MASINDE MULIRO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND BUILT IN ENVIRNOMENT

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING

NAME

ELISHA OUMA OTIENO

REGISTRATION NO:

ECE/B/01-02323/2017

COURSE CODE

ECE 390

COURSE TITLE

INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT

TITLE

INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT REPORT

DATE OF SUBMISSION
DECLARATION

I, Elisha Ouma, do hereby declare to the best of my knowledge that all the information in this
document has been obtained and presented in accordance with academic rules and ethical
conduct and has not been submitted for the award of any degree or any program

I also declare that, as required by this rules and conduct, I have fully written this report based on
the truth and cited all the activities and duties that I undertook while on the attachment

Name Reg.No. Signature

Date

Elisha Ouma ECE/B/01-02323/2017

……………………………….
CERTIFICATION

Having read this attachment report fully, I approve it as a compete and satisfactory for
examination as part of partial fulfillment of a course unit ECE:490 INDUSTRIAL
ATTACHMENT, for the award of the Bachelor’s of Science (Electrical and Communication
Engineering)option in a higher institution of learning.

NAME: Eng.Doreen Muketsyo ,KPLC,Operations and Management

SIGNATURE: ………………………………………………………

DATE: ……………………………………………………………….
ABSTRACT

The main aim of the report is to compile all the activities that were undertaken during the
practice .this is to outline the skills that were obtained and learned during the internal attachment
in school.

The main aim the practice is also to enhance the student to understand the practical work of
Electrical and Communication Engineering since most of the field work skills is based on
practical than theory, however, the theory aspect of the program is applied to fully equip the
person with knowledge of what he or she is doing. Each chapter of the practice outlines the
exercise of all that was done during the industrial attachment at Kakamega County Headquarters.
The data obtained in the theory aspects are for informational purposes only and for gain of
understanding.

A hand on practical’s activities also helps one to familiarize with the equipment’s and tools or
machinery for the betterment of how to use them and maintain them. The main activities are
based on power systems (heavy currents), and how to navigate through it. Some of the skills and
practical done was under Solar, Three phase motor, Control of Motor, Transformers, Electrical
installation, troubleshooting electrical faults.

The report contains a summary of the 8-week period of attachment activities and the lessons that
were learnt during the practice. It also contain the progress on my field of engineering (Electrical
Engineering)as well as the challenges that were faced .
DEDICATION

I would like to dedicate the report to my family, who have been so much inspirational to me
throughout my academic life just to see me growing in knowledge, wisdom and understanding.

I also dedicate this work to the school of engineering, especially, electrical and communication
department for trusting in me during the practice and also Masinde Muliro University Of Science
And Technology at large, for the providence of facilities to undertake the task.

In addition, I dedicate this report to my class mates for giving me hand, especially group 5
members that I worked with during the practice who ensured that I do everything right without
over thinking .

Moreover I dedicate this report to County Government of Kakamega, for giving me the
opportunity to apply the skills from class to the field.

Finally, I dedicate this work to The Almighty God, who gave me breath of life, and ensured that
his knowledge I had learnt in class is applied in various field.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to thank the almighty God for having given me the breath of life and the strength, in
order to carry out the practical and the knowledge to apply the skills learnt in class.

I would also extend my gratitude to my family for financial support towards my career and
making sure that I achieve the set objectives at the end of the study.

In addition, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of put in place by the Electrical and
communication Engineering Department, head of the Department, Dr James Owour, for ensuring
that I had found a place for my attachment and also appreciate the efforts made by Mr Seth
Makhoa who spared his only perfect time to supervise and to carry out assessment as required by
the institution to ensure quality service delivery at the place of attachment.

Moreover, I do appreciate the hospitality granted to me at the Kakamega County headquarters,

Public Works , Electrical Engineering department, by my full time supervisors Mr. .Mohammed
Abdallah and Mr. Elkannah ,who ensured that I am fully equip and get enough skills during field
work and growth in my profession.

Finally, I’m appreciating my fellow colleagues’ mates who supported me with more ideas during
the attachment just to ensure that I am well equipped with enough knowledge.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

COMPANY PROFILE

a)Organization Logo

b)Organization name
County Government of Kakamega
c)Ministry
Public Service and Administration
The County Government of Kakamega is an administrative body that governs the progress of the
region.
d)vision of the county
A wealthy and vibrant county offering quality services to its residents
e)County mission
To improve the welfare of the people of kakamega county through formulation and
implementation of all-inclusive multi-sectoral policies.
f)Address
P.O Box 36-50100, Kakamega.
g)History of Kakamega County Headquaters.
Kakamega county is an area located in Western Region part of Kenya.its boradering
Kisumu ,Bungoma, Eldoret ,Vihiga and Trans-nzoia Counties.Kakamega County was reffered to
Kakamega Municipal .

The county is headed by His Execellency ,Governer Wycliff Ambetsa Oparanya who has been
the pioneer of the county projects such as development of structures , improving water and
sanitization,

INTRODUCTION

Electrical engineering has been the trend in everyday society. Since nobody can live without
electricity especial in the 21st century. Most of the organization uses electricity in the production
of materials, running of motors, controlling systems and many others. In the county headquarters
(Kakamega), electricity is supplied to various departments for the purpose of providing power
for the gadgets being used .These include lighting, running of machines and other options which
shall be discussed later.

The industrial attachment has been a benefit since it provide electrical engineering students a
base to tenure their knowledge and skills that is taught in class and apply them in the field. The
county ensure that the attaches are well versed with knowledge in order to equip students and
prepare them in their career and profession.

The training was conducted in weeks’ time, and the various lessons and field work were
undertaken. The various activities were as following: Electrical Installation, Solar Installation
and wiring, Motor control, green energy and types, motion sensors, electrical door lock
installations, Christmas tree lights wiring, maintenance of the county offices, street lights and
their automations.

During the operation hours, maintenance was being done. It was advisable to do troubleshooting
using live wires before carrying out maintenance. This was to ensure that perfect results are
obtained in order to restore the power. Electrical automation was also part of the day’s
assignment. Automation was conducted using timers, relay switches, contactors. Generator and
Electricity has been automated such that when electrical power from Kenya Power is not
functioning, then the generator switches on automatically. However at some point it required to
be switched on and off manually because of some faults in the mechanical parts of the generator.

Solar Energy was also being used in the county. The county has 24 solar panels, which provide
energy. They are connected in series and then the terminals have been paralleled to give the best
output. Solar is a current generator hence desired current output is needed.

Electrical and solar installation have different wiring system. For Solar, it requires the desired
battery, the voltage to be used and this is obtained from the total power ratings of the appliances
to used, a charge controller for charging and safe guarding the system. In electrical installation
and wiring, the total calculation of the power rating of the devices will enable one to come up
with bill of quantity of the materials to be used.

In addition, the generator being used in Kakamega county headquarters has two parts namely;
Mechanical and Electrical parts. The mechanical section consist of fly wheel, gears and shafts
which is connected to the rotor of the generator in the electrical section. Just like any other
generator, the mechanical energy is used to rotate the rotor to produce electrical energy.

However, during the training period, there were some problems that were encountered. Lack of
laboratory for some practices, hostile of some departmental officers,
CHAPTER ONE: ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION

Electrical installation is part of the basics of Electrical engineering. This includes the house
wiring, installations various electrical systems .to install electricity in a given area, the person
should be within the transformers radius of 600m otherwise it will lead to overloading of the
transformer which may lead to damage of the transformer(s).

For any electrical installation and wiring, the following factors should be considered:

i. The client should be within the transformer radius of 600m.

ii. The contractor should have wiring certificate that has been approved by institute of
Engineers and other Certified Engineering organization.
iii. The contractor must have the bill of quantity (BOQ).

In the installation of electricity, electrical wiring of the system that’s building, industry,
organizations and robots is very essential and some of the tools used in wiring are as discussed
below.

1.1 Tools used in Electrical Wiring

a. Pliers

Pliers can be used for cutting, twisting, bending, holding, and gripping of wires and cables. The
handles of the pliers will be insulated and it can’t be considered as sufficient protection. There
are different types of pliers
Side cutting pliers can be used for cutting electrical wires and small nails. Longnose pliers can be
used for cutting and holding of fine wires and they can be used in tight space, these types of
pliers are commonly used for making terminal loops in copper wire. Diagonal pliers are used for
cutting medium or fine wires they are also used in bending small faces of soft metal.

b. Wire strippers

Wire strippers are used to remove the insulation of wires, mostly medium-sized wires ranging
from gauge 10 to gauge 16. Wire strippers are also used to remove the insulation of rubber
covered wires from gauge 26 to gauge 10.

c. Electrician Knife

These knives are used by lineman to remove the insulation of big cables in high and low voltage
transmission lines

d. Screwdrivers

Screwdrivers can be used to loosen or tighten screws with slotted heads, screwdrivers are in
various size and shape. Screwdrivers are made up of steel and they are tempered at the tip.
According to the size and shape of screw different types of screwdrivers are used.
 e. Hammers

Hammers are tools which are used for pounding and pulling out of nails, there are soft and hard-
faced hammers. Hard faced hammer can be used to strike hard objects and they have a
cylindrical-shaped head. The soft-faced hammer is used for the rewinding process. Mostly soft-
faced hammers are made up of rubber or plastic. There are different types of hammers like a
claw hammer, ball peen hammer and mallet.

f. Electric drill

These devices are used to drill holes in metal sheets and concrete walls, they can be used to make
holes in building structures for the passage of wires and conduit. They can be useful for indoor
and outdoor wiring.
 g. Wirepullers

Wirepullers are used to pull wires into conduit or raceways, these devices will be very helpful for
wire pulling.

h. EMT bender

EMT bender can be used to bend electrical metal tubing, it could be able to do back to backbend
in conduits, they can also do saddle bend and can be used to straighten the conduit.

i. Soldering tools

Soldering tools can be used to make splices and tap connections in wires. Many connections can
be done with the help of this device. Soldering must be done perfectly in order to get a better
connection.

j. Wire gauge

Wire gauge can be used to measure the thickness or diameter of the wires, it can be used in
sizing conductors. The wire gauge can be used to measure from gauge 0 to 36.

k. Hacksaw

Hacksaws can be used to cut metal conduit and armored cable, it can also be used to cut the
small and medium-sized metals.
 l. Voltage tester

Voltage tester can be called as a major tool for an electrician, a voltage tester is used to check if
there is voltage in a wire or in a conductor before using it. Digital voltage testers are available
which shows the presence of an electric field. Voltage testers are not used to measure high-level
voltages usually they are not used to measure voltages exceeding 250volts.

m. Multi-meter

A multimeter can be used to measure voltage, current, resistance, and capacitance, conductance,
a frequency so this instrument could measure almost all things which is needed for an electrician.
This meter can show the exact reading too. There are digital and analog multimeters are available
in the market.
 n. Micrometer

A micrometer can be used to measure small and large sizes of wires, it is also used to remove the
diameter of circular wires. A micrometer can measure the diameter of thin wire accurately or
thickness of sheet metal.

o. Wrenches

Wrenches are instruments that can be used to turn nuts or hold the piece of stock when tightening
screws, nuts, and bolts. There are different types of wrenches like adjustable wrenches, pipe
wrench, and vise grip wrench.
1.2 Lighting and fittings
There are different types of lighting that are being used in the county government headquarters.
The most essential types of the lights are led type, choke less tube, Fluorescent tube with choke
and starter.

1.2.1 Fluorescent with choke and starter.

This is a type of lighting that contains a choke and a starter only. The choke acts as a transformer
to the fitting systems. When its damage ,the whole lights is to be replaced or replacing the same
choke with the same name plate ratings.

1.2.2 Light emitted diodes tube

This is a tube which consists of diodes connected in series and parallel. this gives it high amount
energy to shine brighter. The led are DC types of LED. Therefore this type of lighting has a
system which steps down the voltage from 240V and has the capacitor which stores energy.
Therefore this makes it an advantage since it will continue glowing even when there is no
electricity.

1.2.3 Fluorescent tube with capacitor and starter.

This is a tube which contains only the capacitor and starter, the capacitor is used to store
electrical energy hence it continues to glow even no electricity.
In addition, other types of lightings being used are like snake lights, gypsum lights, stage lights,
energy saving bulbs and tungsten bulb.

1.3 Electrical Wiring

1.3.1 Three phase wiring
The county headquarters is supplied with three phase line. The three phase has been installed into
the building using the service cable from the Three Phase Transformer. Since this cable is very
heavy, its passed through tunnel to the building. The Red, Yellow, and Blue phases are then
transmitted to the three phase Energy meter for the distribution. From the three phase meter, the
power is distributed to the control distribution panel boards through conductor. The board
contains three phase isolators and each line is connected to an isolator. From the isolator the line
is then connected to the meter box where power automation takes place before distributed to
different section of the building.

Fig showing Three Phase Wiring diagram

 Bus bar panel switch

KPLC Watt Meter(Three Phase)

a). Fig .Showing Three phase wiring through control panel (photo taken at Kakamega
County Headquarters Power House)

Control
boxes for
distribution
box of
different
parts of
building.
They
Contain
Isolators

Automation Box(Meter Box)

Fig Showing Control for Distribution Box 1 and 2

1.3.2 Single Phase Wiring
Single phase is installed into the consumer building. The amount voltage that is being used is
240V .the current may vary due to appliances that are being used. The single phase from the pole
is installed into the building using service cable. The service cable is composed of live wire and
neutral wire. The neutral wire is then earthed from the cutout .then another wire from the cutout
is then connected to the energy meter .from the energy meter the, the line is connected to main
switch, which is further transmitted to the consumer unit in the house. The consumer unit
contains different amperage of Circuit Breakers for example10A MCB is used for lightings, 30A
MCB is used for socket extensions etc.

Fig. Single Phase Wiring Diagram

1.4Electrical Door Lock System

Refers to the system that allows authorized person to access a given area if the door is locked by
a specific individual since the door is encrypted. The switches of the door lock are fixed at
specified position which when pressed the door unlock automatically. There are very many types
of electrical door lock system as discussed below.

1. Magnetic Locks

These locks consist of an electromagnet and an armature plate. The electromagnet is attached to
the frame of the door while the armature plate is attached to the door itself. When an electric
current is passed through the electromagnet, it attracts the plate magnetically and keeps the door
locked.

These cost-effective magnetic locks are similar to standard door locks as they can easily be
dismantled. Thus, they aren’t that highly recommended when it comes to securing your home or
office.
 2. Electric Door Strikes

These electric door strikes are used as replacements to the traditional strike faceplate which is
often used to secure latch bar doors. The latch mechanism works with electric currents yet again,
which either lock or release the latch. It is a multifunctional kind of electronic lock, with many
options available depending on how the strike is installed. It is said that the effectiveness of these
electric door strikes is highly reliant on what it is paired with.

3. Electric Bolt Locks

These are usually used for interior doors and cabinets that require maximum security. Electric
bolt locks are actually quite similar to deadbolt locks but are even stronger. They are known for
their compatibility with most electric systems. Electric bolt locks also boast of easy installation
with different failsafe modes.

4. Electronic Keypad Locks

This is probably the most commonly used type of electronic lock as well as the most well-
known. These electronic keypad locks require a numerical code or password in order to unlock
the door. Especially convenient, these do not require physical keys.

Although they are more expensive than most kinds of locks, your security is well-ensured. It is
then important that you keep your numerical code or password safe and difficult for outsiders to
guess.

5. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Locks

The RFID lock system uses a radio frequency device that carries the signal to unlock doors.
What is most convenient about it is that you do not need to be physically near the door to gain
access.

An RFID lock system is generally integrated with other locking systems in a high security
establishment. Authentication devices are used to remotely open doors within a certain range.
The disadvantage of such a system however is that you can easily misplace the cards or devices
used to open these locks. Replacement of these gadgets also costs a lot of money.

6. Bluetooth Electronic Locks

As indicated in the name, this type of electronic lock uses Bluetooth to control access to any door
or room. Those who want to gain entry need a smartphone or gadget near the range or proximity
of the Bluetooth sensors. Bluetooth electronic locks are more frequently used in cars or
establishments that house a lot of people.

7. Biometric Equipment
More often seen in offices and establishments rather than homes, biometric equipment and locks
are the peak of lock technology. These locks require a fingerprint or retinal scan of those who are
allowed access to the inside. With the lock mechanism involving unique features of the human
body, it is definitely difficult to dismantle or disrupt this system. The biometric lock can then be
used to increase the effectiveness of any security system.

1.5Shower Rose
This refers to a water heater that is mainly used in bathrooms . they are connected to the
mains so that the energy used is used to heat the water. It is also connected to a tap water so
that the water is heated at specified temperature as indicated in the adjusting knob which is
used to change the temperature of the water being heated.it has its own circuit breaker from
the consumer unit rated 40A.

1.6 Christmas Tree Wiring

This is the connection of lights on the chrimass tree. The lights are connected in series and
parallel form. The connection of the lights or lambs is to give the high amount of bright light .
there are two types of wiring such as led lights wiring and lamps wiring. They lights uses 6A
maximum for the lamps.
The most basic lighting system setup is single wiring of lights configured in a series circuit. This
is the most simple but also the most fragile. The lights are wired in series from the first to the last
light. The path of the electric current flows through the circuit from the source and back around a
single wire. The lights provide a resistance when a voltage is applied which passes current to each
light bulb. The current excites the filament inside the bulb which releases photons that produces
the light.

a)Fig. Christmas tree at Kakamega County b) Fig. series connection of lamps/lights

The next type of setup are lights configured in a parallel circuit. Each light has its own path from
the power source. Instead of a single wire, there are many wires connecting the lights to the power
source. Some configurations combine several parallel circuits together to reduce the complexity of
wires. When the voltage is applied, current flows directly to each light bulb from the source.

c) Fig Parallel Connection of Lamps

1.7 Lightening Arrestor
This a device that is installed in buildings such as storeys or the place that is subjected to
lightening. However , from the National Construction Authority it is necessary to install lighting
arrestor to surge electrical charges from the cloud. It has three different parts

Spikes:

Copper rod

Junction

PVC pipe

The copper rod has been earthed

to the ground at about 2m from
the base of the building.

Fig Showing A sketch of Lightening arrestor at Kakamega County

Spikes are very sharp pointed towards the cloud to act as a path for the for the charged electrons
to move from cloud to the ground through the copper rod. The junction is not connected since
there is an air space between the two connector of the junction. Since air is a poor conductor of
electricity, there is ionization of electrons and also air act as resistance hence protecting the
building or equipment from the thrust of the electrons.

How does lightening occur?

When the clouds are dry, the air charges with the cloud hence producing avalanches of charges
which are ionized in the air. And since the clouds cannot hold the large amount of electrons
produced, they are attracted to the ground through any sharp object. This leads to the production
of bright shining shuttered light from the cloud. In this case it’s advisable to install lighting
arrestors in buildings.

The copper rod is earthed 2m from the base of building to increase the surface area for the
charges and also to protect the building from any hazards that may be caused by lightening

There are different types of lightening arrestors as shown below.

1. Rod Gap Arrester

It is one of the simplest forms of the arrester. In such type of arrester, there is an air gap between
the ends of two rods. The one end of the arrester is connected to the line and the second end of
the rod is connected to the ground. The gap setting of the arrester should be such that it should
break before the damage. When the high voltage occurs on the line, the gap sparks and the fault
current passes to the earth. Hence the equipment is protected from damage.

Fig Rod Gap Arrestor

The difficulty with the rod arrester is that once the spark having taken place it may continue for
some time even at low voltages. To avoid it a current limiting reactor in series with the rod is
used. The resistance limits the current to such an extent that it is sufficient to maintain the arc.
Another difficulty with the road gap is that the rod gap is liable to be damaged due to the high
temperature of the arc which may cause the rod to melt.

2. Sphere Gap Arrester

In such type of devices, the air gap is provided between two different spheres. One of the spheres
is connected to the line, and the other sphere is connected to the ground. The spacing between
the two spheres is very small. A choking coil is inserted between the phase winding of the
transformer and spheres is connected to the line.
The air gap between the arrester is set in such a way so that the discharge must not take place at
normal operating condition. The arc will travel up the sphere as the heated air near the arc tend to
rise upward and lengthening till it is interrupted automatically.

3. Horn Gap Arrester

It consists of two horns shaded piece of metal separated by a small air gap and connected in
shunt between each conductor and earth. The distance between the two electrodes is such that the
normal voltage between the line and earth is insufficient to jump the gap. But the abnormal high
voltage will break the gap and so find a path to earth.

4. Multiple- Gap Arrester

The multiple gap arrester consists a series of small metal cylinder insulated from one another and
separated by an air gap. The first and the last of the series is connected to ground. The number of
gaps required depends on the line voltage.
5. Impulse Protective Gap

The protective impulse gap is designed to have a low voltage impulse ratio, even less than one
and to extinguish the arc. Their working principle is very simple as shown in the figure below. It
consists of two sphere electrode S1 and S2 which are connected respectively to the line and the
arrester.

The auxiliary needle is placed between the mid of two sphere S1 and S2. At normal frequency, the
impedance of the capacitance C1 is quite large as compared to the impedance of resistor R. If
C1 and C2 are equal the potential of the auxiliary electrode will be midway between those of the
S1 and S2 and the electrode has no effect on the flash over between them.

When the transient occurs the impedance of capacitor C1 and C2 decrease and the impedance of
the resistor now become effective. Due to this, the whole of the voltage is concentrated across
the gap between E and S1. The gap at once breakdown, the rest of the length between E and
S2 immediately follow.

6. Electrolyte Arrester

In such type of arrester have high a large discharge capacity. It operates on the fact that the thin
film of aluminium hydroxide deposits on the aluminium plates immersed in the electrolyte. The
plate acts as a high resistance to a low value but a low resistance to a voltage above a critical
value.
Voltage more than 400 volts causes a puncture and a free flow of current to earth. When the
voltage remains its normal value of 440 volts, the arrester again offers a high resistance in the
path and leakage stops.

7. Expulsion Type Lightning Arrester

Expulsion type arrester is an improvement over the rod gap in that it seals the flow of power
frequency follows the current. This arrester consists of a tube made up of fibre which is very
effective, isolating spark gap and an interrupting spark gap inside the fibre tube.

During operation, the arc due to the impulse spark over inside the fibrous tube causes some
fibrous material of the tube to volatile in the form of the gas, which is expelled through a vent
from the bottom of the tube. Thus, extinguishing the arc just like in circuit breakers.

8. Valve Type Lightning Arrester

Such type of resistor is called nonlinear diverter. It essentially consists a divided spark gap in
series with a resistance element having the nonlinear characteristic.
The divided spark gap consists of some identical elements coupled in series. Each of them
consists two electrodes with the pre-ionization device. Between each element, a grading resistor
of high ohmic value is connected in parallel.

During the slow voltage variations, there is no sparks-over across the gap. But when the rapid
change in voltage occurs, the potential is no longer evenly graded across the series gap. The
influence of unbalancing capacitance between the sparks gaps and the ground prevails over the
grounded resistance. The impulse voltage is mainly concentrated on the upper spark gap which
in spark over cause the complete arrester to spark over to.
9. Thyrite Lightning Arrester

Such type of arrester is most commonly used for the protection against dangerous high voltage. It
consists the Thyrite which is an inorganic compound of ceramic material. The resistance of such
material decreases rapidly from high value to low value and for current from a low value to high
value.

It consists a disc whose both the side is sprayed so as to give the electric contact between the
consecutive discs. The disc is assembled inside the glazed porcelain container. It is used in
conjunction with the container.

When the lightning takes place, the voltage is raised, and breakdowns of the gaps occur, the
resistance falls to a very low value, and the wave is discharged to earth. After the surge has
passed the thyrite again come back to its original position.

10 Autovalve Arrester

Such type of arrester consists some flat discs of a porous material stacked one above the other
and separated by the thin mica rings. The disc material is not homogenous and conducting
material also have been added. Therefore the glow discharge occurs in the capillaries of the
material and voltage drop to about 350 volts per unit. The discs are arranged in such a way that
normal voltage may not cause a discharge to occur.

11. Oxide Film Arrester

It consists of pellets of lead peroxide with a thin, porous coating of litharge arranged in a column
and enclosed in a tube of diameter. Out of the two lead, the upper is connected to the line, while
the lower is connected to the earth. The tube contains a series spark gap.

When an overvoltage occurs an arc passes through the series spark gap and an additional voltage
is applied to the pellet column and a discharge takes place. After the discharge, the resistance of
the pellet gun increases till only very small current flow through it. This small current is finally
interrupted by the series spark gaps.

12. Metal Oxide Lightning Arrester

Such Types of diverter are also known as gapless surge diverters, or Zinc oxide diverter. The
base material used for manufacturing metal oxide resistor is zinc oxide. It is a semiconducting N-
type material. The material is doped by adding some fine power of insulating oxides. The
powder is treated with some processes and then it is compressed into a disc-shaped. The disc is
then enclosed in a porcelain housing filled with nitrogen gas or SF6.
This arrester consists a potential barrier at the boundaries of each disc of ZNO. This potential
barrier controls the flow of current. At normal operating condition, the potential barrier does not
allow the current to flow. When an overvoltage occurs, the barrier collapse and sharp transition
from insulating to conducting take place. The current start flowing and the surge is diverted to
ground.

1.8 Energy Meter

This refers to the devuce that is used to read or show the amount of electricity that is beimg
consumed . it measures the returned enrgy that has been used by the consumer in kWh inform of
units.

There are two types of energy meters that is , post paid and pre-paid meters.

For pre-paid meters , the units being used by the consumer is reffered to as Tokens.

Pre-paid meters can either be single phase or Three phase based on where it is being used.

For prepaid meters: it usually requires the activation code.

Incase of any damages or wrong connections, it will require a tamper code which is 20 digits
code to reactivate it.

To confirm if the prepaid meter is working, a check code is needed .

For post paid , the energy used is calcluted and the electricity bill is given to the consumer to pay
the bill .

Post paid meters are either Single phase or Three Phase.

 a. Three Phase Meter Wiring

Fig Three phase Energy Meter wiring

b. Single Phase Meter Wiring

Fig Single Phase Energy Meter