We move on to the next and very important task, that of electrical installations in the construction of a building. Modern times have increased our need for electrical installations because we want many outlets for all our devices, provisions for charging electric cars, photovoltaic installations, and wireless networks. Therefore, the electrician plays a very important role in the implementation of a new building. Let’s start by dividing the tasks an electrician undertakes. These are as follows:
Strong Current Installations: These installations involve outlets and light switches, the electrical panel, electric car charging, etc.
Weak Current Installations: These involve computer networks, the telephone network, wireless computer networks, alarm wiring, intercom wiring, the network for television signal (terrestrial and satellite), etc.
Smart Home Installations: Smart home installation involves both strong and weak currents, allowing us to remotely control our home devices and even enabling the house to make decisions on its own.
Photovoltaic Installations: These installations require specialized personnel to implement and involve the placement, connection, and integration of the system with our home to save energy from the sun.
1. Are there different types of installations I need to decide on now?
We need to decide whether we want a smart home installation or a classic installation. In a classic installation, we also need to decide on the style of switchgear we will use, as some switch systems (modular) require different electrical boxes
2. Why should I install a modular switch system?
These switches take up less space than conventional ones and give us the option to have 5 or even 7 control buttons instead of the two that conventional ones have. Also, due to their size, they are more minimal, thus achieving better design.
Image 1: Modular Switches
3. Why install a smart home system?
An electrical installation can be designed to allow us to adjust various parameters of the house from a central panel, such as heating or cooling, opening and closing shutters, deactivating various devices, controlling the intercom, etc. All these, of course, can be combined with remote management via smartphone or even voice commands. This not only provides convenience but can also help save energy in the home.
Image 2 : Smart Home
4. Do I need to decide on the electrical details now, or can I choose later?
As with almost all tasks we will undertake in the construction, it is best to decide everything from the start. Thus, in electrical work, we need to think about exactly where we want outlets and switches, where the house lights will be, alarm positions, network positions, and generally everything. A very important part is to have decided even on the exact layout of the kitchen so that the electrical work agrees with the plan we want. If we haven’t decided, the electrician will place them where he thinks best, and we will later be charged extra for changes.
Image 3: Something probably went wrong in the planning…
5. Should I install photovoltaics?
Definitely yes! If there is the possibility in terms of space and shading, then a photovoltaic installation is very advantageous. You will need to hire another team to advise you and install the photovoltaics and also handle all the necessary paperwork needed to connect to the grid.
Image 4 : Photovoltaic Installation
6. Should I tell the electrician to install some protection for the safety of my installation?
The current regulation for new electrical installations specifies all the necessary measures for the installation to be safe for use, including suitable cables and protection devices (residual current circuit breakers). A new regulation has been issued (though not mandatory) that provides additional protections against surges and lightning. These devices will protect our devices against these phenomena and should ideally be installed.
Image 5 : Protection devices
7. The electrician installed some boxes and tubes and said he was finished. Won’t he install wires and panels?
At this stage of the project, the electrician installs the electrical boxes and the tubes through which the cables will pass. He also installs the cables that will power the ceiling lights. Here, you need to ensure that everything is installed in the agreed positions and that nothing has been forgotten. This team will return after plastering to install the cables.
Image 6: Example of a completed first phase electrical installation
8. What should an electrical installation include in a new house?
Let’s look at an example to understand how to think about electrical installations in a new house.
Living Room: Besides ceiling lighting, I’d like some hidden lighting to have lower-intensity lights in the space. In the TV area, I’d want 3 outlets, terrestrial antenna, satellite antenna, and network. Finally, I’d need 3-4 free outlets for various devices and possibly a floor lamp.
Kitchen: As previously mentioned, we need to ensure we have provisions for fixed appliances (oven, hobs, fridge, etc.) in the correct positions. Apart from these provisions, I’d like at least 5 outlets on the kitchen counter for various small appliances and at least one outlet in the kitchen area for an electric vacuum if needed. Don’t forget hidden lighting on the kitchen counter.
Bedrooms: In bedrooms, it is essential for the lighting to be “alé-retour” (two-way switching) so it can be turned on when entering from the door and turned off from the bed and vice versa. I’d want 2 outlets on each nightstand, TV outlet, antenna, and network, and 2 free outlets for a vacuum or whatever else is needed.
Bathroom: I’d like hidden lighting so the light doesn’t blind me at night and definitely an outlet in a suitable spot for electrical devices.
Outdoor Spaces: At least one outlet is needed, and maybe an antenna for a TV outside. The outlet will definitely be used for Christmas decorations!
Miscellaneous: We need to plan provisions for washing machines, air conditioners, heat pumps, solar water heaters, alarms, etc. It would also be useful to install a smart system to open and close the shutters with a single press. Also, it would be useful to plan one or two positions to install a wireless network repeater to have internet throughout the house.
These, of course, are some of my own “wants.” Everyone will design the electrical installation to best suit their needs.
The next stage is plastering. Read the next blog on 28/06/2024.
The above are not technical texts and aim to simply inform the reader. The MECHA Engineering team has experienced engineers who will guide you surely and scientifically in your technical project needs.