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Electricty = Alternating Current


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Posted

Family is buiding a house in Isaan. I'm staying completley out but one area where I would like to have say, is safety...... when it comes to electricity. After all, we will stay there too, from time to time. Having seen what is normally being installed I wonder if you could help with =,

how to get a properly installed alternating current system in the house.

Starting with proper grounding, fuses not over 100 amp, cable not thinner than strings, etc.

Would you have a diagram, instruction in Thai to convey the message to the workers?

I rarely see lightning protectors? Why?? Lightening is a regular occurance.

Posted

This is a good publication to show your chosen sparks http://www.pea.co.th.../groundwire.pdf build using those recommendations and you won't go far wrong. You are theoretically able to get printed copies from your local PEA office, our office had never heard of it.

Choosing a sparks is a matter of luck, we used up four, local recommendation can only go so far sad.png

Lightening is used by many Thai ladies :)

Lightning is indeed common, we don't have conductors but we do have whole house surge arrestors and the delicate kit has quality surge-arresting socket boards.

Posted (edited)

First you should approach the PEA for their requirements. The maximum demand in amps is generally 45A. This means that the minimum size of consumers mains will be 10sqmm PVC sheathed PVC insulated minimum, subject to voltage drop requirements. However 16sqmm or 25sqmm may be used depending on the max demand and voltage drop.

The consumers mains are generally not protected by a service fuse and the main circuit breaker must be a minimum of 10kA @220VAC (6kA@ 380VAC) This will give short circuit protection to the main switchboard.

The Main earth and electrode should meet the current PEA/MEA requirements.

The installation must have a compliant earthing system, and all socket outlets should be 3 pin.

RCDs should be installed on ALL final circuits if the earthing system is TT (neutral not bonded to the main earth at the main switchboard). IF MEN ( neutral bonded to the main earth at the main switch board) RCDs shold be installed on all socket outlets and lighting points. Permanently connected equipment need not be connected to an RCD providing the equipment is earthed. However in Thailand RCD protection is highly advised on ALL circuits.

The installation should be tested before connection to supply, this includes earthing, insulation testing and polarity testing. Include functional testing of all RCDs by means of the test button. Supply (220VAC) is required for this test.

On selection of a qualified and competent electrician, that is another matter, you may be able to get advice from the PEA, they should be able to recommend a qualified electrical contractor to carry out the work. Find out their charge out rate and get quotes before you start.

Edited by electau
Posted

Agree with Electau except for one point.

The PEA document (and our local office) insist on 16mm2 copper for supplies up to 50A, so it's important to verify with your supply authority before shelling out on cable.

Overhead cables from meter to house are invariably single insulated PVC (Bangkok Cable type THW) mounted on insulators, only the PEA dropper to the meter is PVC insulated and sheathed.

Posted

You will have to calculate the max demand in amps first, the the distance from the metering point to the main switchboard to calculate the voltage drop, so in practice the mains may well be a minimum of 16sqmm copper.

 

Posted

Gentlemen,

I love your input but conveying these things will be real test. I observed a slight reluctance to spend too much time listening :-)

Welcome to our world :(

The PEA document is by far the best way to get your point over, sadly it's not available as dual language so you know what you're asking for.

Assuming you're not in central BKK then the PEA inspector is quite within his rights to deny you a permanent power connection if the installation does not conform to said document.

Posted

Download the document from the PEA website and print out a hard copy. Give this to the electrician. He is then legally aware of the PEA minimum requirements.

Note. The MEN connection complies with the US NEC Electrical code 2011.

The drawing is designed for small individual electrical installations. It does not give advice on installation methods or testing requirements. It does not address the requirements for a compliant earthing system, only earthing of socket outlets and the main earth.

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