.
mers, recti@rs or batteries with their
5.3.4.4 Protection of conductors inparallel - A controlpanel& where short-circuitprotec-
single device may protect several conductors in tive devices are placed on thosepaneis,
parallel against short circuit provided that the
operating’ characteristics of the device and the 2) cartain maaswing circuits, and
method of installation of the parallel conductors 3) circuits where disconnection could cause
are suitably coordinated. danger in the opera& the installation
NATE- Account should be taken of the conditions concerned.
that would occur in tb; event of a short circuit which
does not affect all of the conductors.
Provided that the conductors thur not
protected against short circuit compll with
Applica’tion of protective measure 53.4 $) ~nditions speciJed in (a)@)(2) and
a ove.
a) Position of devices for short-circuit protect&m
5.3.5 Coordination d Overload and Short-Chit
i) A devices forprotectivn against short&rcuit
Protection - The characteristics of devices for
shall be placed at the point where a reduction
overload protection and those for short-circuit
occurs in the value of current-carrying capa-
protection shall be coordinated so that the energy
city of the conductors of the installation. This
let-through by the short-circuit protective device
requirement does not apply where the arrange-
does not exceed that which can be withstood
ments mentioned in’ (ii) or (iii) below are
without damage by the overload protective device.
adopted, and no short-circuit protective device
need be provided where (b) below applies. NOTE - For circuits incorporating motor darters,
the advice of the manufacturer of the rtarter abould he
NOTE-A reduction in the value of current- sought.
carrying capacity may be caused by a change
in cross-sectional area, method of installation, 5.3.6 Limit&-on of Overcurrent 62 Chqacteristics of
type of cable or conductor, or in environmental Supply - Conductors are considered to be pMtected
conditions.
against overload and short-circuit currents where
ii) The short--n’rcuit protect&e device may be they are supplied from a source incapable of
placed at a point on the load side of that supplying a current exceeding the current carrying
spe$ied in (i) under thefollowing condrtions: capacity of the conductors.
betwrcn the point where the value of current-
carrying capacity is reduced and ,the position 5.3.7 Protection According to the Nature of Circuits
of the protective device, the conductors shall: and Distribution System

1) not exceed 3 m in length, 5.3.7.1 Phase conductors - Means of detection

of overcurrent shall be provided for each phase
2) be erected in such a manner as to reduce
conductor, and shall cause the disconnection of
the risk of short circuit to a minimum,
the conductor in which the overcurrent is detected,
?nd but not necessarily the disconnection of other live
conductors. Where the disconnection of one phase
3) be erected in such a manner as to reduce
could cause danger, for example in the supply to
the risk of jire or danger to persons to a
minimum. three-phase motors, appropriate precautions shall
be taken.
NOT= 1 - The condition specified in
(2) above may be fulfilled for example, by 5.3.7.2 &utral conductor- TN or TT systems
reinforcing the protection of the conductora
against external influences. a) In TN or TT systems, where the cross-
NOTE 2 - The proviaiom of (ii) cannot sectional area of the neutral contractor is
be applied to any part of an installation in less than that of the phase conductors,
respect ofwhich the abort circuit protec- overcurrent detection for the neutfal con-
tive device is intended also to &ord
protection againrt indirect contact.
ductor shall be provided unless both the
following conditions are satisfied: I--
iii) The short-circuit protective device may be
placed at a point other than that specified i) the neutral conductor is protected _
in (i), where a protective device on the supPly against short circuit by the protective
side of that point possesses an operating device for the phase conductor of thei
characteristic such that it protects against short circuit,
circuit, in accordanGe with 5.3.4.3(d), the ii) the load is shared as evenly as possible be.
conductors on the load side of that point. tween the various phases of the circuit.

35
18 : 732 - 1989

,b) Where either or both of the conditions arrangements described in (b) below are
specified in (b) above are not met, over- adopted.
current detection shall be provided for the b) In IT systems where the neutral is distribu-
neutral conductor, appropriate to the cross- ted, means of detection of overcurrent for
sectional area of that conductor, and the the neutral conductor need not be provided
means of detection shall cause the discon- if either of the following conditions is
nection of the phase conductors but not satisfied:
necessarily of the neutral conductor.
i> the neutral conductor concerned is
NOTE - The cross-sectioal area of the neutral effectively protected against short circuit
conductor should in any event comply with by a protective device placed on the
Section 4.
supply side, for example at the origin of
5.3.1.3 N6utral conductor-IT systems the installation, in accordance with the
a) In IT systems, the distribution of the requirements of 5.3.4.3(b); and
neutral conductor shall be avoided wbere- ii) the circuit concerned is protected by a
ver practicable. Where distribution of the residual current device having a rated
neutral conductor is unavoidable, means of residual operating current not exceeding
detection of overcurrent shall be provided 0.15 times the current-carrying capacity
for the neutral conductor of every circuit, of the neutral conductor concerned and
which shall cause disconnection of all the the device is arranged to disconnect all
live conductors of the circuit concerned the live conductor of the circuit
including the neutral conductor. This concerned including the neutral con-
requirement does not apply where the ductor.

SECTION 30 PROTECTION AGAINST OVERVOLTAGE

5.4 Requirements for Protection Agaimrt could be due to reveral reasons such as:
’ Overvoltage - hhr consideration. a) insulation fault between live parts of circuitd
supplied at different voltages, and
NOTE - This clause is set aside to cover rules con-
ceming protective measures against overvoltage which b) atmospheric phenomena or switching voltages.

SECTION 3E PROTECTION AGAINST UNDERVOLTAGE

5.5 Requirements for Protection Against tbe appliance protected allows without danger a
Undervoltage brief interruption or loss of voltage.
5.5.1 Gmcrol R6quir6mcntJ
5.5.1.3 If use is made of contractors, delay
5.5.1.1 Where a drop in voltage, or a loss in their opening and reclosing shall not impede
and subsequent restoration of voltage could imply instantaneous disconnection by control or protec-
dangerous situations for persons or property, suit- tive devices.
able precautions shall be taken, Also, precautions
shall be taken where a part of the installation or 5.5.1.4 The cmracteristics of the undervol-
current-using equipment may be damaged by a tage protective device ShalI be compatible with the
drop in voltage. requirements of the Indian Sandards for starting
and use of equipment.
An undervoltage protective device is not
required if damage to the installation or to current-
5.5.1.5 Where the reclosure of a protective
using equipment is considered to be an acceptable
device is likely to create a dangerous situation, the
risk, provided that no danger is’ caused to
persons. reclosure shall not be automatic.

5.5.1.2 The o ation of undervoltage pro- Application of protective measuke .5b T Under
tective d&c& qy Cr delayed if the operation of conridrratiw,

36
 IS I 732 - 1369

$ECTlON 3F ISOLATION AND SWITCHIN&

5.6 Requirements for Isolation and Switch- 5.6.1.5*All devices used for isolation shall be
% clearly identifiable for example, by marking, to
indicate the circuit which they isolate.
5.6.0 General
5.6.0.1 _Means shall (be provided for non- Application for protective measure-Isolation
automatic isolation and switching to prevent or
remove hazards associated with the electrical 4 Means of isolation complying with 5.6.1 shall
installation or electrically powered equipment and be provided at a point as near as practicable to
machines, These means shall comply with the the origin of every installation,without the inter-
appropriate requirements of this section. vention of any other equipment on which work
might need to be done.
5.6.0.2 In TN-C systems the PEN conductor
shall not incorporate means of isolation or switch- b) Where an isolator is to be used in conjunction
ing. In TN-S systems the protective conductor with a circuit-breaker as a means of isolating
shall not incorporate a means of isolation or main switchgear for maintenance, it shall be
switching and provision need not be made for interlockedwith the circuit-breaker; alternatively,
isolation of the neutral conductor except where it shall be so placed and/or guarded that it can
this is specifically required. be operatedonly by skilledpersons.

Application of protective measure - Isolation 4 Where isolating devicesfor partwular circuits are
and switching placed remotelyfrom the equipmentto be isolated,
provisionshall be made that the means of isola-
Every installation shall be provided with means of
tion can be secured against inadvertent reclosure
isolation. In addition, means of electrical switching oJ
during the operationfor which it is intended.
for mechauical maiatanance, or means of emergency
Where this provisiontakes the form of a lock or
switching, or both shall be provided for any parts of the
removablehandle, the key or handle shall be non-
installationto which Section 4 applies.
interchangeable with any other usedfor a similar
Where more than one of thesefwtctions are to beper- pmr$oscwithin the instaUation.
formed by a bommon Groisc, the arrangement and
characteristios of the device shall, satisfy all the require- 4 Every motor circuit shall be provided with an
ments of these clausesfor the various finctions concerned. isolating device or devices which shall disconnect
Devices or functional switching may serve also for the motor and all equipment, including any
isolat&J switching off for mechanical maintenance or automaticcircuit-breaker, used therewith-
emergeniy switching where they sat@fy the relevant
4 For electric discharge lighting installationsusing
requirements.
an open-circuit voltage exceeding low voltage,
Nom - Claurcr for acl+tion and erection of one or more of thefollowing means shall be pro-
devices for isolation and swhchiog are contained in
Section 4.
vided for the _isolation of every self-contained
luminaire, or alternativelyof every circuit supP&-
S.6.1 Isolation ing lumtnaires at a voltage exceeding low
voltage:
5.6.1.1 Every circuit shall be provided with
means of isolation from each of the live supply 9 an interlock on a self contained luminaire, so
conductora, except as provided in 5.6.0.2. It is arranged that before OcCdSS can be had to
permissible to isolate a group of circuits by a live parts the supply is automaticallydiscon-
common means, due consideration being given to nected, such means being additional to the
service conditions. switch normally _used fos controlling the
ciinrit,
5.6.1.2 Adequate provision shall be made so
that precautions can be taken to prevent any ii) e$ectiv#local means fm the isolationof the
equipment from being unintentionally energized. circuit from the sup#y, such means bring
5.6.1.6 Where an item of equiInnent or additional to the switch normally used
enclosure contains live parts that are not capable controllingthe circuit, and
of being isolated by a single device, a warning iii) a switch hat&g a lock or removable handle,
notice shall be placed in such a position that any or a distribution board which can be locked,
person gaining access to live parts will be warned in either case complying with (c) above.
of the need to use the appropriate isolating
devices, unless an interlocking drrangement is
5.6.2Switching OJ for Mechanical Maintenance
provided so that all the circuits concerned are
isolated . 5.6.2.1 Means of switching off for mechani-
5.6.1.4 Where necessary to revent danger, cal maintenance shall be provided where mecha-
adequate means shall be provided Por the discharge nical maintenance may involve a risk of physical
of capacitive electrical energy. injury.

37
I$i732-1989

5.6.2.2 Devices for &itching off for mecha- 4 Means of emergency switching shall be provided
nical maintenance shall be suitably placed, readily in everyplace where a machine driven by tlectric
identifiable (for example by marking if necessary) means may give rise to danger, and shall
and
, convenient for their intended use. be readily accessible and easily operated by the
5.6.2.3 Suitable me&s shall be provided so person in charge of the machine. Where more
that precautions can be taken to prevent any than one means of manually stopping the machine
equipment from being unintentionally or inadvei- isprovided and danger might be caused by unex-
tently reactivated. pected restarting, means shall be provided to
prevent such restarting.
Application of protective measure prescribed
in 5.6.2 4 A jireman’s emergency sivitch shall be provided
A means of switching o$for mechanical maintenance f or:
shall beprovided- for every circuit supplying an electric - exterior discharge lighting installations opera-
motor, or equipment having electrically heated surfaces ing at a voltage exceeding low voltage, and
which can be touched, or electromagnetic equipment for
o#erations from which mechanical accidents could arise. - interior discharge lighting installations operat-
Wherg a switch mounted on an appliance or luminaire ing unattended at a voltage exceeding low
is in&a& to serve as a means of switching @for voltage.
mechanical maintenance, the connections shall be so
arranged that the appliance or luminaire can be disman- For the purpose of this requirement, an insta-
tled to the extent necessary for mechanical maintenance llation in a closed market or in an arcade is
without thereby exposing any parts which remain live considered to be an exterior installation. A
when the switch is open. Any conductors or cables which temporury installation in a permanent butlding
then remain live shall be as short as possible, and separa- used for exhibitions is considered not to be an
tedfvvm any other live conductors or cables 4~ screens or exterior installation. This requirement does not
earthed metal or suitable barriers of insulating matecal. apply to a portabte discharge Lighring luminaire
or sign of rating not exceeding 100 W and fed
5.6.3 Emergency Switching from a readily accessible socket outlet.
5.6.5.1 For every part of an installation
4 Every fireman’s emergency switch provided for
which it may be necessary to disconnect rapidly
compliance with (d) shall compty with ail the
from the supply in order to prqvent or remove a
relevant requirements of the following items:
hazard, a means of emergency switching shall be
provided. For exterior installations, the switch shall be
9
._ 5.6.3.2 Means for emergency switching shall outside the building and adjacent to the dis-
act as directly as possible on the appropriate charge lamp(s), or alternatively a notice
supply conductors, and shall be such that a single indicating the position of the switch shall be
initiative action will cut off placed a&&cent to the dzscharge lamp(s) and
\ the appropriate
SUPPlY* a nameplate shall bejxed near the switch SO
as to render it clearly distinguishable.
546.3.3 The arrangement ’ ‘bf emergency
switching shall be such that its operation does not ii) For interior installations, the switch shall be
introduce a further hazard or interfere with the in the main entrance to the building or in
complete operation necessary to remove the another position to be agreed with the local
hazard; f;rc authority.
5+3.4 Devices for emergency switching iii) The switch shall be placed in a conspicuous
shall be readily accessible and suitably- marked. position, reasonably accessible to firemen and
except where otherwise agreed with the local
5.6.3.5 Means of emergency stopping shall
fire authority, at not more than 2.75 m from
be provided where movements by electrical meana
the ground.
may give rise to danger.
Application of protective measure-Emergency iv) Where more than one s&&h is installed on
switching any one buiding, each switch shall be clearly
marked to indicate the installation or part of
4 For every emergency switching device, account
the installation which it controls, and the
shall be taken of the intended use of the premises
local jre authority shall be not$icd accord-
so that access to the device is not likely to be
ingly.
impeded in theronditiogs 04 emergency foreseen.
b) Where greater danger would arise from incorrect NOTE - Whetever practicable, all exterior
operation of emergency switching ( as for example installations on any one building should be
by inadvertent disconnection of safe&services ), controlled by a single fireman’s switch. Simi-
larlv all internal installations in any one
the means of emergency switching may be builhing should be controlled by a singlk fire-
arranged so as to be suitable for operation by man’s switch independent of the switch for
skilled persons or instructed persons only. any exter$al installation.

38
 IS : 732 l 1966

5.6.4 Other Requirements for Switching for Safe0 the installation and the consumer’s main switch-
gear.
5.6.4.1 In situations where the requirements
of 5.6.3 for emergency switching are not applica- 5.6.4.4 Every appliance or luminaire con-
ble, the requirements of 5.6.4.2 to 5.6.4.7 shall be nected to the supply other than by means of a
satisfied, either: plug and socket outlet complying with Section 4,
-
shall be provided with a means of interrupting the
by means of isolation and/or the means of supply on load. The means of interruption shall
switching off for mechanical maintenance be separate from the appliance and in a readily
provided ior compliance with 5.6.1 and accessible position, subject to the provisions
5.6.2, or of 5.6.4.5 and 5.6.4.6 where applicable. For an
- by the arrangements for switching of equip- appliance fitted with heating elements which can
ment for its normal service ( functional be touched, the means of interruption shall be a
switching ), or linked switch arranged to break all the circuit
conductors including the neutral. For the purpose
- by the provision of suitable additional of this regulation the sheath of silica-glass sheathed
means of switching. element is regarded as part of the element.,Where
the means of interruption is also intended to serve
5.6.4.2 A main switch or circuit-breaker as a means of switching off for mechanical main-
shall be provided for every installation which tenance, it shall comply with the requirements of
shall interrupt all live conductors of the installa- Section 4.
tion, provided that for a 4-wire three-phase ac
supply the linked switch or linked circuit-breaker 5.6.4.5 The means of interrupting the supply
may be arranged to disconnect the phase conduc- required by 5.6.4.4 may be a device mounted on
tors only and a link may be inserted in the neutral the appliance or luminaire, as in 5.6.2 where the
conductor; such a link shall be arranged such that device is intended to serve as a means of switching
it is in contact before the linked switch can be off for mechanical maintenance.
closed, or shall be securely fixed by bolts or 5.6.4.6 The means of interrupting the supply ‘.
screws. on load to comprehenrive heating or lightmg
installations comprising more than one appli8nce
5.6.4.3 Every circuit and final circuit shall
or luminaire, may be installed in separate room.
be provided with means of interrupting the supply
on load and in any fault conditions foreseen. A 5.6.4.7 Every fixed or stationary household
group of circuits may be switched by a common cooking appliance shall be controlled by a switch
device. Additionally, such means shall be provided se arate from the a pliance and placed within 2 m
for every circuit or other part of the installation o P the appliance. R here two stationary cooking
which it may be necessary for safety reasons to appliances are installed in one room of household
switch- independently of other circuits or other premises, one switch may be used to’ control. both
parts of*he installation. This regulation does not appliances provided that neither .appliance is more
apply to short connections between the origin of than 2 m from the switch.

SECTION 4 DESIGN OF INSTALLATION, SELECTION AND

ERECTION OF EQUIPMENT

6. FUNDAMENTAL REQUIREMENTS b) Nature and number of conductors:

.6.1 Fundamental Reqoirementr for Des&n i) For ac : phase conductors
neutral conducton
6.1.0 For the design of the electrical installa- protective ,conductors
tion, the following factors shall be taken into
account to ensure: ii) For dc : conductors equivalent to those
listed for ac
a) the Protection of persons, livertoek and ro-
perty in accorda&e with Section 3, an a c) Values and tolerances:
b) the proper functioning of the electrical i) Voltage and voltage toleranctn
install&ionfbr the u8e intended. ‘ii) Frequncy and frqucney tokraaa
The information required as the basir for iii) Maximum current allowable
design of instaljation and selection of equipment iv) Prospective short-c&tit current
are stated below.
d) Power factor
6.1.1 Qiaracteristicll of the available supply or e) Protective measures inherent in the supply,
supplies: for example, earthed ( grounded ) neutral
a) Nature of;current: ac or dc or both or mid-wire

39
-. _.._-_... __.

18 I 132-1999

f) Particular requirements of the supply respect to their function which may be for
undab@aking. example, protection against the effects of:
g) PaRietilar requirements of the load. a) overcurrent ( overload and short circuit ),
6.1.2 JVature of Demand - The number and b) earth-fault current,
type of the circuits required for lighting, heating, c) overvoltage, and
power, control, signalling, telecommunication, etc, d) undervoltage and no-voltage.
are to be determined by:
The protective devices shall operate at values
a) location of points of power demand, of current voltage and time which are suitably
b) loads to be expected on the various circuits, related to the characteristics of the circuits and to
c) daily and yearly variation of demand, the possibilities of danger.
d) any special conditions, and 6.1.7.1 Position of protective deuiccs and switches
e) requirements for control, signalling, tele-
communication, etc.
a>No fuse, or circuit-breaker
linked circuit-breaker, shall
other than a
be inserted in
6.1.3 Emergency Supply or Supplies an earthed neutral conductor, and any
linked circuit-breaker inserted in an earthed
a) Source of supply ( nature, characteristics ), neutral conductor shall be arranged t@
and break also all the related phase conductors.
b) Circuits to be supplied by the emergency
source.
b) Every single pole switch shall be inserted in
the phase conductor only, and any switch
connected in an earthed neutral conductor
6.1.4 Environmental Conditions - See 4. shall be a linked switch and shall be
arranged to break also all the related phase
6,l.S 00~s Section of Conductors - The cross
conductors.
se&on of conductors rhall be determined accord-
ing to: 4 Effective means, suitably placed for ready
operation, shall be provided so that all
4 their admissible maximum temperature, voltage may be cut off from every installa-
W ‘the admissible voltage drop, tion, from every circuit thereof and from
all equipment, as may be necessary to n
Cl the electromechanical stresses likely to occ,ur
prevent or remove danger.
due to short circuits,
other mechanical stresses to which the NOTE - Where the supply undertaking provide
4 switchgear or fusegear at the origin of the instal-
co+uctors may be exposed, and lation it may not be necessary to duplicate the
e>the
the
maximum
functioning
impedance with respect to
of the short-circuit protec-
means of isolation for that part of the installation
between its origin and the main distribution point
of the iostallation where the next step for isolation
tion. is provided ( see 5.0.4.1 ). In domestic installations
the isolating and protection functions are combined
NOTE- The above listed items concern
in the same device.
primarily the safety of electrical inrtallationr.
Cross-sectional areas greater than those required
for safety may be dairable for economic opera-
4 For every electric motor an efficient means
of disconnection shall be provided which
tion.
shall be readily accessible, easily operated
6.1.6 Type of Wiring and h&hods of Installation- and so placed as to prevent danger.
The choice of the type of wiring and the methods
6.1.8 Emergency Control - Where, in case of
of installation depend on:
danger, there is necessity for immediate interrup-
a) the nature of the locations, tion of supply, an interrupting device shall be
b) the nature of the walls or other parts of the installed in such a way that it can be easily recog-
_ building supporting the wiring, nized and effectively and rapidly operated.
c) accessibility of wiring to persons and live; 6.1.9 Disconnecting Devices - Disconnecting
stock, devices rhall be provided so as to permit discon-
d) voltage, nection of the electrical installation, circuits or
individual items of apparatus as required for
e) the electromechanical stresses likely to occur maintenance, testing, fault detection or repair.
due to short circuits, and
f) other stresses to which the wiring may be 6.1.16 Prevention of Mutual Inflence between Elec-
exposed during the erection of the electrical t&al and Non-electrical Installations - The electrical
installation or in service. installation shall be arranged in such a way that
no mutual detrimental influence will occur between
6.1.7 Protective Equipment .- The characteristics the electrical installation and non-electrical instal-
of protective equipment shall be determined with lations of the building.

40
- ... ”_ - . _.-__

I9 ~132-1989

6.1.11 Accessibility of Electrical Equipment - The cause harmful effects on other equipment or
electrical equipment shall be arranged SO as to impair the supply during normal service including
afford: switching operations. In this context, the factors
which may have an influence include, for exam-
a) sufficient space for the initial installation
ple:
and later replacement of individual items of
electrical equipment; and a) power factor,
4 inrush current,
‘b) accessibility for operation, testing, inspec-
tion, maintenance and repair. 4 asymmetrical load, and
6.2 Fundamental Requirements for Selection 4 harmonics.
of Electrical Equipment 6.3 Fundamental Requirements for Erection
and Initial Testing of Electrical Installations
6.2.0 Every item of electrical equipment used
in electrical installations shall comply with rele- 6.3.1 Erection
vant Indian Standard specifications.
6.3.1.1 For the erection of the electrical
6.2.1 Characteristics - Every item of electrical installation good workmanship by suitably quali-
equipment selected shall have suitable characteris- fied personnel and the use of proper materials shall
tics appropriate to the values and conditions on be provided for.
which the design of the electrical installation
( see 6.1 ) is based and shall, in particular, fulfil 6.3.1.2 The characteristics of the electrical
the following requirements. equipment, as determined in accordance with 6.2,
shall not be impaired in the process of erection.
6.2.1.1 Voltage - Electrical equipment shall
6.3.L3 Protective conductors and neutral
be suitable with respect to the maximum steady
conductors shall be identifiable at least at their
voltage ( rms value for ac ) likely to be applied,
terminations by colouring or other means. These
as well as overvoltages likely to occur.
conductors in flexible cords or flexible cables shall
NOTE - For certain equipment, it may be nece- be identifiable by colouring or other means
ssary to take account of the lowest voltage likely to throughout their length.
occur.
6.3.1.4 Connections between conductors and
6.2.1.2 Current - All electrical equipment between conductors and other electrical equipment
shall be selected with respect to the maximum shall be made in such a way that safe and reliable
steady current ( rms value for ac ) which it has to contact is ensured.
carry in normal service, and with respect to the
current likely to be carried in abnormal conditions 6.3.1.5 All electrical equipment shall be
and the period ( for example, operating time of installed in such a manner that the designed cool-
protective devices if any ) during which it may be ing conditions are not impaired.
expected to flow.
6.3.1.6 All electrical equipment likely to
6.2.1.3 Frequency - If frequency has an in- cause high temperatures or electric arcs shall be
fluence on the characteristics of electrical equip- placed or guarded so as to eliminate the risk of
ment, the rated frequency of the equipment shall ignition of flammable materials. Where the tem-
correspond to the frequency likely to occur in the perature of any exposed parts of electrical equip
circuit. ment is likely to cause injury to persons, those
parts shall be so located or guarded as to prevent ,
6.2.1.4 Power - All electrical equipment, to
accidental contact therewith.
be selected on the basis of its power characteristics,
shall be suitable for the duty demanded of the 7. COMMON RULES
equipment, taking into account the load factor
and the normal service conditions. 7.0 General - Every item of equipment shall be
6.2.2 Conditions of Installation - All electrical selected and erected so as to comply with the
equipment shall be selected so as to withstand requirements stated in this code.
safely the stresses and the environmental condi- 7.1 Compliance with Standards - All equip-
tions ( see 4 ) characteristic of its location and to ment fittings and accessories, materials, etc, selec-
which it may be exposed. If, however, an item of ted for the wiring installation shall conform to the
equipment does not have by design the properties relevant Indian Standard.
corresponding to its location, it may be used on
condition that adequate additional protection is 7.2 Operational Conditions and External
provided as part of the completed electrical instal- Infiuencee
lation.
7.2.1 Voltage - All equipment shall be suitable
6.2.3 Prevention of Harmful Eflects - All electrical for the nominal voltage ( rms value for ac ) of the
equipment shall be selected so that it will not installation.

41
- I .._ __.

ISr732.1989

In an IT system, if the neutral conductor is indicator, complying with IS : 7118-1973* where

distributed, equipment connected between phase applicable, shall be fixed in a position visible to
and neutral shall be insulated for the nominal the operator.
voltage between phases.
7.4.2 Protective Devices - Protective devices shall
.NOTE 1 - Where inductive or capacitive equipment
be arranged and identified so that the circuits
is concerned, the design of switches and circuit breakers
should be adequate for such service. protected may be easily recognized; for this
NOTE2 - For certain equipment, it may be nece-
purpose it may be convenient to group them in
ssary to take account of the highest and/or lowest distribution boards.
voltage likely to occur in normal service.
7.4.3 Diagrams - Diagrams, charts or tables
7.2.2 Current - All equipment shall be suitable shall be provided indicating in particular:
fcr:
4 the type and composition of circuits (points
a) the design current ( rms value for ac ), and of utilization served, number and size of
conductors, type of wiring ); and
b) the current likely to flow in abnormal
conditions for such periods of time as arc b) the information necessary for the identifica-
determined by the characteristics of the tion of the devices performing the functions
protective devices concerned. of protection, isolation and switching, and
their locations.
NOTS- Where inductive or capacitive equip-
ment ir concerned, the design of switches and
circuit-breakers should be adequate for such For simple installations the foregoing informa-
service. tion may be given in a schedule.
7.2.3 Frequency - If frequency has an influence
7.4.4 Warning Rotices- Voltage - Every item of
on the characteristics of the equipment, the rated
equipment or enclosure within which a voltage
frequency of the equipment shall correspond to
exceeding 250*solts exists, and where the presence
the frequency of the current in the circuit of such a voltage would not normally be expected,
concerned. shall be so arranged that before access is gained
7.2.4 Power - Equipment to be selected on the to live parts, a warning of the maximum voltage
basis of its power characteristics shall be suitable present is clearly visible ( see IS : 2551-1982t ).
for the duty demanded of the equipment, taking
into account the load factor and the normal opera- Where terminals or other fixed live parts
tional conditions. between which a voltage exceeding 250 volts exists
are housed in separate enclosures or items of
7.2.5 Corn atibdity - All equipment shall be equipment which, although separated, can be
selected an B erected so that it will not cause reached simultaneously by a person, a notice shall
harmful effects on other equipment or impair the be placed in such a position that anyone gaining
supply during normal service including switching access to live parts is warned of the maximum
operations. voltage which exists between those parts.

7.2.6 External In@encesS- All equipment shall be Means of access to all live parts of switchgear
of a design appropriate to the situation in which and other fixed live parts where different nominal
it is to be used and its mode of installation shall voltages exist shall be marked to indicate the
take into account the conditions likely to be voltage present.
encountered.
7.5 Mutual DetrimcntaI InHaence
7.3 Accessibility
7,3.I All equipment shall be arranged so as to 7.5.1 All electrical equipment shall be selected
facilitate its operation, inspection and maintenance and erected so as to avoid any harmful influence
and access to its connections. Such facilities shall between the electrical l%stallation and any non-
not be significantly impaired by mounting equip- electrical installations-envisaged.
ment in enclosures or compartments.
7.5.2 Where equipment carrying currents of
different types or at different voltages is grouped
7.4 IdentI&ation and Notices
in a common assembly, all equipment using any
7.4.1 General - Labels or other suitable means one type of current or w_.qne voltage shall,
of identification shall be provided to indicate the wherever necessary, be effeei%vely segregated from
purpose of switchgear and controlgear, unless equipment of any other type, to avoid mutual
there is no possibility of confusion. detrimental influence.
Where the operation of switchgear and control- *Recommendations for direction of movement for con-
gear cannot be observed by the operator and trol devices operating electrical apparatus.
where this might cause a danger, a suitable tDanger notice plates (first re&en ).

42
 “___
__.--_.
r--- - ___^_“_^__

IS : 732 - 1989

8. CABLES, CONDUCTORS AND WIRING 8.1.5.3 In the prefabrication of conduit

MATERIALS systems which are not to be wired in situ, adequate
allowance shall be made for variations in building
8.1 Selection of Types of Wiring Systems dimensions so that the conduits or cables are not
subjected to tension or other mechanical strain
8.1.1 Non-@xiblc Cables and Conductors for LOW during installation. Adequate precautions shall also
Voltages be taken to prevent damage to such systems during
installation and any subsequent building opera-
8.1.1.1 Every non-flexible cable operating at tions, especially against deformation of the
low voltage selected from one of the recognized conduits and damage to any exposed cable ends.
types conforming to relevant Indian Standard.
8.1.6 Trunking, Ducting and Fittings - Trunking,
8.1.1.2 Paper-insulated cables shall be of a ducting and fittings shall comply, where applicable
type which will comply with the requirements with the relevant Indian Standard.
of IS : 692-1973* for non-draining cables, where
drainage of the impregnating compound would 8.1.7 Methods af Installation of Cables and Conduc-
otherwise be liable to occur. tors

8.1.1.3 Busbars and busbar connections shall 8.1.7.1 Methods of installation of cables and
comply with IS : 8623 ( Part 1 )-1977t. conductors in common use for which this code
specifically provide are described in Appendix A.
8.1.1.4 Every conductor, other than a cable, The use of other methods is not precluded, provi-
for use recognized as an overhead line operating ded that the applicable requirements of this section
at low voltage shall be selected_ from one of the are complied with.
recognized types and shall comply with the appro- 8.1.7.2 Ducts cast in situ in concrete, by
priate Indian Standard. means of a suitable form laid before the concrete
is poured, into which cables are to be drawn
8.1.2 Flexible Cables and Flsxiblc Cords for Low
( whether or not formers arc retained in position
Voltage
after the concrete has set ) shall be so formed that
8.1.2.1 Every flexible cable recognized and the radial thickness of concrete or screed surround-
flexible cord for use at low voltage shall be selec- ing the cross section of the completed duct is not
ted from one of the recognized types and shall less than 15 mm at every point.
comply with the appropriate Indian Standard. 8.2 Operation Conditions
8.1.3 Cables for Extra-Low Voltage - Cables for 8.2.1 Cuwent-Cawying Cdpacity
use at extra-low voltage shall have adequate 8.2.1.1 The cross-sectional area of every
insulation, and further protection if necessary, so cable conductor shall be such that its current-
as to prevent danger. carrying capacity is not less than the maximum
sustained current which will normally flow through
8.1.4 Cables for AC Circuits - Electromagnetic
it. For the purposes of this clause the limiting
Effects - Conductors of ac circuits installed in
temperature t.o which the current-carrying capacity
ferrous enclosures shall be arranged so that the
relates shall not exceed that appropriate to the
conductors of all phases and the neutral conouctor
type of cable insulation concerned. This does not
( if any ) are contained in the same enclosure.
apply to conductors on switchboards complying
Where such conductors enter ferrous enclosures
with 8.2.2.
they shall be arranged so that the conductors are
not separated by a ferrous material or provisions 8.2.1.2 Busbars, busbar connections and
shall be made to prevent circulating eddy bare conductors forming part of the equipment of
currents. switchboards shall comply as regards current-
carrying capacity and limits of temperature with
al.5 Conduits
ad ConduitFi#ings
the requirements of IS : 8623 ( Part 1 )-1977*.
8.1.5.1 Conduits and conduit fittings shall 8.2.13 Cables connected in parallel shall be
comply with the appropriate Indian Standard. of the same type, cross-sectional area, length and
8.1.5.2 In conduit systems, the conduits for disposition and be arranged so as to carry substan-
each circuit shall be completely erected before any tially equal currents.
cable is drawn in. This requirement does not 8.2.1 .I In determining the current-carrying
apply to prefabricated conduit systems which are capacity of bare conductors, account shall be
not wired in situ. taken of the arrangement made for their expansion
and contraction, their joints, and the physical
I
*Specificationfor paper insulated led-sheathed cables limitations of the metal of which they are made.
for electricity supply ( mom4 rrpision).
tSpecification for factory-built assemblies of switchgear *Specificationfor factory-built assemblies of switch ear
and control ear for vohgea up to and includii 1 000 V ac and controlgear for voltagesup to and including 1 OCOk ac
and 1 200 $ dc: Part I General requirements. 4 1200 V dc: Part 1 General requirements.

43
 NOTE - It is recommended that the maximum 8.2.3 Minimum Cross-Sectional Area of Neutrals
operating temperature of bare conductors should not Condwtors - For polyphase circuits in which
exceed 90%.
imbalance may occur in normal service, through
8.2.1.5 Where cables are to be connected to significant inequality of loading or of power
bare conductors or busbars it shall be verified that factors in the various phases, or through the
their type of insulation and/or sheath is suitable presence of significant harmonic currents in the
for the maximum operating temperature of the various phases, the neutral conductor shall have a
bare conductors or busbars. Alternatively the insu- cross-sectional area adequate to afford compliance
lation and/or sheath of the cables shall be removed with 8.2.1.1 for the maximum current likely to
for a distance of 150 mm from the connection and flow in it.
replace if necessary by suitable heat-resisting
insulation. For polyphase circuits in which serious
imbalance is unlikely to be sustained in normal
8.2.1.6 Where a cable is to be run for a service, other than discharge lighting circuits, the
significant length in a space to which thermal use of multicore cables incorporating a reduced
insulation is likely to be applied, the cable shall, neutral conductor in accordance with the appro-
wherever practicable, be fixed in a position such priate Indian Standard is recognised. Where
that it will not be covered by the thermal insula- single-core cables are used in such circuits, the
tion. Where fixing in such a position is impracti- neutral coriductor may have a reduced cross-
cable, the current-carrying capacity of the cable sectional area appropriate to the expected value of
shall be appropriately reduced. the neutral current.
NOTE - For a cable installed io thermally insulat-
ing wall or above a thermally insulated ceiling, the
In any circuit where load is predominantly due
cable being in contact with a thermally conductive to discharge lighting, the neutral conductor shall
surface on one side, the rating factor to be applied may, have a cross-sectional area not less than that of
in the absence of more precise information, be taken as the phase conductor(s).
0’75 times the current-carrying capacity for that cable
clipped direct to a surface and open. For a cable likely
to be totally surrounded by thermally insulating mate- 8.2.4 Electromechanical Stresses - All conductors
rial, the applicable rating factor may be as low as 0’5. and cables shall have adequate strength and be so
installed as to withstand the etectromechanical
8.2.1.7 Metallic sheaths and/or non-magne- forces that may be caused by any current they
tic armour of all single-core cables in the same may have to carry in service, including short-
circuit shall normally be bonded together at both circuit current.
ends of their run ( solid bouding ). Alternatively,
where specified, such cables having conductors of 8.3 Environmental Conditiom
cross-sectional area exceeding 50 mms may be
bonded together at one point in their run ( single 8.3.1 Ambient Temperature
point bonding ) with suitable insulation at the
open-circuit end, in which case the length of the
8.3.1.1 The type and current-carrying capa-
cables from the bonding point shall be limited so
city of every conductor, cable and flexible cord,
that voltages from sheaths and/or armour to Earth
termination and joint shall be selected so as to be
do not:
suitable for the highest operating temperature
- exceed 25 volts and do not cause corrosion likely to occur in normal service, account being
when the cables are carrying their full load taken of any transfer of heat from any accessory,
current, and appliance or luminaire to which the conductor,
cable or flexible cord is connected.
- do not cause danger or damage to property
when the cables are carrying short-circuit 8.3.1.2 Parts of a cable or flexible cord with-
current. in an accessory, appliance or luminaire shall be
suitable for the temperatures likely to be encouac
8.2.2 Voltage Drop - The size of every bare tered, or shall be provided with additional. insula-
conductor or cable conductor shall be such that tion suitable for those temperatures. Such additio-
the voltage drop within the installation does not nal insulation shall be fitted over the individual
exceed a value appropriate to the safe functioning cores of the cable of flexible cord in such a way
of the associated equipment in normal service. that the normal insulation of the cores is not
Where an allowance is made for diversity in relied upon to prevent a short circuit between
accordance with 3.1.2, this may be taken into conductors for an earth fault.
account in calculating voltage drop.
NOTE - Exposure of plastics-insulated cables to
NOTE - In some instances a conductor larger than high temperature, even for short periods, may cause
that permissible under 8.2.2 may be necessary for satis- the insulation to soften. Continuous exposure of PVC
factory starting of motors. Account should be taken of compounds to temperatures above 1 WC may contribute
the effectr of motor starting current on other equip- to the formation of corrosive productr which can attack
ment. conductors and other metal-work.

44
L _,... ._ .

I8 : 732 0 1989

8.3.1.3 In determining the normal opera- 8.3.2.5 In any situation, the exposed conduc-
tional conditions of conductors and cable, account tor and insulation at terminations and joints of
need not be taken of the minimum ambient tem- cables insulated with impregnated paper shall be
perature likely to occur. However, precautions shall protected from ingress of moisture by being suit-
-be taken to avoid risk of mechanical damage to ably sealed.
cables susceptible to low temperatures.
8.3.2.6 The ends of mineral-insulated cables
8.3.1.4 The enclosures of wiring systems for shall be protected from moisture. by being suitably
conductors and cables shall be selected and instal- sealed and the insulation shall be thoroughly dry
led so that they are suitable for the extremes of before the sealing material is applied. Such seal-
ambient temperature to which they are likely to ing material, and any material used to insulate
-be exposed in normal service. If a nonmetallic or the conductors where they emerge from the
composite outlet box is used for the suspension of, insulation, shall have adequate insulating and
or is in contact with, a luminaire and where a moisture-proofing properties, and shall retain those
thermoplastic material ( for example PVC ) is the properties throughout the range of temperatures to
principal load-bearing member, care shall be which they may be subjected in service.
taken that the temperature of the box does not
exceed 60°C and that the mass suspended from
8.3.2.7 In damp situations, enclosures for
the box does not exceed 3 kg.
cores of sheathed cables from which the sheath has
NOTE - In determining the ambient temperature been removed and for non-sheathed cables at
of such enclosures, account should be taken of the terminations of conduit, duct, ducting or trunking
maximum normal operating temperatures of the conduc-
tors of cables installed within them. systems shall be damp-proof and corrosion-resistant.
Every joint in a cable shall be suitably protected
8.3.1.5 In every vertical channel, duct, against the effects of moisture.
.ducting or trunking containing conductors or
cables, internal barriers shall be provided so as to 8.3.2.8 Conduit systems not designed to be
prevent the air at the top of the channel, duct, sealed shall be provided with drainage outlets at
ducting or trunking from attaining an excessively any points in the installation where moisture
high temperature. The distance between barriers might otherwise collect.
.shall be the distance between floors or 5 m which-
*ever is less. 8.3.2.9 Every entry to finished ducts, ducting
or trunking shall be placed so as to prevent the
NOTE - The fire barriers specified in 8.8.1 may
serve also for compliance with 8.3.1.5. ingress of water, or be protected against such
ingress.
8.3.2 Presence of Water or Moisture
8.3.3 Dust - Enclosures for conductors and
8.3.2.1 Every wiring system shall either be their joints and terminations in onerous dust con-
installed where it win not be exposed to rain, ditions shall have the degree of protection IP 5X.
-dripping water, steam, condensed water or accumu-
lations of water or be of a type designed to with- 8.3.4 Corrosive or Polluting Substances
stand such exposure.
8.3.2.2 In damp situations and wherever 8.3.4.1 All metalwork of wiring systems shall
they are exposed to the weather, all metal sheaths either be installed where it will not be exposed to
and armour of cables, metal conduit, ducts, duct- corrosive substances, or be of a type or be protec-
ing, trunking, clips and their fixings, shall be of ted so as to withstand such exposure. Non-meta-
corrosion-resisting material or finish and shall not llic materials of wiring systems shall not be
be placed in contact with other metals with which placed in contact with materials IikeIy to cause
-they are liable to set up electrolytic action. chemical deterioration of the wiring systems. Such
materials shall either be installed where they will
8.3.2.3 Copper-clad aluminium conductors not be exposed to contact with oil, creosote, and
‘shall not be used in situations where the termina- similar hydrocarbons, or be of a type designed to
tion of the conductors are likely to be exposed to withstand such exposure.
sustained wet conditions.
8.3.4.2 Soldering fluxes which remain acidic
NOTE- 8.3.2.2 and 8.3.2.3 do not apply to situation or corrosive at the completion of the soldering
which may be only initially damp during building
construction.
process shall not be used.

8.3.2.4 A plain aluminium conductor shall 8.3.5 Mechanical Stresses

not be placed in contact with a terminal of brass
or other metal having a high copper content, -8.3.5.1 All conductors and cables shall be
unless the terminal is suitably plated or other adequately protected against any risk of mechani-
precautions are taken to maintain electrical cal damage to which they may be liable in normal
.continuity. conditions of service.

45
me...... ^.. .___^ _ .__

IS t 732 - 1989

8.3.5.2 Where cables are installed under 8.3.5.9 Flexible cords, where they are
floors or above ceilings they shall be run in such exposed to risk of mechanical damage, shall be of
positions that they are not liable to be damaged a type sheathed with rubber or PVC, and where
by contact with the floor or the ceiling or their necessary, shall also be armoured; provided that
fixings. Where the cable passes through a timber for domestic and similar applications where flexi-
joint within a floor or ceiling construction ( for ble cords are subject only to moderate bending
example, under floorboards ), the cable shall be and/or wear, unkinkable flexible cords may be
50 mm, measured vertically, from the top or used.
bottom, as appropriate, of the joist. Alternatively,
cables not protected by an earthed metallic sheath 8.3.5.10 Braided circular twin and- three-
shall be protected by enclosure in earthed steel core flexible cords insulated with glass fibre shall
conduit securely supported, or by equivalent be used only for luminaires or for other applica-
mechanical protection sufficient to prevent pene- tions where the cord is not subject to abrasion or
tration of the cable by nails, screws, and the undue flexing.
like.
8.3.5.11 Flexible cords shall not be used as
8.3.5.3 Where cables pass through holes in fixed wiring, except as permitted by 8.3.5.13,
metalwork, precautions shall be taken to prevent unless contained in an enclosure affording mecha-
abrasion of the cables on any sharp edges. nical protection.
8.3.5.4 Non-sheathed cables for fixed wiring
shall be enclosed in conduit, duct, ducting or 8.3.5.12 Flexible cables or flexible cords
trunking. Such non-sheathed cables shall not be shall be used for connections to portable equip-
installed in ducts cast in-situ in concrete where any ment. For the purpose of this clause an electric
part of the completed duct is formed by the con- appliance of rated input exceeding 3 kW is
crete or screed. cosidered not to be portable. Such flexible cables
or flexible cords shall be of suitable length to avoid
8,3.5.5 Cables buried direct in the ground undue risk of mechanical damage.
shall be of a type incorporating an armour or
metal sheath or both, or be of the PVC, insulated 8.3.5.13 Exposed lengths of flexible cable or
concentric type. Such cables shall be marked by flexible cord used for final connections to fixed
cable covers or a suitable marking tape and be equipment shall be as short as possible and
buried at a sufficient depth to avoid their being connected to the fixed wiring by a suitable acces-
damaged by any disturbance of the ground sory or an enclosure, by a suitable device or
reasonably likely to occur during the normal use devices for overcurrent protection, isolation: and
of the premises. switching.

8.3.5.6 Cables to be installed in underground 8.3.5.14 Where a flexible cord supports or

ducts or pipes shall be of a type incorporating a partly supports a luminaire, the maximum mass
sheath and/or armour suitably resistant to any supported by the cord shall not exceed the appro-
mechanical damage likely to be caused during priate value indicated below:
drawing-in.
.Nominal Cross-Sectional Maximum Mass
8.3.5.7 Cables to be installed outdoors on Area of Conductor &3)
walls and the like shall incorporate a sheath and/or
(mm?
armour suitably resistant to any mechanical
damage likely to occur, or be contained in a 0.5 2
conduit system or other enclosure affording ade- 0.75 3
quate protection against such damage.
1-o 5
8.3.5.8 Cables for overhead wiring between 1.5 5.3
a building and a point of utilisation not attached 2.5 8.8
there to ( :for example, another building ) shall be
4 14.0
so placed and at such a height as to be out of
reach of any sources of mechanical damage
reasonably to be foreseen in the normal use of the 8.3.5.15 In assessing risks of mechanical
premises. Alternatively for spans in situations damage to cables, account shall be taken of any
inaccessible to vehicular traffic, such cables may mechanical strains likely to be imposed during the
be installed in conduit or other enclosure afford- normal process of erection of the cables.
ing adequate protection against such damage.
8.3.6 Damaie by Fauna - In premises intended
NOTE 1 - Bare or lightly insulated overhead con-
for iivestock, all fixed wiring systems shall be in-
ductors are required to be placed out of reach of persons
and livestock, for compliance with 5.1.2.4. accessible to livestock. Cables liable to attack by
NOTE 2 - See Appendix B for notes on methods of
vermin shall be of a suitable type or be suitably
support. protected.

46
 IS : 732 - 1989

8.3.7 Solar Radiation- Cables and wiring systems any other category, these circuits, shall be segrega-
installed in positions which may be exposed to ted from the latter by continuous partitions such
direct sunlight shall be * of a type resistant to that the specified integrity of the category 3
damage by ultra-violet light. circuits is not reduced. These partitions shall also
be provided at any common outlets in a trunking
8.4 Identification system accommodating category 3 circuits and cir-
8.4.1 Reference is drawn to IS : 11353-1986* cuits of other categories. Where mineral-insulated
on marking of conductors and apparatus terminals cables are. used for category 3 circuits such
by colours and alphanumeric code. partitions are not normally required. Where parti-
tions are not used, the mineral-insulated cables
8.5 Prevention of Mutual Detrimental shall be rated for exposed-to-touch conditions.
l&hence
8.5.1.7 In conduit, duct, ducting or trunking
8.5.1 BetweenLow Voltage Circuits and Circuits of
systems, controls or outlets for category 1 and
Other Categories
category 2 circuits shall not be mounted in or
8.5.1.1 Low voltage circuits shall be segrega- on common boxes, switchplates or blocks. Where
ted from extra-low voltage circuits. it becomes unavoidable the cables and connections
of the two categories of circuit shall be partitioned
8.5.1.2 Where an installation comprises
by means of rigidly fixed screens or barriers.
circuits for telecommunication, fire-alarm or emer-
gency lighting systems, as well as circuits operating 8.5.1.8 Where cores of category 1 and cate-
at low voltage and connected directly to a mains gory 2 circuits are contained in a common multi-
supply system, precautions shall be taken, in core cable, flexible cable or flexible cord, the cores
accordance with clauses below, to prevent electrical of the category 2 circuits shall be insulated
contact ( and for fire-alarm circuits and emergency individually or collectively as a group, in accord-
lighting circuits, physical contact ) between the ance with the requirements of these clauses, for
cables of the various types of circuit. the highest voltage present in the category 1
NOTE 1 - Sea the definition in Section 1 for ‘circuit’
circuits, or alternatively, shall be separated from
which gives details of the three categories used in the cores of the category 1 circuits by an earthed
clauses below. metal braid of equivalent current-carrying capa,
NOTE 2 - Where it is proposed to instal cables of city to that of the cores of the category 1 circuits.
category 1 circuits in the same cable enclosure or duct Where terminations of the two categories of
as cables of a telecommunication system which may be circuit are mounted in or on common boxes,
connected to lines provided by a public telecommunica-
tion system authority, the approval of that authority is
switchplates or blocks, they shall be partitioned in
necessary. accordance with 8.5.1.7 or alternatively be
NOTE 3 - Cables used to connect the battery mounted on separate and distinct terminal blocks
chargers of self-contained luminaires to the normal adequately marked to indicate their function.
mains circuit are not considered to be emergency light-
ing circuits. 8.5.1.9 Cores of category 1 and category 3
Cables of category 1 circuits shall not
8.5.1.3 circuits shall not in any circumstances be contained
be drawn into the same conduit, duct or ducting in a common multicore cable, flexible cable or
as cables of category 2 circuits, unless the latter flexible cord.
cables are insulated in accordance with the 8.5.2 Between Electrical Services and Exposed
requirements of these clauses for the highest Metalwork qf Other Services
voltage present in the category 1 circuits.
8.5.2.1 Metal sheaths and armour of all
8.5.1.4 Cables of category 1 circuits shall
cables operating at low voltage, and metal
not in any circumstances be drawn into the same
conduits, ducts, ducting and trunking and bare
conduit, duct or ducting as cables of category 3
protective conductors associated with such cables,
circuits. ’
which might otherwise come into fortuitous con-
8.5.1.5 Where a common channel or trunk- tact with other fixed metalwork shall be either
ing is used to contain cables of category 1 and effectually segregated therefrom, or ,effectually
category 2 circuits, all cables connected to cate- bonded thereto. ( Reference is also invited
gory 1 circuits shall be effectively partitioned from to IS : 3w3-1987* ).
the cables of the category 2*circuits or alternatively
8.5.2.2 Electrical services shall not be
the latter cables shall be insulated in accordance
installed in the same conduit, ducting or trunking
with the requirements of these clauses for the
as pipes or tubes of non-electrical services, for
highest voltage present in the category 1 circuits
example air, gas, oil or water.
( See also 8.5.1.7 ).
Where category 3 circuits are instal-
8.5.1.6
8.5.2.3 No cables other than those which
led in a channel or trunking containing circuits of form part of lift installation and its supply feeder
shall be run in a lift ( or hoist ) shaft.
*Guide for uniform system of marking and identifica-
conductorsand apparatustermipals.
tion of *Code of practice for earthing ( jrsl revision ).
IS1 732 -1989

8.6 Accessibility 8.7.8 Appropriate cable coupers shall be used

for connecting together lengths of flexible cable OF
8.6.1 Joints in non-flexible cables and joints be- flexible cord.
tween non-flexible and flexible cables or cords
shall be accessible for inspection. However, this 8.7.9 Ends of lengths of conduit shall be free
requirement shall not apply to ‘joints: from burrs, and where they terminate at boxes,
trunking and accessories not fitted with spout
a) in cable buried underground,
entries, shall be treated so as to obviate damage
b) enclosed in building materials, and to cables.
c) made by welding, soldering, brazing or 8.7.10 Substantial boxes of ample capacity shall
compression and contained within an be provided at every junction involving a cable
enclosure ( such as a box ), connection in a conduit system.
The joints mentioned in item (b), if inexcessible 8.7.11 Every outlet for cables from a duct
shall not be made by means of mechanical system or ducting system, every joint in such a
clamps. system, and every joint between such a system and
8.6.2 Inspection-type conduit fittings shall be another type of duct, ducting, or conduit, shall be
so installed that they can remain accessible for formed so that the joints are mechanically sound
such purposes as the withdrawal of existing cables and that the cables drawn in are not liable to
or the installing of additional cables. suffer damage.

8.7 Joints and Terminations 8.8 Fire Barriers - Where cables, conduits,
ducts, ducting or trunking pass through fire--
8.7.1 Every connection at a cable termination resistant structural elements such as floors and
or joint shall be mechanically and electrically walls designated as fire barriers, the opening made
sound, be protected against mechanical damage shall be sealed according to the appropriate degree
and any vibration liable to occur, shall not impose of fire resistance. In addition, where cables,
any appreciable mechanical strain on the fixing of conduits or conductors are installed in channels,
the connection, and shall not cause any harmful ducts, ducting, ‘trunking or shafts which pass
mechanical damage to the cable conductor. Joints through such elements, suitable internal fire-
in non-flexible cables shall be made by soldering, resistant barriers shall be provided to prevent the
brazing, welding, or mechanical clamps, or be of spread of fire.
he compression type. All mechanical clamps and
I ompression-type sockets shall securely retain all 8.9 Supports, Bends and Space Factors
jhe wires of the conductor. 8.9.1 Supports
8.7.2 Terminations and joints shall be appro-
8.9.1.1 Every cable and conductor used as
@iate to the size and type of conductor with
fixed wiring shall be supported in such a way that
which they are to be used. it is not exposed to undue mechanical strain and
:)8.7.3 Terminations and joints shall be suitably so that there is no appreciable mechanical strain
insulated for the voltage of the circuits in which on the terminations of the conductors, account
thPy are situated. being taken of mechanical strain imposed by the
supported mass of the cable or conductor itself.
‘,8.7.4 Where a termination or joint in an insu-
lated conductor, other than a protective conductor 8.9.1.2 AU conduit, ducting and trunking
is ‘not made in an accessory or luminaire comply- shall be properly supported and of a type suitable
ing\with the appropriate Indian Standard, it shall for any risk of mechanical damage to which they
be enclosed in material requisite qualities. Such may be liable in normal conditions of service or
an ‘enclosure may be formed by part of an adequately protected against such damage.
accessory or luminaire and a part of the building 8.9.2 Bends
structure.
8.9.2.1 The internal radius of every bend in
8.7.5 Cores of sheathed cables from which a non-flexible cable such as not to cause damage
the sheath has been removed and non-sheathed to the cable.
cables at the terminations of conduit, ducting or
trunking shall be enclosed as specified above. 8.9.2.2 The use of solid ( non-inspection ).
Alternatively the enclosure may be a.box comply- conduit elbows or tees shall be restricted to:
ing wit’h appropriate Indian Standard. - locations at the ends of conduits immo
8.7.6 Terminations of mineral-insulated diately behind a luminaire, outlet box or
cables shall be provided with sleeves having a conduit fitting of the inspection type; and
temperature rating similar to that of the seals. - one solid elbow located at a position not.
8.7.7 Cable g!ands shall securely retain with- more than 500 mm from a readily accessi-
out damage the outer sheath or armour of the ble outlet box in a conduit run not exceed-
cables. ing 10 m between two outlet points

48
 .

I¶3 s 782 -.1988

provided that all other bends on the conduit 4U.1.2 For;?TT systemg, :d?kde cxp6seP
run are not more than the equivalent of conductive parts are connectedRogether ,and over-
one right angle. current protective devices are tobecused to provide
protection, against electric shock in the&em of a
8.9.2.3 The radius of every conduit bend second fault, the requirements for the protective
shall be such as to allow compliance with 8.9.2.1 devices are similar to those for TN systems as
for bends in &bles and, in any event, the inner specified in 9.1.1.1.
radius of the bend shall be not less than 2-5 times
the outside diameter of the conduit. 9.1.1.3 The overcurrent protective devices
shall conform to. the relevant .Indian Standards.
8.9.2.4 Every bend in a closed duct or duct-
ing shall be of an inner radius allowing compliance 9.1.1.4 When semi-enclosed fuse units are
with 8.9.2.1. used for overcurrent protection, the nominal
current rating of the circuit being protected to be
8.9.3 Space Factors - The number of cable indicated adjacent to the fuse.
drawn into, or laid in, an enclosure of a wiring
system shall be such that no damage is caused to 9.1.2 Residual Current Devicts
the cable or to the enclosure during their installa- 9.1.2.1 Residual current devices shall be
tion . capable of disconnecting all the phase conductors
9. SWITCHGEAR of the circuit.

9.0 Common Requirements 9.1.2.2 The residual operating current of

the protective device shall comply with the
9.0.1 Where an item of -switchgear is required requirements ‘of 5.1.3.1 (a)(v) as appropriate to
by this code to disconnect all live condimtors of a the type of system earthing ( SICIS : 3043-l987*).
circuit, it shall be of a type such that the neutral Where the characteristics’ .of the current-using
conductor cannot be disconnected before the equipment to be supplied can be determined, it
phase conductors and is reconnected at the same shall be verified that the vectorial stnh of the
time as or before the phase conductors. leakage currents on the part of the. installation
9.0.2 Single-pole switchgear shall not ‘be situated on the load side of the device and the
connected in the neutral conductor of TN or TT vectorial sum of the leakage currents ..in normal
systems. service of the various items of equipment supplied
by that part of the installation shall be less than
9.0.3 Every fuse and circuit breaker shall. be one half the nominal residual operating current of
selected for a voltage not less than the maximum the device. For TT and IT systems, allowance
voltage difference ( rms value,. for ac ) which shall be made for any likely variation of earthing
normally develops under fault conditions. resistance with time, for example, with seasonal
9.1 Devices for Protection Against Electric variations.
Shock ( see also Se&ion 3 of IS : 304~1987.*)
NOTE -For large installation, sub-diviaion of the
9.1.1 Overcunent Protective Devices earthing arrangements is likely to be necessary because
of the magnitude of the total inherent leakage of the
9.1.1.1 For TN and TT systems, every over- cables and other equipment.
current protective device which is to be u:,--l aLo
9.1.2.3 Where operation of a residual
for protection against electric shock ( indirect
current device relies upon a separate auxiliary
contact ) shall be selected so that its operating
supply external to the device, then either:
time is:
a) the device shall be of a type that will
a) appropriate to the value of fault current
operate automatically in case of failure of
that would flow in the event of a fault of
the auxiliary .supply, or
negligible impedance between a phase
conductor and exposed conductive parts, so b) the device shall incorporate, or be provided
that the permissible final temperature of with, a supply ‘which shall be available
the related protective conductor is not automatically upon failure of the auxiliary
exceeded; and supply -
b) appropriate to compliance with the require- 9.1.2.4 Residual current device shall be
ments of 5.1.3.l(a)(iii). located outside the magnetic field of other equip
NOTE -The operating time of &n iiirercurrent ment, unless it is verified that fheir operation will
protective device used in this way depends upon the not be impaired thereby.
value of the fault loo impedance which, in TT system
may be liable to. c1 nsiderable change with time, for 9.1.2.5 Where a residual current device for
example with seasonal variations. In the absence of protection against indirect contact is used with,
reliable information in this respect protection against but separately from, overcurrent protective devices,.
electric shock in TT svstems is nreferablv to be orovi-
ded by means other than the’overcurrknt prot’ective
it shall be verified that the residual current
devices. The use of residual current devices is a operated device is capable of withstanding, with-
preferred alternative. out damage, the thermal and mechanical stresses
*Code of practice for earthing (first rcuision ). *Code of practice for earthing (first rraision ).
49
to which it is likely $0 IX subjected in case of a 9.4.3 Devices for Switching 08 for Mechanical
short circuit occurring on the load side of the Maintenance
point at which it is installed.
9.4.3.1 Devices for switching off for mecha-
NOTE - The stresses mentioned here depend upon nical maintenance shall be inserted where practi-
the prospective short-circuit current at the point where
the rertdual current device is installed, *and the operat-
cable in the main supply circuit. Alternatively,
ing characteristics of the device pmvrdmg short-circuit such devices may be insefied in the control circuit
protection. provided that supplem’entary precautions are
taken to provide a degree of safety equivalent to
9.2 Snsulation Monitoring Devices - Under that of I interruption of the main supply, for
consideration. exampl+where such an arrangement is specified
9.3 Devices for Protection Against Over- in the appropritig Indian Standard.
voltage/Undervoltage and Coordination
Between Various Deviceo - Under considera- 9.4.328 Devices for switching off for mecha-
tion. nical maintenance of or control switches for such
devices shall be manually initiated and shall have
9.4 Isolating and Switching Devices an externally visible contact gap or a clearly and
9.4.1 Gentral- Isolating and switching devices reliably indicated OFF or OPEN position. Indi-
shall comply with the appropriate requirements of cation of that position shall occur only when the
the following clauses. A common device may be OFF or OPEN position on each pole has been
used for more than one of these functions if the attained.
appropriate requirements for each function are
9.4.3.3 Devices for switching off for mecha-
met.
nical maintenance shall be selected and/or installed
9.4.2 Dwices for ZPolation in such a way as to prevent unintentional
reclosure.
9.4,2.1 Devices for isolation shall effectively
disconnect all live supply conductors from the Noxx - Such recloaure might be caured, for exam-
ple, by mechanical shock and vrbration.
circuit concerned.
9.4.2.2 The isolating distances between 9.4.3.4 Where switches are used as devices
contacts or other means of isolation when in open for switching off for mechanical maintenance,
position shall be not less than those specified for they shall be capable of cutting off the full “load
isolators. current of the relevant part of the installation.

9.4.2.3 Semiconductor devices shall not be 9.4.4 Devicesfor Emergency+uitching

used as isolators.
9.4.4.1 Means of interrupting the supply for
9.4.2.4 The position of the contacts or other the purpose of emergency shall be capable of
means of isolation shall be either externally visible cutting off the full load current of the relevant
or clearly and reliably indicated. An indication of part of the installation. Where appropriate, due
the isolated position shall occur only when the account shall be taken of stalled motor conditions.
specified isolating distance has been attained in
each pole. 9.4.4.2 Means for emergency switching shall
9.4.2.5 Devices for isolation shall be selected consist of:
and/or installed in such a way as to prevent - a single switching device directly cutting off
unintentional reclosure. the incoming supply, or
NOTE - Such reclorure mi lit be caured, for
example, by mechanical #hock an d vibration.
a combination of several items of equip-
ment operated by one initiation only and
Provision shall be made for securing off-load resulting in the removal of the hazard by
devices for isolation against inadvertent and cutting off the appropriate supply; emer-
unauthorised operation. gency stopping may include the retention
of supply for electric breaking facilities.
NOTE- This provioion may be achieved by locat-
ing the off-load device in a lockable space or enclosure Plugs and socket outlets shall not be used for
accessible only to skilled persona, or by padlocking.
Alternatively, the off-load device may be interlocked emergency switching.
with a load-breaking device.
9.4.4.3 Devices for emergency switching
9.4.2.6 Isolation shall be achieved preferably shall be, where practicable, manually operated,
by the use of a multipole device cutting off all directly interrupting the main circuit. Dev?ces such
poles of the supply or, alternatively, by the use of as circuit-breakers and contractors operated by
single-pole devices which dare situated adjacent to remote control shall open on de-energisation of
each other. This requirement does not apply to the coils, or other techniques of suitable reliability
neutral links in TN-S SYS~CSIU. shall be employed.

so
 Is a 732 - 1989

9.4.4.4 The operating means ( such as 10. EARTHING ARRANGEMENT AND

handles and push buttons ) for devices for emer- PROTECTIVE CONDUCTORS ( see IS t
gency switching shall be clearly identifiable and 3043.1987* )
preferably coloured red. They shall be installed in
a readily accessible position where the hazard 11. SUPPLIES FOR SAFETY SERVICES
might occur and, where appropriate; at any addi- 11.1 General
tional remote position from which the device for
emergency switching may need to be operated. 11J.l For safety services, a source of supply
shall be selected which will maintain a supply for
9.4.4.5 The operating means of the device adequate duration.
for emergency switching shall be of the latching
type or capable of being restrained in the OFF or 11.1.2 For safety services required to operate
STOP position. A device in which the operating in fire conditions, all equipment shall be provided,
means automatically reset is permitted where bath either by construction or by erection, with protec-
the operating means and the means of re-energis- tion providing fire resistance of adequate
ing are under the control of one and the same duration.
person. The release of the emergency switching 11.1.3 Protective measures against indirect
device shall not re-energise the equipment contact without automatic disconnection at the
concerned, unless an appropriate warning that the first fault are preferred. In IT systems, continuous
equipment may restart automatically is clearly insulation monitoring devices shall be provided
indicated. which give an audible and visible indication of a
9.4.4.4 Every fireman’s emergency switch first fault.
provided for compliance with 5.6.3 shall: 11.2 Sources
4 be eoloured red and have fixed on or near
NOTE- Starter-type batteries for vehicles will
it, a nameplate marked with the words generally not full3 the requirements for sources for
BS;REMAN’S SWITCH’, the plate being safety services.
.the minimum size 150 x 100 mm, in
lettering easily legible from a distance 11.2.1 Sources for safety services shall be
appropriate to the site conditions, but not installed as fixed equipment and in such a manner
less than 13 mm high; that they cannot -be adversely affected, by failure
of the normal source.
b) have its ON and OFF positions clearly
indicated by lettering legible to a person 11.2.2 Sources for safety services shall be placed
standing on the ground at the intended in a suitable location and be accessible only to
site, and the OFF position shall be at the skilled or instructed persons.
top; and
11.2.3 A single source for safety services shall
4 preferably, be provided with a lock or not be used for other purposes. However, where
catch to prevent the switch being inadver- more than one source is available, such sources
tently returned to the ON position. may supply standby systems provided that, in the
NOTE - It is desirable that the nameplate mentio- event of failure of one source, the energy remain-
ned in (a) above be marked also with the name of the ing available will be sufficient for the starting and
company which installed or which main.,: 1s \ if operation of all safety services; this generally
different ) the installation concerned. necessitates the automatic off-loading of equipment
9.4.5 Devices for Functional Switching not providing safety services.
9.4.5.1 Plugs and socket outlets of rating not 11.2.4 Clauses 11.2.1 to 11.2.3 do not apply to
exceeding 16 A may be used as switching devices equipment individually supplied by self-contained
but not for emergency switching (se8 also 9.4.4.2). batteries.
A plug and socket outlet of rating exceeding 16 A 11.3 Cirdts
ac, may be used as a switching device ( other than
an emergency switching device ) where the plug 11.3.1 Circuits of safety services shall be inde-
and socket outlet has a breaking capacity appro- pendent of other circuit.
priate to the use intended. Plugs and socket NOTE - This means that an electrical fault or any
outlets of rating exceeding 16 A shall not be used intervention or modification in one system will not
as switching devices for dc circuits. affect the correct functioning of the other. This may
necessitate separation by fire-resistant materials or use
9.4.5.2 Every switch for discharge lighting of different routes or enclosures.
circuit shall be designed and marked for such 11.3.2 Circuits of safety services shall not pass
purposes. Alternatively, it shall have a nominal through locations exposed to fire risk unless the
current not less than twice the total steady current wiring systems used are fire resistant.
which it is required to carry or, if used to control
both filament lighting and discharge lighting, shall NOT* --Where Bracticable the passage of circuits
have a nominal current not less than the sum of through ‘locations presenting to a fire risk or explosion
risk should be avoided.
tbe current of the filament lamps and twice the
total steady current of the discharge lamps. *Code of practice for earthing (first rrtien ).

51
IS I 732 -.1989

11.3.3 The protection against overload may be 11.5.1 Precautions shall be taken to prevent
omitted. the paralleling of the sources, for example, by
mechanical interlocking.
11.3.4 Overcurrent protective device shall be
selected and erected so as to avoid an overcurrent 11.5.2 The requirements of these clauses for
in one circuit imparing the correct operation of protection against short circuit and indirect
other circuits of safety services, contact shall be met for each source.
11.3.5 Switchgear and controlgear, except
alarm devices, shall be clearly identified and 11.6 Special Requirements for Safety
grouped in locations accessible only to, skilled or Services Having Sour&s Capable of Opera-
instructed persons. Alarm devices shall be clearly tion in Parallel
identified.
NOTE - Ser also 4.1.3.2.
11.4 Utilisation Equipment - In equipment
supplied by two different circuits, a fault occurring 11.6.1 The requirements of these clauses for
in one circuit shall not impair the protection protection against short circuit and against
against electric shock nor the correct operation of indirect contact shall be met whether the installa-
the other circuit. Such equipment shall be selec- tion is supplied by either of the two sources or by
ted to the protective conductors of both circuits, both in parallel.
if necessary.
11.7 Specific Guidelines for Individual
115 Special Requirements for Safety Service Equipment - For specific guidelines for indivi-
Having Sources Not Capable of Operation dual equipment, fittings and accessories, reference
iu Parallel is invited to Appendices C and D.

SECTION 5 INSPECTION AND TESTING

12. INITIAL INSqECTION AND TESTING Appendix C, the use of other methods is not pre-
cluded provided that they give no less effective
12.1 General results:
12.1.1 Every installation shall, on completion Continuity of ring final circuit conductors,
and before being energised, be inspected and 4
tested in accordance with the requirements of this W Continuity of protective conductors? includ-
section to verify, as far as practicable, that the ing main and supplementary equrpotential
requirements of these clauses have been met. bonding,
Cl Earth electrode resistance,
The methods of test shall be such that no
danger to persons or property or damage to 4 Insulation resistance,
equipment can occur even if the circuit tested is 4 Insulation of site-built assemblies,
defective.
f 1 Protection by electrical separation,
12.2 Visual Inspection I31Protection by barriers or enclosures provi-
ded during erection,
12.2.1 A visual inspection shall be made to
verify that the installed electrical equipment is: h) Insulation of non-conducting floors and
walls,
- in compliance with the applicable Indian
Standards ( this may be ascertained by 3 Polarity, I
mark or by certification furnished by the k) Earth fault loop impedance,
installer or by the manufacturer ), n-4 Operation of residual current devices and
- correctly selected and erected in accord- fault-voltage operated protective devices.
ance with this code, and
- not visibly damaged so as to impair safety. In the event of any test indicating failure to
comply, that test and those preceding, the results
NOTE - Appendix E lists the principal features of of which may have been influenced by the fault
an installation to be visually inspected in order to
verify compliance with this code.
indicated, shall be repeated after the fault has
been rectified.
12.3 Testing
12.3.1 General - The following items, where 12.3.2 Continuity of Ring Final Cihit Con-
relevant, shall be tested in the sequence indicated. ductors - A test shall be made to verify the con-
Standard methods of testing, in respect of some of tinuity of all conductors ( including the protec-
the following clauses of this section, ‘&e given in tive conductor ) of every ring final circuit.

52
-_ _ __ _-_...-.

IS : 732 - 1989

12.3.3 Continuity of Protective Conductor - Every 12.3.6 Insulation of Site-Built Assemblies

-protective conductor shall be separately tested 40
verify that it is electrically sound and correctly 12.3.6.1 Where protection against direct
connected. This test shall include all conductors contact is intended to be afforded by insulation
and any extraneous conductive parts used for applied to live parts during erection in accord-
.equipotential bonding. ance with 5.1.2.1 (a), it shall be verified that the
insulation is capable of withstanding, without
12.3.4 Earth Electrode Resistance - Where it is breakdown or flashover, an applied test voltage
necessary to measure the resistance of an earth equivalent to that specified in the Indian Stan-
electrode, the test method described in IS : 3043- dard for similar factory-built equipment.
1987* shall be used.
12.3.6.2 Where protection against indirect
12.3.5 Insulation Resistance contact is provided by supplementary insulation
applied to equipment during erection in accord-
12.3.5.1 The tests described below shall be
ance with 5.1.3.2, it shall be verified by test:
made before. the installation is permanently con-
nected to the supply. For these tests large installa- - that the insulating enclosure affords a
tions may be divided into groups of outlets, each degree of protection not less than IPPX,
containing not less than 50 outlets. For the pur- and
poses of .this code the term ‘outlet’ includes every - that the insulating enclosure is capable of
point and every switch except that a socket withstanding, without breakdown or flash-
outlet, appliance or luminaire incorporating a over, an applied test voltage equivalent to
switch is regarded as one outlet. The test voltage that specified in the Indian Standard for
-for insulation resistance measurement shall be: similar factory built-equipment.
for extra low voltage - Up to 250-500 V‘ 12.3.7 Electrical Sefiaration of Circuits - Where
circuits protection against electric shock is provided by
for 250-500 V circuits - 1 000 v safety extra-low voltage or by electrical separa-
tion, the electrical separation of the separated
for circuits above 500 V - 2.5 kV
circuits shall be inspected and/or tested.
12.3.5.2 When measured with all fuse links
in place, all switches ( including, if practicable, Where the source of the separated circuit is
the main switch ) closed and, except for TN-C other than a safety isolating transformer or a
systems, all poles or phases of the wiring electri- source independent of a higher voltage circuit, it
cally connected together, the insulation resistance shall be verified that tht source provides a degree
to earth shall be not less than 1 megohm. of safety equivalent to that of a safety isolating
transformer, if necessary by performing the appli-
12.3.5.3 When measured between all the cable tests of insulation resistance and electric
conductors connected to any one phase or pole of strength.
the supply and, in turn, all conductors connected
to each other phase or pole, the insulation resis- It shall also be verified that the live parts of
tance shall be not less than 1 megohm, Wherever equipment of the separated circuit, other than
practicable, so that all parts of the wiring may be cables, have a degree of electrical separation
tested, all lamps shall be removed and all current- from other circuits not less than that between the
using equipment shall be disconnected and all input and output windings of a safety isolating
local switches controlling such lamps or other transformer, if necessary by performing the app-
equipment shall be closed. Where the removal of licable tests of insulation resistance and electric
lamps and/or the disconnection of current-using strength.
equipment is impracticable, the local switches 12r3.8 Protection Against Direct Contact by Barrkrs
controlling such lamps and/or equipment shall be or Enclosures Provided During Erection - Where
open. Particular attention shall be given to the protection against direct contact is intended to
presence of electronic devices connected in the be afforded by barriers or enclosures provided
installation and such devices shall be isolated so during erection in accordance with 5.1.2.2, it
that they are not damaged by the test voltage. shall be verified by test that the enclosures or
12.3.5.4 Where equipment is disconnected barriers afford a degree of protection :not less than
for the tests prescribed above, and the equipment IPBX or IPaX as appropriate.
has exposed conductive parts required by these
clauses to be connected to protective conductors, 12.3.9 Insulation of Non-conducting Floors and
the insulation resistance between the exposed Walls - Where protection against indirect con-
conductive parts and all live parts of the equip- tact is to be provided by a non-conducting loca-
ment shall be measured separately and shall com- tion the resistance of the floors and walls of the
ply with the requirements of the appropriate location to the main protective conductor of the
Indian Standard the insulation resistance shall be installation shall be measured at not’ less than
not less than 0.5 megohm. three points on each relevant surface one of which
shall be not less than 1 m and not more than
*Code of practice for earthing (fist rcrdm). 1.2 m from any extraneous conductive parts, it

53
IS : 732 - l!b89

shall be able to withstand a test voltage of at least relevant impedance shall be measured, or deter-
2 kV, and shall not pass a leakage current exceed- mined by an equally effective method.
ing 1 mA in‘normal conditions of use.
12.3.12 Ofieration of Residual Current Ojerated
and Fault- Voltage Operated Protective Devices -
12.3.10 Polarity - A test of polarity shall be Where protection against indirect contact is to be
made and it shall be verified that all fuses and provided by ,a residual current device or a fault-
single-pole control devices are connected in the voltage operated protective device, its effecti-
phase conductor only, that centre-contact veness shall be verified by a test simulating an
bayonet and Edison-type screw lampholders in appropriate fault condition and independent of
circuits having an earthed neutral conductor, any test facility incorporated in the device.
have their outer or screwed contacts connected to
that conductor, and that wiring has been 13. ALTERATIONS TO INSTALLATIONS
correctly connected to socket outlets.
13.1 In case of an alteration to an existing ins-
tallation, it shall be verified that the installation
12.3.11 Earth Fault Loop Impedance - Where after the alteration complies with this code and
protective measures are used which require a does not impair the safety of the existing installa-
knowledge of earth fault loop impedance, the tion.

APPENDIX A
( CZuuse8.1.7.1 )

TYPES OF WIRING SYSTEMS AND THEIR SELECTION

NOTE -Other types ofwiring systems,not covered A-2. The method of installation of a wiring system
ii this Appendix, may be used provided they comply in relation to the situation concerned shall be in
with the general rules of this code.
accordance with Table 3.
A-I. The method of installation of a wiring system
in relation to the type of conductor cable used A-3. Examples of wiring systems are shown
shall be in accordance with Table 2. in Tables 2, .3 and 4.

TABLE 2 SELECTION OF WIRING SYSTEMS IN RELATION TO CONDUCTGES

( C&asc A-3 )

COxDUO~OSS AND METHOD OE DJSTALLATION

CAnLr% r----w--- -_-----__--_---- ------L--_
Without Conduit Cable Cable Cable On Supper;
C$9pztd
Fixing Trunking Ducting Ladder, Insulators Wire
(Including Cable
Skirting Tray,
Tr$r;g, Cable
Brackets
FI:or
Trunking)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (3)
Bare conductors X X X X X’ 4 X

Insulated conductors X X : d 4 X 4 X
Sheathed cables
(including armour-
ed and mineral
insulated)
Multi-core
Single-core

4 : Permitted
x : Not permitted
-: Not applicable, or not normally used in practice

54
em. ..I, .,._ .L I_..
._--

ISr732-l!m

TABLE 3 ERECTION O? WR8NG ST8TBMS IN RELATXON To 8ITUATION

( Claus A-3 )

SITTJATION~ METHODOS IIPSTALLATIOLS

I---------_~ ----
Without Conduit Cable Cable Cable On Support.
Fixing Trunking Ducting Ladder, Insulators Wire
(Including Cable
Skirting Tray,
Tr;zkg, Cable
Bra&eta
Floor
Trunking)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)
Building voids 21, 25, 73, 2’1,73, 74 X 23 12, 13, 14, X X
74 15, 16
Cable channel 43 43 41,42 :‘; , l$ 14, X x

Embedded in ground 62,63 61 X 61 X X

Embedded in 52,53 51 1,2,5 33 24 X X
structure
Surface mounted X 11 3 31,32, 71, 4 14, 18 X
72
Overhead X X - 34 X 12:
;;, 13,
;63’14, 18 17
15, 16
Immersed 81 81 X X X
‘Key
Numbers : Permitted ( Number refers to Table 4 )
X : Not permitted
- : Not applicable or not normally used in practice.

TABLE 4 EXAMPLES OF WRING SYSTEMS

( ClrmscA-3 )

MOTE - The illustrations are not intended to depict actual product or installation practice but are indicative
of the method described.

.EXAYPLB D~E~BIPTIO~ Rlex

InTat;ed conductors in conduits in insulating

ROOM

Multicore cables in conduitr in insulating wallr 2

ROOM

Insulated conductors in conduits on a wall 3

( Confirwd )
ISt732-1989

TABLE 4 EXAMPLES OF wuuko sy8T1pds --Gintd

EXAMPLE DBSCBIPTION REF

Insulated conducion in cable ducting on a wall

Insulated conductors in conduit in masonry 5-

Sheathed and/or armoured oables and mineral ins& 11

ted cab1.w on or spaced from a wall or ceiling

On unperforated tray8 12

On perforated trays 13.

On brackets 14

On cleats 15

On ladder 16.

Sheathed single core or multicore cables suspended 17

from or incorporating a support wire

( Continurd )

56
 18 I 732 - 1989

TABLE 4 ~EXAIWLES OF WIRING SYSTEMS - Cod

Er AYPLB DESCEIPTION REF

;/
Bare or insulated conductors on insulators 18

D 0
&
L
Sh;e;tsed single core or multicore cables in building 21

Insulated conductors in conduit in building voids 22

InFo;;ed conductors in cable ducting in building 23

Insulated conductors in cable ducting in masonry 24

Sheathed single core or multicore cables:

25
a) in ceiling void, and

.D
b) in suspended floor

. Insulated conductors

a) Run horizontally
in cable trunkink on a wall:

31

m b) Run vertically

c) Insulated conductors in flush cablb trunking

32

33

( Continued )
-..

IS:732-1989

TABLE 4 EXAMPLES OF WIRING SYSmI+fg - &a;d

EXAMPLE D~WXIPTION REP

d) Insulated conductors’ in suspended cable 34

trunking

e) Insulated conductora in conduits in enclosed 41

cable channels, run horizontally or vertically

f) Insulated conductors in conduits in ventilated 42

cable channels in floor
I

g) Sheathed single-core or multi-core cables in 43

open or ventilated cable channels run hori-
zontally or vertically

Sheathed multi-core cables direct in insulating walls 51

Sheathed single-core or multi-core cables direct in s2

masonry without added mechanica protection

Sheathed single-core or mu&core cables direct in 53

masonry -with added mechanicaI protection.

( Continurd )

58
 TABLE 4 EXAMPLES OF WIRING SYSTEMS - Contd

63 l
l
e

Sheathed singIe-core or multi-core

or cable ducting in the ground
cables in conduits 61

,:.‘__.. ‘.‘..‘..... 2.::’

...; ; .t .: ,. .’ . . . ..,.. . . . ., :
-._.... ..:. 1. ._. . . C..‘“’ Sheathed single-core or multi-core cables in the ground 62
:...:._.::.:.
,.,., .,I:. l l .:.L-:+:;I without added mechanical protection
.::.b....: l ..:>..“:.y..
. .. ...;. I.. ,::::.T.‘i::
;.:;..+;:.:($:
@
I:: ;j:;,.;y.:..~;

Sheathed single-core or multi-core cables in the 63

ground with added mechanical protection

Insulated conducton run in mouldingr 71

Insulated conductors in skirting trunking 72

.,
\\
,
\ Insulated conductors in conduits or sheathed single 7;
core of multicore cables in architravts

( Continued

-29
 TABLE 4 EXAMPLES OF WIRING SYSTEMS - %fu’

EXAMPLE DESOBIPTION REF

Insulated conductors in conduits or sheathed single- 74

core or multi-core cables in window frame

Sheathed cables immersed in water 81

APPENDIX B
( Clause 8 3.5.8 )

METHODS OF INTERNAL WIRING

B-I. CLEATED WIRING SYSTEM B-1.6.2 Where practicable the same method
shall be adopted in the cases of stone walls, but
B-l.1 General - This system shall not be when owing to irregular coursing or other reasons
employed for wiring on damp walls or ceiling. it is impracticable to fix the cleats in a regular and
workman like manner, a wood batten shall be
B-l.2 Accecsibility - All cleated wiring shall provided and fixed with not less than one plug per
be run, as far as practicable, so as to be visible 1.25 m run. The batten shall be of seasoned teak
except in positions where they would be liable to or other suitable seasoned hardwood 2 cm thick
mechanical injury and where they are less than and 2.5 cm wider than the cleat used, it shall be
1.5 m above the floor, in which cases they shall be chamfered on the edges, wrought all over and
adequately protected. varnished with two coats of varnish conforming
B-1.3 Types of Cables - Vulcanized rubber to IS : 347-1975* or painted as may be required.
insulated cables; plastic ( PVC and polyethylene ) B-l.7 Distance Between Wires - @or voltages
insulated cables, braided or unbraided; and any up to 250 volts, cleats shall be of such dimensions
other approved insulated cables shall be used that in the case of branch loads, conductors shall
without any further protection. not be less than 2.5 cm apart centre to centre and
B-l.4 Cleats - All cleats shall consist of two in the case of submains not less than 4 cm apart
parts, a base piece and a cap. A special pattern of centre to ‘centre, provided that this shall not
cleat may be used, if necessary, where conductors apply, if the cable used is twin-core. Care shall be
pass round cornen, so that there may be no risk taken in select&g size of cleats particularly for
of the cductors touching the wall owing to the branch distribution wiring where two-way and
sagging or stretching. Cleats shall be fixed at three-way porcelain cleats are essential, and the
distances not greater than 60 cm apart and at difference in size shall be reasonable. Care shall
regular intervals. also be taken that grooves of porcelain cleats do
not compress the insulation nor be too wide for a
B-l.5 Where cleated wiring is laid along iron very loose fit. Under no circumstances two wires
joist or any metal, spacing between such metal shall be placed in one groove of porcelain cleats.
and porcelain cleats shall be inserted either with
varnished wood fillet or varnished, wood clamp
El.8 Cramming of Conductors
securely fixed as would be approved so as to B-1.8.1 Where cleated conductors cross each
prevent conductors coming in contact with such other they shall be separated by an insulating
metal along which they are passing. bridging piece, which will rigidly maintain a
distance of at least I.3 cm between the conductors
El.6 Fixing of Cleatm except when the cable used is twin-core.
B-1.6.1 In ordinary cases, cleats shall be *Specificationfor varnish, shellac, for general purposes
attached to plugs arranged in a suitable manner, ( jirsl rrDirion
).

60
 B-1.8.2 In open type wiring, joint cut-outs B-2.4 Bunching of Circuits - Conductora, of
or fuse or fuse cut-outs shall not be inserted for opposite polarity or different phases shall not be
any purpose, but where joints are required for bunched in one groove in wood casing.
connecting bifurcating wires, junction boxes of
Nom - Length8 of conductors of the same polarity
wooden or-other insulating material with porcelain or phase, and free joints, may be buncbtd, if so
connectors inside shall be used. desired,

B-l.9 Protection Near Floor B-2.5 Attachment of Cos+g to Wall snd

Ceiling - All casing shall be fixed by means of
B-1.9.1 No cleated wiring shall be left unpro- suitable flat-head wood screws to plugs at an
tected up to l-5 m above floor level. When interval not exceeding 90 cm for sizes up to 64 mm
brought through the floor it shall be enclosed in casing and not exceeding 60 cm for sizes above
conduit in the manner specified in B-2.9. 64 mm casing. Screw heads shall be countersunk
B-1.9.2 As far as possible, no open type of within the dividing wall of the grooves (in the case
wiring shall run within floors, walls, partitions, of three-grooved casing, two screws shall be insert-
ceilings, roof spaces or other concealed spaces in ed on the two dividing walls in a workmanlike
which they are not normally open to view; in such manner ). All &sing shall be spaced from the
cases conductors shall be carried through steel wall or ceiling by means of porcelain disc insula-
conduit pipe [ see IS : 9537 ( Part 2 )-1981*] tors not less than 6.5 mm thick. Casing shall be
with all screwed accessories, keeping mechanical used only on dry walls and ceilings avoiding out-
continuity throughout the entire layout, and such side walls, as far as possible, and shail not be
pipe work shall be earthed and properly bushed buried in walls or ceilings under plaster, nor fixed
on all open ends to prevent abrasion of cables. in proximity to gas, steam or water pipes or imme-
diately below the latter. Casing under steel joists
B-1.9.3 At the time of laying and drawing of shall be secured by hoop-iron or by approved
conductors, care shall be taken to keep the wires wood clamps, and spaced with disc insulators.
straight, tight and rigid without any twist.
B-2.6 Attachment of Capping - All capping
B-1.9.4 All wooden fittings, such as boards, shall be attached to the casing ( after all insulated
blocks, etc, shall be of well-seasoned teak wood or wires are laid inside grooves ) by round-head
of suitable insulating material and shall be of screws ( rust resisting ) fixed on edges and screw-
double type, that is, separate base and top. The ed to outer walls of the casing at an interval not
wooden boards shall be well varnished on all sides exceeding 15 cm crosswise (that is, 30 cm between
( both inside and outside ) and may be mounted two successive screws on each side ) for all sizes
with suitable porcelain insulators behind the up to 64 mm casing and capping. For sizes above
boards. 64 mm similar additional round-head screws shall
be fixed on the centre-wall ( or alternative walls
B-2. WOOD CASING WIRING SYSTEM in cases of 3 grooves ) at an interval of 45 cm.
B-2.1 General - This system of wiring is suitable NOTE - Care shall be taken in fixing screws on
for low voltage installation where vulcanized cappings so that they do not pierce through the walls of
casing and damage the insulation.
rubber insulated cables, plastic insulated cables or
other suitable insulated cables shall be used in the B-2.7 Joints ik Casing and Capping - Casing
wiring work and carried within wood casing and capping shall be run in lengths as long as
enclosure. Wood casing wiring system shall not be possible. All joints shall be scarfed or cut diago-
used in damp places or in ill-ventilated places, nally in longitudinal section and shall be smoothed
unless suitable precautions are taken. down by fitting to make joints a very close fit as
far as possible. They shall be secured at joints
B-2.2 Material and Pattern of Casing - All
with two or more screws as would be necessary.
casing shall be of seasoned teak wood or any other
Joints in capping shall not overlap those in the
approved hardwood, free from knots, shakes, saps,
casing.
or’ other defects, all sides planed with smooth
finish, and ail sides well varnished ( both inside B-2.8 Layout of Wood Casing Wiring - Lay-
and outside ) with pure shellac varnish ( see IS : out of wood casing wiring shall be such as to
347-1975t ). The casing shall have grooved body avoid corners as far as possible and avoid crossing
with beaded or plain moulded cover as desired. of conductors inside the casing. Where conductors
B-2.3 Dimensions of Casing - The sizes of have to cross corners, teak wood solid corner
casing and capping for various sizes of 250 V pieces of a radius not less than 7.5 cm and of the
grade insulated cables in a groove shall be in same width as that of casing with the same finish
accordance with those specified in Table 5. as that of capping shall be used,with grooves at the
bottom for conductors. Where crossing of wires is
unavoidable and a junction box is not used, a
*Specificationfor conduits for electrical installations: bridge piece of casing shall be fixed on the top of
Part 2 Rigid steel conduits.
iSpecificationfor varnirb, shellac for general purpoaer casing with neat finish and shall pass conductol;s
(firstWiJiOn ). avoiding crossing.

61
 IS:732 -1989

TABLE 5 SIEE OF WOOD CASING AND CAPPING, AND NUMBER OF CABLES

THAT MAY BE DRAWN IN ONE GROOVE OF THE CASING
( Clam B-2.3)

Width of casing or capping, mm 38 44 51 64 76 89 102

NO. of grooves 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Width of grooves, mm 6 6 9 13 16 16 19
Width of dividing fillet, mm 12 12 13 18 24 35 38
Thickness of outer wall, mm 7 10 10 10 10 11 13
Thickness of casing, mm 16 16 19 19 25 32 32
Thicknes of capping, mm 6 6 10 10 10 13 13
Thickness of the back under the 6 6 6 10 10 10 13
groove, mm
Length, m 2’5 to 3’0

SIZE or CABLE NUMBER OF CABLES TEAT YAY BE DRAWN IN ONE GROOVE

,---,--A-----
’ Nominal Numher and’ ’
Cross Diameter
Sectional ( in mm ) of
Area, Wires
mms
1’0 I/ 1’12, 2 2 3 3 9 12 12
1’5 l/l’40 1 1 2 2 8 12 12
2’5 l/l’80 1 1 2 2 5 10 10
3/ 1.60.
4 - 2 2 5 8 9
7/1’85*
112.24 -
6 l/2*80 - - 1 1 4 6 6
7/l-06
10 1/3*55t - 1 3
7/1’40 - - : 1 2 3
16 7/ 1’70 - - 1 2
25 712.24 - - - 1 1
35 712’50 - - 1 1
50 7/3*00t - 1 1
19/1.80 1
*For copper conductors only.
tFor aluminium conductors only.

B-2.9 Passing Through Floors - Where con- B-3. TOUGH RUBBER-SHEATHED OR PVC
ductors pass through floors, they shall be carried SHEATHED WIRING SYSTEM
in an approved heavy gauge con&it properly
bushed at both ends. The conduit shall be carried B-3.1 General - Wiring with tough rubber-
1.5 m above floor level and 2.5 cm below ceiling sheathed cables is suitable for low voltage installa-
level and neatly entered into the casing, which tions, and shall not be used in places exposed to
shall, if so required, be suitably protected at the sun and rain nor in damp places, unless wires are
floor level. The conduit pipe shall be securely sheathed in protective covering against atmosphere
earthed. and well protected to withstand dampness. Wiring
with PVC-sheathed cables is suitable for medium
B-2.10 Casing Round Mouldings or Decora- voltage installation and may be installed directly
tions - This shall be considered as special under exposed conditions of sun and rain or damp
decoration work and carried out in consultation places. This system of wiring is suitable in situa-
with the architect or the engineer-in-charge of tions where acids and alkalis are likely to be
construction work and with his approval. present. Where attack from whiteants (termite) is
prevalent, anti-termite treatment shall be-given.
B-2.11 Painting and Varnishing - All casing
and capping shall be given, before erection, inter- All sheathed cables on brick walls, stone or
nally and on the back, two coats of varnish plaster walls and ceilings, steel joists, or any
conforming to IS : 347;1975*. In addition all structural steel work shall be run on well-seasoned
casing together with capping after erection shall be and vasnished, straight teak wood battens finished
painted or varnished to the desired finish. not less than 10 mm thick and the width of which
*Specificationfor varnish, shellac for general purposes
is such as to suit total width of cables laid on the
( .,frd ralision ). batten. Prior to erection, these shall be painted

62
 IS:732- 1989

with one coat of varnish or suitable paint match- B-3.8 Stripping of Outer Covering - While
ing with the surroundings. These battens shall be cutting and stripping of the outer covering of the
secured to the walls and ceilings by flat-head wood cables, care shall be taken that the sharp edge of
screws to wood plugs or other plugs at an interval the cutting instrument does not touch the rubber
not exceeding 75 cm; the flat-head wood screws or <PVC sheathed insulation of conductors. The
shall be countersunk within wood batten and protective outer covering of the cables shall be
smoothed down with file. stripped off near connecting terminals, and this
protective covering shall be maintained up to the
B-3.2 Link Clips - Link clips shall conform close proximity of connecting terminals as far as
to IS : 2412-1975*. Link clips shall be so arranged practicable. Care shall be taken to avoid hammer-
that one single clip shall not hold more than two ing on link clips with any metal instruments, after
twin-core TRS or PVC-sheathed cables up to the cables are laid. Where junction boxes are
l-5 mm* above which a single clip shall hold a provided, they shall be made moisture-proof with
single twin-core cable. The clips shall be fixed on an approved plastic compound.
varnished wood battens with any rust resisting pins
or screws and spaced at intervals of 10 cm in the B-3.9 Painting - If so required, the tough
case of horizontal runs and 15 cm in the case of rubber-sheathed wiring shall, after erection, be
vertical runs. For the wiring and runs of mains painted with one coat of oil-less paint or distemper
exposed to heat and rain, clips specially made for of suitable colour over a coat of oil-less primer,
outdoor use from a durable metal, resistant to and the PVC-sheathed wiring shall be painted
weather and atmospheric corrosion, shall be used. with a synthetic enamel paint of quick drying
type.
B-3.3 Protection of TRS or PVC-Sheathed
Wiring from Mechanical Damage B-4. METAL-SHEATHED WIRING SYSTEM

B-3.3.1 In cases where there are chances of B-4.1 General - Metal-sheathed wiring system is
any damage to the wirings, such wirings shall be suitable for IGWvoltage installations, and shall not
covered with sheet metal protective covering, the be ustd in situations where acids and alkalis are
base of which is made flush with the plaster or likely to be present. Metal-sheathed wiring may be
brickwork, as the case may be, or the wiring shall used in places exposed to sun and rain provided
be drawn through a conduit complying with all no joint of any description is exposed; this system
requirements of conduit wiring system ( see B-5 ). may be installed in damp places with approved
protection against dampness coming in contact
B-3.3.2 Such protective covering shall in all with open ends of cables.
cases be fitted on all downdrops within 1.5 m from
the floor. B-4.2 Link Clips - Link clips shall conform to
IS : 2412.1975* and shall be so arranged that one
B-3.4 Bends in Wiring - The wiring shall not single clip shall not hold more than two twin-core
in any circumstances be bent so as to form a right metal-sheathed cables up to 1.5 mms, above which
angle but shall be rounded off at the corners to a a single clip shall hold a single twin-core cable.
radius not less than six times the overall diameter The clips shall be fixed on varnished wood battens
of the cable. with brass pins or brass screws and placed at
B-3.5 Passing Through Floors - All cables intervals of 10 cm in the case of horizontal runs
taken through floors shall be enclosed in an and 15 cm in the case of vertical runs, For the
insulated heavy gauge steel conduit extending wiring and runs of mains exposed to heat and rain,
l-5 m above the floor and flush with the ceiling clips specially made for the outdoor use from a
below, or by means of any other approved type of durable metal, resistant to weather and atmos-
metallic covering. The ends of all conduits or pipes pheric corrosion, shall be used.
shall be neatly bushed with porcelain, wood or B-4.3 Attachment to Walls and Ceilings-All
other approved material. metal-sheathed cables on brick walls, stone walls
B-3.6 Passing Through Walls - The method or plastered walls and ceilings; steel joists or any
to be adopted shall be according to good practice. structural steel work shall be run on well-seasoned
There shall be one or more conduits of adequate and perfectly straight teak wood battens of not less
size to carry the conductors ( see Table 6 and than 10 mm finished thickness, which have been
Table 7 ). The conduits shall be neatly arranged well varnished on four sides. The width of teak
so that the cables enter them straight without wood. battens shall be such as to suit the total
bending. width of cableslaid on the batten. Prior to erection
B-3.7 Buried Cables - The tough rubber- these shall be painted with one coat of varnish
( see IS : 347-1975t) or suitable paint of colour to
sheathed cables shall not be buried directly in
match with the surroundings These battens shall be
plaster; where so specified, tbey may be taken in
secured to the walls and ceilings by flat-head wood
teak wood channelling of ample capacity or _
cement chase or conduit buried in the wall. *Specification for link clips for electrical wiring (brat
f&&m ).
*Specification for link clipi for electrical wiring ( jrst @pecification for varnish, shellac, for general purposps
rmisin ). (first reoision ) .

63
IS I 732 - 1989

screwsto wood plugs or other approved plugs at by means of any other approved type of metallic
an interval not exceeding 75 cm; the flat-head covering. The ends of all conduits or pipes shall be
wood screws shall be countersunk within wood neatly bushed with porcelain, wood or other
batten and smoothed down,with file. approved material.
B-4.4 Wiring on Rolled Steel Jojsts - Where B-4.9 Passing Through Walls - The method
wiring is ‘to be carried along the face of rolled to be adopted shall be in accordance with good
steel joists, a batten shall first be laid on the joists practice. There shall be one or more conduits of
and clipped to it as inconspicuously as possible. adequate size to carry the conductors (see Tables 6
The wiring shall be fixed to the batten in the and 7 ). The conduit(s) shall be neatly arranged so
ordinary way. that the cables enter them straight without bend-
ing.
Bi4.5 Protection of Wiring from Mechanical
B-4.10 Burried Cables - Metal sheathed cables
Damage
shall in no case be hurried directly in the plaster
B-4.5.1 In cases where there are chances of any or under any masonry work.
damage to the wiring, such wiring shall be covered B-4.11 Earthing - Precautions shall be taken to
with sheet metal protective covering, the base of ensure that all lead sheathing including portable
which is made flush with the plaster of brickwork, appliance with exposed metal parts, together with
as the case may be, or the wiring shall be drawn all joint-boxes and other similar receptacles are
through a steel conduit pipe by complying with all efficiently earthed and made electrically continu-
requirements of conduit system of wiring ous throughout their lengths by means of soldered
(seeB-5). joints or approved suitable clamps or, alternatively
B-4.5.2 The protective covering shall in all with earth continuity conductors ( each bonded
cases be carried right through the entire length of cables ) specially manufactured for the purpose.
such doubtful positions. The earthing (shall extend to all main switches,
distribution boards, etc, in compliance with Indian
B-4.6 Joints - Where joint-box system is speci- Electricity Rules, 1956, as well as manufacturers’
fied, joints shall be made by means of connectors, design and instructions in connection with earth-
insulated with porcelain, or other approved mate- ing of all insulated microgap main switches or
rial and enclosed in joint-boxes. The joint-boxes similar fittings.
shall be so constructed as to prevent insects from
entering them, and to allow the white washing of B-4.12 Resistance - The electrical resistance of
the walls without water having access to the the metal sheathing together with the resistance of
connectors. All cables shall be bonded through, the earthing lead, measured from the connection
or across these boxes. Bonding connections shall with the earth electrode to any other position in
be so arranged as not to come in contact with the completed installation shall not exceed one
plaster. ohm.
B-4.13 Painting - Where required, all metal-
B-4.7 Stripping of Insulation and Outer sheathed wiring or its protective covering when
Covering such is fitted, shall be neatly painted after erection
B-4.7.,1 When rubber or PVC insulation has to with two coats of any suitable paint.
be stripped for joints, the metal sheathing shall be B-5. CONDUIT WIRING SYSTEM
nicked only, not cut, and the insulation between
the metal sheath and the conductors shall be of k-5.1 Surface Conduit Wiring System with
rubber or ,PVC sheath only. All tape shall be Rigid Steel Conduits
stripped off. Where paper-insulated metal-sheathed
B-5.1.1 Tyflsand Siz.e of Conduit - All conduit
cable is used, all openings in the same shall be
pipes shall be conforming to IS : 1653-1972+,
efficiently sealed.
finished with galvanized or stove enamelled
B-4.7.2 While cutting and stripping of the outer surface, All conduit accessories shall be of threaded
covering of the cables, care shall be taken that the type and under no circumstances pin grip type or
sharp edge of cutting instrument does not touch clamp type accessories be used. No steel conduit
the rubber or PVC insulation of conductors. While less than 16 mm in diameter shall be used. The
connecting conductors to the connecting terminals number of insulated conductors that can be drawn
of accessories, care shall be taken to remove cotton into rigid steel conduit are given in Table 6.
tape covering from the top of rubber insulation of B-5.1.2 Bunching of Cables - Unless otherwise
cable. The cotton tape covering shall always specified, insulated conductors of ac supply and dc
remain inside lead covering of cables.
supply shall be bunched in separate conduits. For
B-4.8 Passing Through Floors - All cables lighting and small power outlet circuits phase
taken through floors shall be enclosed in an segregation in separate conduits is recommended.
insulated steel conduit extending 1.5 m above the *Specification for .rigid steel conduits for electrical
*oar and flush with the ceiling below, or protected wiring ( second rmision ).

64
 IS:732-1969

TABLE 6 MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE NUMBER OF 250 V GRADE SINGLE-CORE CABLES

THAT CAN BE DRAWN INTO RIGID STEEL CONDUITS
( Classes B-3.7, B-4.9 and B-5.1.1 )

SIZE or CABLE SIZE OF CONDU~@,mm

_-_-_-_h_-_-, __--------- _-*-___-_---_-----__~
Nominal Number . 16 20 25 32 40 50 63
Cross- and NUMRER OF CABLES, Max
Sectional Diameter r-*--, r-h-7 @-h_- #--*_- r-h_, ,-h, Y-h-‘
Area, of Wires, -S B S B S B S B S B’ ‘S B‘
mm*
5 4 7 5 13 10 20 14 - - - - -- -
1’0
1.5 l/1.40 4 3 7 5 12 10 20 14 - - - - - -

r l/l’80 7 - - - _ -
2’5 3 2 0 5 10 8 18 12 -
(I 3/1’06* I)

r l/2*24 1 4 7 - - - - -
4 3 2 3 8 12 10 -
1 7/0’85+ J)

r l/Z’80 -I - - - - -
6 3 2 6 5 10 8 -
i 7/1’06” 1

2 - 5 4 8 7 - - - - I
10 - 4 - - -
2 3 6 5 8 6 -

16 711’70 - 2 - 4 3 7 6 - - - -
25 712’24 - - - - 3 2 5 4 8 6 9 7
35 7/2’50 - -_ - - 2 - 4 3 7 5 8 6

I 7/3*oot -l - - - - - -
50 - 2 - 5 4 6 5
‘I. 19/1’80 ]

NO’I’E 1 - The table shows the maximum capacity of conduits for the simultaneouly drawing
of cables. The columns headed S apply to runs of conduit which have distance not exceeding
4’25 m between drawn-in boxes, and which do not deflect from the straight by an angle of more
than 15O. The columns headed B apply to runs of conduit which deflect from the straight by an
angle of more than 15”.
NOTE 2 - In case an inspection type draw-in box has been provided and if the cable in first
drawn through one straight conduit, then through the draw-in box, and then through the second
straight conduit, such systems may be considered as that 01 a straight conduit even if the conduit
deflects through the straight by more than 15”.

*For copper conductors only.

*For aluminium conductors only.

B-5.1.3 Conduit Joints - Conduit pipes shall be tube, all outlets of conduit system shall be properly
joined by means of screwed couplers and screwed drained and ventilated, but in such a manner as
accessories only ( see IS : 2667-1976* ), In long to prevent the entry of insects as far as possible.
distances straight runs of conduit, inspection type B-5.1.5 Protection of Conduit Against Rust - The
couplers at reasonable intervals shall be provided outer surface of the conduit pipes, including all
or running threads with couplers and jam-nuts ( in bends, unions, tees, junction boxes, etc, forming
the latter case the bare threaded portion shall be
part of the conduit system shall be adequately
treated with anti-corrosive preservative ) shall be
protected against rust particularly when such
provided. Threaded on conduit pipes in all cases
system is exposed to weather. In all cases, no bare
shall be between 11 mm to 27 mm long sufficient
threaded portion of conduit pipe shall be allowed
to accommodate pipes to full threaded portion of
unless such bare threaded portion is treated with
couplers or accessories. Cut ends of conduit pipes anti-corrosive preservative or covered with suitable
shall have no sharp edges nor any burrs left to plastic compound.
avoid damage to the insulation of conductors while
pulling them through such pipes. B-5.1.6 Fixing of Conduit - Conduit pipes shall
be fixed by heavy gauge saddles, secured to suit-
B-5.1.4 Protection Against Dampwss - In order able wood plugs or other plugs with screws in an
to minimize condensation or sweating inside the approved manner at an interval of not more than
one metre, but on either side of couplers or bends
*Specificationfor fittings for rigid steel conduits for elec- or similar fittings, saddles shall be fixed at a
trical wiring ( JFrst r8ai.ri0a ) distance of 30 cm from the centre of such fittings.

65
ib t 732 --I989

B-5.1.7 Beno5 in Conduit - All necessary bends by bending the conduit pipe itself with a long
in the system including diversion shall be done by radius which will permit easy drawing-in of con-
bending pipes; or by inserting suitable solid or ductors. All threaded joints of rigid steel conduit
inspection type normal bends, elbows or similar shall be treated with preservative compound to
fittings; or fixing cast-iron inspection boxes which1 secure protection against rust.
ever is more suitable. Conduit fittings shall be
avoided as far as possible on conduit system B-5.2.3 Inspection Boxes - Suitable inspection
exposed to weather; where necessary, solid type boxes shall be provided to permit periodical
fittings shall be used. Radius of such bends in inspection and to facilitate removal of wires, if
conduit pipes shall not be less than 7.5 cm. No necessary. These shall be mounted flush with the
length of conduit shall have more than the equiva- wall. Suitable ventilating holes shall be provided
lent of four quarter bends from outlet to outlet, the in the inspection box covers. The minimum sizes
bends at the outlets not being counted. of inspection boxes shall be 75 mm x 75 mm.
B-5.1.8 Outlets-All outlets for fittings, switches, B-5.2.4 Types of Accessories to be Used - All
etc, shall be boxes of suitable metal or any other outlet, such as switches and wall sockets, may be
approved outlet boxes for either surface mounting either of flush mounting type or of surface mount-
or flush mounting system. ing type.
B-5.1.9 Conductors - All conductors used in
B-5.2.4.1 Flush mounting gpe - All flush
conduit wiring shall preferably be stranded. No
mounting outlets shall be of cast iron or mild steel
single-core cable of nominal cross-sectional area
boxes with a cover of insulating material or shall
grearer than 130 mms enclosed alone in a conduit
be a box made of a suitable insulating material.
and used for alternating current.
The switches and other outlets shall be mounted
B-5.1.10 Erection and Earlhing of Conduit - The on such boxes. The metal box shall be efficiently
conduit of each circuit or section shall be comple- earthed with conduit by a suitable means of earth
ted before conductors are drawn in. The entire attachment.
system’of conduit after erection shall be tested for
mechanical and electrical continuity throughout B-5.2.4.2 Surface mounting && - If surface
and permanently connected to earth conforming mounting type outlet box is sp,e&ied, it shall be of
to the requirements specified in this standard by any suitable insulating tiaterial and outlets
means of suitable earthing clamp efficiently faste- mounted in an approved manner.
ned to conduit pipe in a workmanlike manner for _-
a perfect continuity between each wire and con-
BZi.2.5 When crossing through expansion joints
duit. Gasor water pipes shall not be used as earth
in buildings, the conduit sections across the joint
medium, If conduit pipes are liable to mechanical
may be through flexible conduits of the same size,
damage they shall be adequately protected.
as the rigid conduit.
B-5.1.11 Inspection type conduit fittings such
as inspection boxes, draw boxes, bends, elbows and B-5.3 Conduit Wiring System with Rigid
tees shall be so installed that they can remain Non-metallic Conduits - Rigid non-metallic
accessible for such purposes as withdrawal of exist- conduits are used for surface, recessed and con-
ing cables or the installing of additional cables. cealed conduit wiring.
B-5.2 Recessed Conduit Wiring System with
B-5.3.1 Ty#e and Size - All non-metallic
Rigid Steel Conduits - Recessed conduit wiring
conduits used shall conform to IS : 9537 ( Part 3)-
system shall comply with all the requirements for
surface conduit wiring system specified in B-5.1.1 1987*. The conduit may be either threaded type
or plain type as specified in IS : 9537 ( Part 3 )-
to B-5.1.9 and in addition, conform to the require-
1987* and shall be used with the corresponding
ments specified below.
accessories ( see IS : 3419-19767 ).
B-5.2.1 Making of Chafe - The chase in the
wall shall be neatly made and be of ample dimen- B-5.3.2 Bunching of Cables - Conductors of ac
sions to permit the conduit to be fixed in the supply and dc supply shall be bunched in separate
manner desired. In the case of buildings under conduits. For lighting and small power outlet
construction, chases shall be provided in wall, circuits phase segregation in separate circuits is
ceiling, etc, at the time of their construction and recommended. The number of insulated cables
shall be filled up neatly after erection of conduit that may be drawn into the conduits are given in
and brought to the original finish of the wall. Table 7. In this table the space factor does not ’
exceed 40 percent.
B-5.2.2 Fixing of Conduit in Chase - The con-
duit pipe shall be fixed by means of staples or by
means of saddles not more than 60 cm apart. *Specification for conduits for electrical installations:
Part 3 Rigid plain conduits bf iosulating materials.
Fixing of standard bends or elbows shall be avoid- tSpecification for fittings for rigid non-metallic conduits
ed as far as practicable and all curves maintained ( Jirsl rcoision ).

66
 IS:732-1989

TABLE 7 MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE NUMBER OF 250 VOLTS GRADE SINGLE-CORE

CABLES THAT MAY BE DRAWN INTO RIGID NON-METALLIC CONDUITS
( Clausa B-3.7, B-4.9 and B-5.3.2 )

Sxzn OF CABLE SIZE or CONDUIT ( mm )

~---_----h---~ -- --A-_-_--,---~
Nominal Number and 16 20 25 32 40 50
Cross- Diameter (in
Sectional mm) of NUMBER OF CABLES, Max
Area Wires
mm1
1’0 l/l’122 5 7 13 20 .- -
1’5 l/l’40 4 6 10 14 - -

2’5 ( l/1*80) 3 5 10 14 - -
( 3/1’06e )
4 ( 112.24 ) 2 3 6 10 14 -
( 7/0’85+ )
6 ( 112’80 ) - 2 5 9 11 -
(7/1’40*)
10 ( 1/3*55t ) - - 4 7 . 9 -
( 7/l@* )
16 711.70 2 4 5 12
25 712’24 2 2 6
35 7p58 - 2 5

50 lY/%z
. - 2’ s
*For copper conductors only,
tFor aluminium conducton only.

B-5.3.3 Conduit Joints - Conduits shall be join- B-5.3.9 Heat may be used to soften the conduit
ed by means of screwed or plain couplers depend- for bending and forming joints in case of plain
ing on whether the conduits are screwed or plain. conduits. As the material softens when heated,
Where there are long runs of straight conduit, sitting of conduit in close proximity to hot surfaces
inspection type couplers shall be provided at should be avoided. Caution should be exercised in
intervals. For conduit fittings and accessories the use of this conduit in locations where the-
reference may be made to IS : 3419-19766. ambient temperature is 50’C or above. Use of imch
conduits in places where ambient temperature is
B-5.3.4 Fixing of Conduits -The provisions
60°C or above is prohibited.
, of B-5.1.6 shall apply except that the spa&g be-
tween saddles or supports is recommended to be
60 cm for rigid non-metallic conduits, B-5.3.10 Non-metallic conduit systems shall be
used only where it is ensured *t they are:
B-5.3.5 Bends in Conduits - Wherever necessary,
bends or diversions may be achieved by bending 4 suitable for the extremes of ambient tem-
the conduits (see B-5.3.9 ) or by employing normal perature to which they are likely to be
bends, inspection bends, inspection boxes, elbows subjected in service,
or similar fittings.
B-5.3.6 Conduit fittings shall be avoided, as far b) resistant to moisture and chemical atmos-
pheres, and
as possible, on outdoor systems.
4 resistant to low temperature and sunlight
B-5.3.7 Outlets - In order to minimize conden-
effects.
sation or sweating inside the conduit, all outlets of
conduit system shall be properly drained and
ventilated, but in such a manner as to prevent the For use underground, the material shall be
entry of insects. resistant to moisture and corrosive agents.

B-5.3.8 For use with recessed conduit wiring

Norm - Rigid PVC conduitr are not suitable for
system the provisions of B-5.2.1 to B-5.2.4 shall use where the normal working temperature of the con-
apply. duitr and fittings ma exceed 55°C Certain typer of
rigid PVC conduit8 an J their urocia t& fittings are un-
*Specificationfor fittin@ for rigid non-metallic conduits suitable for use where the ambient ten&erqture is likely
( jirst rtutiion ) . to fall below -5%.

67
IS ‘: 732 - 1989

APPENDIX C
( Clauses11.7 and 12.3 )

GUIDELINES FOR SPECIFIC EQUIPMENT FITTINGS AND ACCESSORIES

C-O. GENERAL between the earth terminal of plug and the body
of current-consuming devices.
C-O.1 All equipment, fittings and accessories,
materials, em, selected for the, wiring installation
In industrial premises three phase and neutral
shall conform to the relevant Indian Standards socket-outlets shall be provided with a earth
wherever these exist.
terminal either of pin type or scrapping type in
C-l. CEILING ROSES AND SIMILAR addition to the main pins required for the
ATTACHMENTS purpose.

C-l.1 A ceiling rose or any other similar attach- C-2.6 In wirirg installations, metal clad switch,
ment shall not he used on a circuit, the voltage of socket-outlet and plugs shall be used for power
which normally exceeds 250 V. wiring.
C-l.2 Normally, only one flexible cord shall be
attached to a ceiling rose. Specially designed ceil- C-3. LIGHTING FITTINGS
ing roses shall be used for multiple pendants.
C-3.1 A switch shall be provided for control of
C-l.3 A ceiling rose shall not embody fuse ter- every lighting fitting or a group of lighting
minal as an integral part of it. fittings. Where control at more than one point is
C-2. SOCKET-OUTLETS AND PLUGS necessary as many two way or intermediate swit-
ches may be provided as there are control points.
C-2.1 Each 15 A socket-outlet provided in buil-
dings for the use of domestic appliances such as C-3.2 In industrial premises lighting fittings shall
air-conditioner, water cooler etc, shall be provi- be supported by suitable ‘pipe/conduits, brackets
ded with its own individual fuse, with suitable fabricated from structural steel, steel chains or
discrimination with back-up fuse or miniature similar materials depending upon the type and
circuit-breaker provided in the distribution/sub weight of the fittings. Where a lighting fitting is
distribution board. The socket-outlet shall not supported by one or more flexible cords, the
necessarily embody the fuse as an integral part maximum weight to which the twin flexible cords
of it. may be subjected shall be as follows:

~-2.2 Each socket-oulet shall also be controlled Nominal &oss- Number and Maximum
by a switch which shall preferably be located Sectional Area of Diameter in Permissible
immediately adjacent thereto or combined there- Twin Flexible mm of Wires Weight
witb. Cord
mms kg
C-2.3 The switch controlling the socket-outlet
shall be on the live side of the line. o*s 1610.2 2
o-75 2410.2 3
C-2.4 Ordinary socket-outlet may be fixed at any
convenient place at a height dove 20 cm from l*O 3210.2 5
the floor level and shall be away from danger of l-5 4810.2 5.3
mechanical injury. 80/o-2
2.5 a-8
NOTE- In situations where a socket-outlet is 4 128/o-2 14.0
accassible to children, it ia necessary to install an in-
terlocked plug and socket or alternatively a socket-
outlet which automatically gets screened by the with- C-3.3 No flammable shade shall form a part of
drawal of plug. In industrial premises socket-outlet of lighting fittings unless such shade is well protected
rating 20A and above shall preferably be provided against all riska of fire. Celluloid shade or lighting
with interlocked type switch.
fitting shall not be used under any circumstances.
C-2.5 In an earthed system of supply, a socket-
outlet with plug shall be of three-pin type with C-4. FITTING-WIRE
the third terminal connected to the earth. When
such socket-outlets with plugs are connected to C-4.1 The use of fittings-wire shall be restricted
any current consuming device of metal or any to the internal wiring of the lighting fittings.
non-insulating material or both, conductors Where fittings-wire is used for wiring fittings, the
connecting such current-consuming devices shall sub-circuit loads shall terminate in a ceiling rose
be of flexible cord with an earthing core and the or box with connectors from which they shall be
earthing core shall be secured by connecting carried into the fittings.
-_._ _., .,_^ I_ “^_- -

18 t 732.1989

C-5. LAMPHOLDERS b) All ceiling fans shall be wired .with normal

wiring to ceiling roses or to special connec-
C-5.1 Lampholders for use on brackets and the tor boxes to which fan rod wires shall be
like shall be in accordance with IS : 1258-1979* connected and suspended from hooks or
and all those for use with flexible pendants shall shackles with insulators between hooks and
be provided with cord grips. All lampholders suspension rods. There shall be no joint in
shall be provided with shade carriers. Where the suspension rod, but if joints are un-
centre-contact Edison screw lampholders are used, avoidable then such joints shall be screwed
the outer or screw contacts shall be connected to to special couplers of 5 cm minimum length
the ‘middle wire’, the neutral, the earthed and both ends of the pipes shall touch
conductor of the circuit. together within the couplers, and shall in
C-6. OUTDOOR LAMPS addition be secured by ‘means of split pins;
alternatively, the two pipes may be
C-6.1 External and road lamps shall have wea- welded. The suspension rod shall be of
ther-proof fittings of approved design so as to adequate strength to withstand the dead
.effectiveIy prevent the ingress of moisture and and impact forces imposed on it. Suspen-
‘dust. Flexible cord and cord grip lampholders sion rods should preferably be procured
shall not be used where exposed to weather. In along with the fan.
verandahs and similar exposed situations where Fan clamps shall be of suitable design
pendants are used, these shall be of fixed rod 4
according to the nature of construction of
type. ceiling on which these clamps are to be
C-7. LAMPS fitted. In all cases fan clamps shall be
fabricated from new metal of suitable sizes
C-7.1 All lamps unless otherwise required and and they shall be as close fitting as possible.
suitably protected, shall be hung at a height of Fan clamps for reinforced concrete roofs
not less than 2.5 m above the floor level. They shall be buried with the casting and due
shall be in accordance with the relevant Indian care shall be taken tb.at they shall serve
Standard. the purpose. Fan clamps for wooden
C-7.1.1 Portable lamps shall be wired with beams, shall be of suitable flat iron fixed on
two sides of the beam and according to the
flexible cord. Hand lamps shall be equipped with
a handle of moulded composition or other size and section of the beam one or two
material approved for the purpose. Hand lamps mild steel bolts passing through the beam
shall be equipped with a substantial guard atta- shall hold both flat irons together. Fan
ched to the lampholder or handle. Metallic guards clamps for steel joist shall be fabricated
from flat iron to tit rigidly to the bottom
shall be earthed suitably.
flange of the beam. Care shall be taken
C-7.1.2 A bushing or the equivalent shall be during fabrication that the metal does not
provided where flexible cord enters the base or crack while hammering to shape. Other
stem of portable lamp. The bushing shall be of fan clamps shall be made to suit the posi-
insulating material unless a jacketted type of cord tion, but in all cases care shall be taken to
is used. see that they are rigid and safe.
C-7.1.3 All wiring shall be free from short NOTE- All fan clamps shall be so fabricated that
circuits and shall be tested for these defects prior fans revolve steadily.
to being connected to the circuit. 4 Canopies on top and bottom of suspension
C-7.1.4 Exposed live parts within porcelain rods shall effectively conceal suspensions
fixtures shall be suitably recessed and so located and connections to fan motors, respect&
as to make it improbable that wires will come in vely.
contact with them. There shall be a spacing of at e) The lead-in-wire shall be of nominal cross-
least 125 mm between live parts and the mount- sectional area not less than 1.0 mm’ copper
ing plane Of the fixture. or 1.5 mm’ aluminium and shall be protec-
ted from abrasion.
C.8. FANS, REGULATORS AND CLAMPS
f > Unless otherwise specified, the clearance
C-8.1 Ceiling Fans - Ceiling fans including between the bottom-most point of the
their suspension shall conform to IS : 374-197$k) ceiling fan and the floor shall be not less
and to the following requirements: than 2.4 m. The minimum clearance be-
a) Control of a ceiling fan shall be through tween the ceiling and the plane of the
its own regulator as well as a switch in blades shall be not less than 300 mm.
series. C-B.2 Exhaust Fans - For fixing of an exhaust
fan, a circular hole shall be provided in the wall
*Specification for bayonet lampholders ( mmd rvvi.~&~~ ).
+Specificationfor electric ceiling type fam and regula- to suit the size of the frame which shall be fixed
tars ( third r&ion ). by means of rag-bolts embedded in the wall. The

69
ISt732.1999

hole shall be neatly plastered with cement and The size of such boards shall depend on the
brought to the original finish of the wall. The number of accessories that could conveniently
nhaust fan shall be connected to exhaust fan and neatly be arranged. Where there is danger of
point which shall be wired as near to the hole as attack by termite, the boards shall be treated wit6
possible by means of a flexible cord, care being suitable anti-termite compound and painted on
taken that the blades rotate in the proper direc- both sides.
tion.
C-10. INTERCHANGEABXLITY
C-9. ATTACHMENT OF FITTINGS AND
ACCESSORIES C-10.1 Similar part of all switches, lampholders,
distribution fuse-boards, ceiling roses, brackets,
C-9.1 In wiring other than conduit wiring, all pendants, fans and all other fittings shall be so
ceiling roses, brackets, pendants and accessories chosen that they are of the same type and inter-
attached to walls or ceilings shall be mounted on changeable in each installation.
substantial teak wood blocks twice varnished after
all fixing holes are made in them. Blo&s shall C-11. EQUIPMENT
not be less than 4 cm deep. Brass screivs shall
only be used for attaching fittings and accessories
C-11.1 Electrical equipment which form integral
to their base blocks.
part of wiring intended for switching or control
C-9.2 Where teak or hardwood boards are used or protection of wiring installations shall conform
for mounting switches, regulators, etc, these to the relevant Indian Standards wherever they
boards shall be well varnished with pure shellac exist. Guidelines on their selection, installation
on all four sides ( both inside and outside ), irres- and maintenance are given in separate Indian
pective of being painted to match the surroundings. Standard codes of practice.

APPENDIX D
( Cluws 11.7)
SPECIFIC GUIDANCE ON SELECTION OF EQUIPMENT WITH REGARD TO
EXTERNAL INFLUENCES

D-1. EXTERNAL INFLUENCE D-l.4 The selection of equipment according to

external influences is necessary not only for proper
D-1.1 Electrical equipment shall be selected and functioning, but also to ensure the reliability of
erected in accordance with the requirements of the measures of protection for safety complying
Table 8, which indicates the characteristics of with this Standard. Measures of protection afford-
equipment necessary according to the external ed by the construction of equipment valid only for
influences to which the quipment may be subjec- the given conditions of external *fluence if the
ted, as such influences are defined in 4. corresponding equipment specification, tests are
made in these conditions of external influence.
Equipment characteristica shall be determined
either by a degree of protection or by conformity N-1 - For the purposesof this standard, the
following cl8mes of externiil influence are convention-
to tests. ally reguded u normal:
D-1.2 If the equipment does not, by its con&u- AA Ambient temperature AA4
tion, have the characteristics relevant to the exter- AB Atmosphere humidity Under co&ideration
( but, for example,
nal influences of its location, it may nevertheless 50 percent relative
be used on condition that it is provided with humidity at 40% ),
appropriate additional protection in the erection Other environmental conditions XX1 for each para-
of the installation. Such protection shall not (ACtoAR) meter
adversely affect the operation &f the equipment Utilization and construction of XX1 for each para-
thus protected. buildings ( B and C ) meter
XX2 for the para-
D-l.3 When different external iufluences occur meter BC
simultaneously, they may have independent or
NOTE 2 - The word ‘normal’ appearing in the
mutual effect and the degree of protection shall be third column of the table signifier that the equipment
provided accordingly. muat generally aatiafy applicable Indian Standards.

70
 IS : 732 - 1989

TABLE 8 ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

( Clause D-l.1 )

CODE EXTZBNAL INFLUENCE CHARACTERISTICS REQUIRED FOR

SELECTION AND EBECTION OF
EQUIPMENT

(1) (2) (3)

A EnvironmentaI conditions
AA Ambient lemperaiure
AA1 - 60°C to + 5% Specially designed equipment or appropriate
AA2 - 40°C to + 5OC arrangements*
AA3 - 25°C to -l- 5°C
AA4 - 5°C to + 40°C Normal ( in certain cases special precautions
may be necessary )
AA5 + 5OC to + 40°C Normal
AA6 + 5°C to + 60°C Specially designed equipment or appropriate
arrangements*

AB Atmospheric humidi& Under consideration

AC Altitude
AC1 < 2 000 m Normal
AC2 > 2 000 m May necessitate special precautions such as the
application of derating factors
NOTE - For some equipment special
arrangements may be necessary at altitude of
1 000 m and above.
AD Presence of water
AD1 Negligible IP x0
AD2 Free-falling dtops IP Xl
AD3 Sprays IP x3
AD4 Splaahes IP x4
AD5 Jets IP x5
AD6 Waves IP X6
AD7 Immersion IP x7
AD8 Submersion IP X8
AE Presence of fmcign solid bodies
AEI Negligible IP ox
AE2 Small objects ( 2’5 mm ) IP 3x
AE3 Very small objects ( 1 mm ) IP 4x
IP 5X if dust penetration is not harmful to func-
AE4 Dust tioning of equipment
IP 6X if dust should not penetrate equipment
AF Pressure of corrosive or ~&ding substances
AFl Negligible Normal
AF2 Atmospheric According to the nature of substances ( for exam-
ple, satisfaction of salt mist test according to
IS : 9000 ( Part 11 )-1983t.
AF3 Intermittent or accidental Protection against corrosion according to equip-
ment specification
AF4 continuous Equipment specially designed according to the
nature of substances
AG Mechanical stresses
Impact
AGl Low severity Normal, for example, household and similar
equipment
AG2 Medium severity Standard industrial equipment, where applica-
ble, or reinforced protection

*May necessitate cerhrin rupplementary precautions ( for example, special lubrication ).

tBasic environmental testing procedures for electronic and electrical items: Part 11 Salt mist test.

( Continued )

71
IS:732 - 1989

TABLE 8 ELECTRICAt EQUIPMENT - thth

CODE EXTERNAL INFLUENCE CHARACTERISTICS REQUIRED FOR

SELECTION AND ERECTION OF
E~~xP$~E~T

(1) (2) (3)

AC3 High severity Reinfored protection
AH Vibration
AH1 Low severity Normal
AH2 Medium severity 1 Specially designed equipment, or special
arrangements
AH3 High severity
Other mechanical stresses Under consideration
AJ
AK Presence of jhra and moulds growth or
moulds growth
AK1 No hazard Normal
AK2 Haxard Special protection, such as:
a) Increased degree of protection ( see AE ) ,

b) Special materials or protective coating of

enclosures, and

c) Arrangements to exclude flora from loca-

tion.
AL Pressure of fauna
AL1 No hazard Normal

AL2 Hazard Protection may include:

a) An appropriate degree of protection
against penetration of foreign solid bodies
( see AE ),
b) Sufficient mechanical resistance ( see AG ),
c) Precautions to exclude fauna from the
location ( such as cleanliness and use of
pesticides ), and
d) Special equipment or protective coating of
enClosures.
AM Electromagnetic, electrostatic, or ionizing
injkzccs
AM1 Negligible Normal

AM2 Stray currents Special protection, such as:

a) Appropriate insulation,
b) Special protective coatings,
c) Cathodic protection, and
d) Supplementary equipotential bonding.
AM3 Electromagnetics ? Special protection such as :
a) Spacings from radiation sources,
AM4 Ionization 1
b) Interposition of screens, and
C) Enclosure by special materials.
AM5 Electrostatics Special protection, such as:
a) Appropriate insulation of the location, and
b) Supplementary equipotential bon c+mg.
AM6 Induction Special protection, such as:
a) Spacing from sources of induction current,
and
b) Interposition of screens.
AN Solar radiation
AN1 \ Negligible Normal
AN2 Significant Special arrangements, such as:
_a) Materials resistant to ultraviolet radiation,
b) Special colour coatings, and
c) Interposition of screens.
( Continued )

72
 I8 : 732.1989

TABLE 8 ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT - Contd

CODE EXTERNAL INFLUENCE CHARACTEBISTJCSREQUIRED FOR

SELECTION AND ERECTION OF
EQUIPMENT

(1) (2) (3)

AP Seismic effects
APl Negligible Normal
AP2 Low severity
AP3 Medium severity Under consideration
AP4 High severity
AQ Lighting
AQ1 Negligible Normal

AQ2 Indirect exposure

Under consideration
AQ3 Direct exposure
AR Wind Under consideration
B Utilization
BA Cafiacity of psrs0n.s
BAl Ordinary Normal
B.42 Children Equipment of degrees of protection higher than
IP 2X. Inaccessability ef equipment with
external surface temnerature exceeding 80°C
( 60% for nurseries and the like )
BA3 Handicapped According to the nature of the handicap
BA4 Instructed -I Equipment not protected against direct contact
admitted solely in locations which are access-
BA5 Skilled able only to duly authorized persons
BB Electrical resistancs of ths human body Under consideration
BC Contact of firrsons with earth potMia1
Class of equipment according to IS : 940%1980*
o-01 I 11 III
BCl None A Y A A
BC2 Low A A A A
BC3 Frequent x A A A
BC4 Continuous Under consideration
A = Equipment permitted
X = Equipment prohibited
Y - Permitted if used as Cla55 0
BD Conditions of rvacuation in an 5wgenGy
BDI Low delltity/ePsy exit Normal
BD2 Low density/difficult exit ? Equipment made of material retarding the
BD3 High density/easy exit spread of flame and evolution of smoke and
BD4 High density/difficult exit i toxic gases. Detailed requirements are under
j consideration.
BE Naturs of #ocmscd M stored materials
BE1 No significant riska Normal
BE2 Fire risks Equipment made of material retarding the
spread of flame. Arrangement5 such that a
significant temperature rise or a spark within
electrical equipment cannot initiate an exter-
nal fire
BE3 Explosion risks According to the requirements of relevant
Indian Standard on electrical apparatus for
explosive atmosphere5
BE4 Contamination risks Appropriate arrangements ruch as:
a) Protection against falling debris from
broken lampa and other fragile objects,
and
b) Screens against barmful radiation such as
infrared or ultra-violet.

*Classification of electrical and electronic equipment with regard to protection against electric shock.
( Continuri )

73
-__

CODE EXT~B~~AL~NFLUENOB CEABACTEBI~TICSRECJUIBEDPOB

SIBLWITIO~~;~~KITION or

(1) (2) (3)

C Condtnction of Buildings
CA CoarlrecGen.malrriols
CA1 Nan-combustible A0rml
CA2 Combustible Under consideration
CB Building design
CBl Negligible risks Normal
CB2 Propagation of fire Equipment made of material retarding the
propagation of fire including firer not. origi-
nating from the electrical installation. Fire
barriers
NOTE - Fire detectors may be provided.
CB3 Movement Contraction or expansion joints in electrical
wiring.
CB4 Flexible or unstable Under consideration

APPENDIX E
( Itern 12.2.1 )
CHECKLIST OF INITIAL INSPECTION

E-0. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS cables, used in the installation are of adequate

rating and quality to meet the requirement of the
E-0.1 Before the completed installation, or an load. General workmanship of the electrical
addition to the existing installation, is put into wiring with regard to the layout and finish shall
service, inspection and testing shall be carried out be examined for neatness that would facilitate
iR accordance with the Indian Electricity Rules, easy identification of circuits of the system, ade-
1956. In the event of defects being found, these quacy of clearances, soundness of termination
shall be rectified, as soon as practicable and .the with respect to tightness, contact pressure and
installation retested. contact area. A complete check shall also be-
made of all the protective devices, with respect
E-O.2 Periodic inspection and testing shall be to their ratings, range of settings and co-ordina-
carried out in order to maintain the installation tion between the various protective devices.
in a sound condition after putting into service.
E-O.3 Where an addition is to be made to the E-l.1 Items to be InsPected
6xed wiring of an existing installation, the latter
shall be examined for compliance with the recom- E-1.1.1 Substation Installations - In substation
mendations of this code. installations, it shall be checked whether:
E-O.4 The &dividual equipment and materials 1) The installation has been carried out in
which form part of the installation shall generally accordance with the approved drawings;
conform to the relevant Indian Standard Speci- Phase to phase and phase to earth clear-
fication wherever applicable. If there is no rele- 2)
ances are provided as required;
vant Indian Standard Specifkation for-any item,
3) All equipments are efficiently earthed and
these shall he approved by the. appropriate
authority. properly connected to the required num-
ber of earth electrodes;
E-l. INSPECTION OF THE INSTALLATION 4) The required ground clearance to live-
terminals is provided;
E-l.0 Gencrrrl - On completion of wiring a
general inspection shall be carried out by com- 5) Suitable fencing is provided with gate
petent personnel in order to verify that the pro- with locking arrangements;
visions of this code and that of Indian Electricity 6) The required number of caution boards,
Rules, 1956 have been complied with. This, fire-fighting equipments, operating rods,
among other thing+ shall include checking whe- rubber mats, etc, are kept in the sub-
ther all equipments, fittings, ,acces~&es, wires/ statiorr;

74

.
-

IS :732 - 1989

7) In case of indoor substation, sufficient 28) Accessories of transformers like breathers,

ventilation and draining arrangements vent pipe, buchholz relay, etc, are in
are made; order;

8) 11cable trenches are provided with non- 29) Connections to gas relay in transformers
i flammable covers;
A, are in order;

9) Free accessibility is provided for all equip- 30) Oil and winding temperature are set for
ments for normal operation; specific requirements in transformers;

10) All name plates are fixed and the equip- 31) In case of cable cellars, adequate arrange-
ments are fully painted; ments to pump out water that hasentered
due to seepage or other reason; and
11) All construction materials and temporary
connections are removed; 32) All incoming and outgoing circuits of HT
and LT panels are clearly and indelibly
12) Oil-levels, busbar tightness, transformer
top position, etc, are in order; labelled for identifications.

13) Earth pipe troughs and cover slabs are

provided for earth electrodes/earth pits E-1.1.2 Medium Voltage Installation - In
and the neutral and LA earth pits are medium voltage installations, it shall be checked
marked for easy identification ; whether:
14) Earth electrodes are of GI pipes or CI 1) All blocking materials that are used for
pipes or copper plates. For earth connec- safe transportation in switchgears, con-
tions, brass bolts and nuts with lead tactors, relays, etc, are removed;
washers are provided in the pipes/plates;
2) All connections to the earthing system are
15) Earth pipe troughs and oil sumps/pits are feasible for periodical inspection;
free from rubbish and dirt and gravel
and the earth connections are visible and 3) Sharp cable bends are avoided and cables
easily accessible; are taken in a smooth manner in the
trenches or alongside the walls and ceil-
16) HT and LT panels and switchgears are ings using suitable support clamps at
all vermin- arid damp-proof and all regular intervals;
unused openings or holes are blocked
properly; 4) Suitable linked switch or circuit-breaker or
lockable push button is provided near the
17) The earth busbars have tight connections motors/apparatus for controlling supply
and corrosion-free joint surfaces; to the motor/apparatus in an easily acces-
lg)Control switch-fuses are provided at an sible location;
accessible height from ground;
5) Two separate and distinct earth connec-
1% Adequate headroom is available in the tions are provided for the motor/appara-
transformer room for easy topping-up of tus;
oil, maintenance etc;
6) CZontrol switch-fuse is provided at an
20) Safety devices, horizontal and vertical accessible height from ground for con-
barriers, busbar covers/shrouds, auto- trolling supply to overhead travelling .
matic safety shutters/doors interlock, crane, hoists, overhead busbar trunking;
handle interlock are safe and in reliable
operation in all panels and cubicles; 7) The metal rails on which the crane travels
are electrically continuous and earthed and
21) Clearances in the front, rear and sides of bonding -of rails and earthing at both ends
the main HV and LT and sub-switch- are done;
boards are adequate;
8) Four core cables are used for overhead
22) The gap in the horngap fuse and the size travelling crane and portable equipment,
of fuse are adequate; the fourth core being used for earthing, and
separate supply for lighting circuit is taken;
23) The switches operate freely; the 3 blades
make contact at the same time, the arcing 91, If flexible metallic hose is used for wiring to
horns contact in advance; and the motors and other equipment, the wiring is
handles are provided with locking enclosed to the full lengths, and the hose
arrangements; secured properly by approved means;
24) Insulators arq free from cracks, and are
10) The cables are not taken through areas
clean; where they are likely to be damaged or
25) In transformers, there is any oil leak; chemically affected;
26) Connections to bushings in transformers 11) The screens and armours of the cables are
for tightness and good contact; earthed properly;
27) Bushings are free from cracks and are 12) The belts of the belt driven equipments are
clean; properly guarded;
75
IS : 732 - 1989

13) Adequate precautions are taken to ensure 3) The plug points in the lighting circuit are
that no live parts are so exposed as to cause all of 3-pin type, the third pin being
danger; suitably earthed;
14) Ammeters and voltmeters are tested; and 4) Tiampe.r-proof interlocked switch socket and
p!ug are used for locations easily accessible;
15) The relays are inspected visually by moving
covers for deposits of dust or other foreign 5) Lighting wiring in factory area is taken
matter. enclosed in conduit and conduit properly
earthed, or alternatively, armoured cable
E-1.1.3 Overhead Lines - For overhead lines it wiring is used;
shall be checked whether:
6) A separate earth wire is run in the lighting
1) All conductors and apparatus including live installation to provide earth@g for plug
parts thereof are inaccessible; points, fixtures and equipments;
2) The types and size of supports are suitable
7) Proper connectors and junction bores are
for the overhead lines/conductors used and used wherever joints are to be made in
are in accordance with approved drawing conductors or cross over of conductors takes
and standards; place;
3) Clearances from ground level to the lowest 8) Cartridge fuse units are fitted with cartridge
conductor of overhead lines, sag conditions, fuses only;
etc, are in accordance with the relevant
standard; 9) Clear and permanent identification marks .
are painted in all distribution boards,
4) Where overhead lines cross the roads or switchboards, sub-main boards and switches
cross each other or are in proximity with
as necessary;
one another, suitable guarding is provided
at road crossings and also to protect against 10) The polarity having been checked and all
possibility of the lines coming in contact fuses and single pole switches are connected
with one another; on the phase conductor only and wiring is
correctly connected to socket-outlets;
5) Every guard wire is properly earthed;
11) Spare knockouts provided in distribution
6) The type, size and suitability of the guard- boards and switchfuses are blocked;
ing arrangement provided is adequate;

7) Stays are provided suitably on the overhead 12) The ends of conduits enclosing the wiring
lines as required and are efficiently earthed leads are provided with ebonite or other
or provided with suitable stay insulators of suitable bushes;
suitable voltages; 13) The fittings and fixtures used for outdoor
use are all of weatherproof construction,
8) Anti-climbing devices and Danger Board/ and similarly, fixtures, fittings and switch-
Caution Board/Notices are provided on all
HT supports; gears used in the hazardous area are of
flame-proof application;
9) Clearances along the route are checked and
all obstructions such as trees/branches and 14) Proper terminal connectors are used for
shrubs are cleared on the route to the termination of wires ( conductors and earth
leads ) and all strands are inserted in the
required distance on either side;
terminals;
10) Clearance between the live conductor and
the earthed metal parts are adequate; and 15) Flat ended screws are used for fixing con-
ductor to the accessories; and
11) For the service connections tapped-off from
the overhead lines, cut-outs of adequate 16) Use of flat washers backed up by spring
capacity are provided. washers for making end connections ia
desirable.

E-1.1.4 Lighting Circuits - The lighting circuits

shall be checked whether: E-2. TESTING OF INSTALLATION

1) Wooden boxes and panels are avoided in

E-2.0 General - After inspection, the following .
factories for mounting the lighting boards
tests shall be carried out, before an installation or
and switch controls, etc;
an addition to the existing installation is put into
2) Neutral links are provided in double pole service. Any testing of the electrical installation
switch-fuses which are used for lighting in an already existing installation shall commence
control, and no fuse is provided in the after obtaining permit to work from the engineer-
neutral; in-charge and after ensuring the safety provisions.

76
c_ ___ _^_ ... -. -.

I8 : 732 - 19119

E-2.1 Testing 2) The insulation resistance between each con-

ductor and against earth shall be measured
E-2.1.1 Switchboards-HT and LT switchboards The insulation resistance varies with the
shall be tested in the manner indicated below: type of insulation used and with the length
of cable. The following empirical rule gives
1) All high voltage switchboards shall betested
reasonable guidance:
for d:electric-test in the manner recom-
mended in IS : 8623 ( Part 1 )-1977*. Insulation resistance 10 x voltage in kV
in megohms = length in km
2) All earth connections shall be checked for
continuity.
E-2.1.4 Motors and Other Equipments - The
3) The operation of all protective devices shall following tests are made on motor and other
be tested by means of secondary or primary
equipment:
injection tests.
1) The insulation resistance of each phase
4) The operation of the breakers shall be test- winding against the frame and between the
ed from all control stations.
windings shall be measured. Megohmmeter
5) Indication/signalling lamps shall be Fhecked of 500 V or 1 000 V rating shall be used.
for proper working. Star points should be disconnected. Mini-
6) The operation of the breakers shall be tested mum acceptable value of the insulation
for all interlocks. resistance varies with the rated power and
7) The closing and opening timings of the the rated voltage of the motor.
breakers shall be tested wherever required
The following relation may serve as a
for auto-transfer schemes.
reasonable guide:
8) Contact resistance of main and isolator
contacts shall be measured. 20 x E,
Ri 0
1 000 + 2P
9) The specific gravity of electrolyte and the
voltage of the control battery shall be where
measured. Ri = insulation resistance in megohms
at 25”C,
E-2.1.2 Transformers - Transformers are tested
& = rated phase to phase voltage, and
in the manner indicated below:
P E rated power in kW.
1) All commissioning tests as listed in IS :
If the resistance is measured at a temperature
10028 ( Part 2 )-198lt shall be carried
out. different from 25”C, the value shall be corrected
to 25°C.
2) Insulation resistance on HT and LT wind-
ings shall be measured at the end of one The insulation resistance as measured at am-
minute as also at the end of 10 minutes of bient temperature does not always give a reliable
measuring the polarization index. The value, since moisture might have been absorbed
absolute value of insulation resistance during shipment and storage. When the tempera-
should not be the sole criterion for deter- ture of such a motor is raised, the insulation
mining the state of dryness of the insula- resistance will initially drop considerably, even
tion. Polarization index values should form below the acceptable minimum. If any suspicion
the basis for determining the state of dry- exists on this score, motor winding must be dried
ness of insulation. For any class of insulation out.
the polarization index should be greater
than 1.5. E-2.1.5 Wiring Installation - The following tests
shall be done:
E-2.1.3 Cables - Cable installations shall be
checked as follows: a) The insulation resistance shall be measured
by applying between earth and the whole
1) It shall be ensured that the cables conform system of conductor or any section thereof
to the relevant Indian Standards. Tests with all fuses in place and all switches
shali also be done as laid down in IS : closed, and except in earthed concentric
1255-1983$. The insulation resistance wiring, all lamps in position or both poles
before and after the tests shall be checked. of installation otherwise electrically connec-
ted together, a dc voltage of not less than
*Specificationfor factory-builtassemblierof switchgear twice the working voltage, provided that it
and controlgearfor voltagesup to and includingI 000 V ac does not exceed 500 volts for medium
and 1 200 V dc: Part 1 General requirements. voltage circuits. Where the supply is derived
tCode of practice for aelection, installationand mainte- from three-wire ( ac or dc ) or a poly-phase
nance of transformerr: Part 2 Installation.
$&de of practice for installation and maintenance of system, the neutral pole of which is connec-
powercablesup to and including33 kV ( rmond revision ). ted to earth either direct or through added‘

77
IS t 732-1989

resistance the working voltage shall be Such a test shall be made after removing
deemed to be that which is maintained all metallic connections between the two
between the outer or phase conductor and poles of the installation and in these
the neutral. circumstances the insulation resistance be-
The insulation resistance in megohms of an tween conductors of the installation shall
b) be not less than that specified in (b).
installation measured as in (a) shall not be
less than 50 divided by the number of
points on the circuit, provided that the On completion of an electrical installation ( or
whole installation need not be required to an extension to an installation ) a certificate shall
have an insulation resistance greater than be furnished by the contractor, countersigned by
one megohm. the certified supervisor under whose direct super-
vision the installation was carried out. This
4 Control rheostats, heating and power appli- certificate shall be in a prescribed form as required
ances and electric signs, may, if desired, be by the local electric supply authority.
disconnected from the circuit during the
test, but in that event the insulation resis- E-2.1.6 Earthing - For checking the efficiency
tance between the case or framework, and of earthing the following tests are done:
all live parts of each rheostat, appliance
and sign shall be not less than that specified a) The earth resistance of each electrode shall
in the relevant Indian Standard Specifica- be measured.
tion or where there is no such specification b) The earth resistance of earthing grid shall
shall be not less than half a megohm. be measured.
4 The insulation resistance shall also be c) All electrodes shall beconnected to the grid
measured between all conductors connected and the earth resistance of the entire earth-
to one pole or phase conductor of the ing system shall be measured.
supply and all the conductors connected to
the middle wire or to the neutral on to the These tests shall preferably be done during the
other pole of phase conductors of the supply. summer months.

78