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8 steps to begin basic circuit design
8 steps to begin basic circuit design (photo credit: pensdown.co.uk)

How do we begin to design?

What do we need to know? Clearly, plunging into calculations of cable size is of little value unless the type of cable and its method of installation is known. This, in turn, will depend on the installation’s environment.

At the same time, we would need to know whether the supply was single or three-phase, what the earthing arrangements (learn about this) were and so on.

Here then is our starting point and it is referred to in Part 3 of the IEE Regulations as ‘Assessment of General Characteristics’.

Having ascertained all the necessary details, we can decide on an installation method, the type of cable and how we will protect against electric shock and overcurrents. We would now be ready to begin the calculation part of the design procedure.

Basically, there are eight stages in such a procedure. These are the same whatever the type of installation, be it a cooker circuit or a steel wire armoured (SWA) cable feeding a remote garage.

8 steps

Here then are the 8 steps to begin basic circuit design in a simplified form:

  1. Determine the design current Ib
  2. Select the rating of the protection In.
  3. Select the relevant rating factors (CFs).
  4. Divide In by the relevant CFs to give tabulated cable current carrying capacity It.
  5. Choose a cable size to suit It.
  6. Check the voltage drop (Use MS Excel Spreadsheet to calculate).
  7. Check for shock risk constraints.
  8. Check for thermal constraints.

Reference: Electric Wiring: Domestic – Brian Scaddan IEng, MIET

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Edvard Csanyi - Author at EEP-Electrical Engineering Portal

Edvard Csanyi

Hi, I'm an electrical engineer, programmer and founder of EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal. I worked twelve years at Schneider Electric in the position of technical support for low- and medium-voltage projects and the design of busbar trunking systems.

I'm highly specialized in the design of LV/MV switchgear and low-voltage, high-power busbar trunking (<6300A) in substations, commercial buildings and industry facilities. I'm also a professional in AutoCAD programming.

Profile: Edvard Csanyi

5 Comments


  1. suresh babu
    Oct 11, 2015

    i want know about 3 phase submersible motor to be operated by two different places with their respective power supply


  2. adnan
    Oct 12, 2014

    what is 3 phase moter.


  3. adnan
    Oct 12, 2014

    sir plz solve the answer


  4. kamran
    Jul 11, 2014

    Dear sir
    Thanks for your technical information. I would like to know about calculating 3 phase motors and star and delta circuits also PLC in basic style .

    Best ragard,


  5. hardikkotadiya
    Apr 13, 2014

    it’s amazing we are solve easily and clear oua doubt

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