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Home / Technical Articles / Electrical Design Project Of a Small Bakery

Electrical System of Bakery

A small bakery with just a counter and storage areas is simple to design. The electrical design follows the layout for a house, but care must be taken on loading factors if direct-acting electric heaters are switched on all day.

Electrical Design Project Of a Small Bakery
Electrical Design Project Of a Small Bakery (on photo: Example design project of a caffee; credit: designlayout.com)

These days, many shops and stores have specialised equipment for cooking food or providing other services such as shoe repairs or photographic processing. It is this type of shop that sometimes causes problems for the electrical installer when it comes to estimating loads.

This exercise takes a bakery as a typical project. This electrical design may be adapted for similar conditions (cafe or apartment for example).

Building structure and finishes

General information about small bakery //

  • Total floor area is 100 m2;
  • Concrete floor, tiled throughout;
  • Concrete soffit, exposed in bakery; suspended false ceiling in shop area;
  • Walls, brick or building block. Fair-faced exposed in bakery; tiled or plastered in shop and toilets;
  • Space heating by gas.

Let’s go through following sections on order to complete electrical design project. Note that there are few other sections left out for second part of this techncial article (which will be published in 2 days).

  1. Electrical design requirements
  2. Loading and diversity
  3. Lighting (electrical layout)
  4. Socket / Outlets (electrical layout)
  5. Other appliances (mixer, oven etc.)
  6. Phase balance
  7. Wiring systems
  8. Cost considerations
  9. Shop area
  10. Bakery area
  11. Temperature limits of 70°C and 90°C
  12. Final selection of of cable sizes
  13. Bakery wiring

1. Electrical design requirements

Proposed electrical layouts are shown in Figures 1 and 2. A full schedule of requirements is shown in Table 1.

It will be noted that space heating is by gas, although cooking is electric. This may not be realistic. In practice, a more likely situation would have gas cooking and heating. However, many catering establishments do have mixed services and in this case the electric cooking has been chosen in order to calculate diversity. A suitable Project Specification is shown in Figure 3.

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2. Loading and diversity

It will be seen that the assessment of maximum demand is very much a matter of experience. There is a tendency to overestimate high fixed loads, which in practice only occur for short periods of time. Thermostats and energy regulators switch heater elements on and off at irregular intervals.

The largest load on this project is the oven in the kitchen and it is extremely unlikely that the fully loaded 10 kW condition will coincide with full loading on other appliances.

Bakery oven
Bakery oven


Lighting layout //

Lighting layout for wiring purposes only
Figure 1 – Lighting layout for wiring purposes only

Information is required to determine the size of mains supply. If there is any doubt, it is worth showing diversity figures to the supply company.

IET Guidance Note 1, Selection and Erection, gives some advice about loading diversity. The figures used here have been taken from Guidance Note 1, but every electrical design project must be considered separately to take into account special factors. This is not an accurate exercise and all figures have been rounded off.

This installation will of necessity be a three-phase load, and maximum current per phase is the important calculation.


Power outlets layout //

Power outlets in bakery
Figure 2 – Power outlets in bakery

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3. Lighting

An allowance of 90% diversity is acceptable. For current loading calculations, fluorescent lamp ratings must be multiplied by 1.8 to take into account control gear losses. An assumption of 100 W per outlet is made for tungsten lamps, regardless of the specification lamp size. For convenience, the bakery shop lighting is spread over two circuits:


1. Shop lighting load //

= 10 x 58 W x 1.8
= 1044 W

at 90% diversity (1044 x 90%) / 230 = 4.1 A


Table 1 – Provisional electrical schedule

 Shop // Bakery //
 Lighting
 10 x 57 W 8 x 58 W
 4 x 60 W
 Twin 13 A sockets
 Display units 2 Freezer 1
 Microwave oven 1 Refrigerator 1
 Freezers 2 Small mixers 2
 General purpose  6 General purpose 4
 Other loads
 3-phase mixer, 750 W
 Oven 10 KW
 Hob unit, 4 x 1.5 kW

2. Bakery lighting load //

= (8 x 58 W x 1.8) + (3 x 100)
= 1135 W

at 90% diversity (1135 W x 90%) / 230 V = 4.5 A

NOTE // 1.8 is a factor, which may or may not need to be applied to all types of fluoroscent fittings. If in doubt, consult the manufacturer of the luminaire(s).

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4. Socket-outlets

Three circuits would be appropriate. It has sometimes been taught that it is custom and practice to put all sockets on one phase, but there is no requirement for this in the Wiring Regulations. However, at this stage, phase balancing has yet to be considered. Diversity allowances are 100% of first circuit and 40% for all others:

32 + 13 + 13 = 58 A
= 19.3 A per circuit

Note that this figure is for total load calculations only, not circuit cable sizing.


Project specification for shop //

Project specification for shop
Figure 3 – Project specification for shop

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5. Other appliances

Mixer, at 50% diversity:
750 W x 50% / 230 V x 3 = 0.55 A per phase

Oven, at 100% diversity:
10 x 1000 W / 230 V = 43.5 A

Hob unit, at 80% diversity:
6 x 1000 W x 0.8 / 230 V = 21 A

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6. Phase balance

For electrical design, it is essential to balance loads across three phases as far as possible. This exercise should consider the diversified current demands to obtain a balance under normal working conditions.

Table 2 below gives an arrangement, which in the circumstances is reasonable but not a good balance. Note that at this stage, this does not necessarily indicate final distribution board particulars; although it may be better to put ring circuits on different phases.

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7. Wiring systems

This project is interesting in that, at this early stage, some consideration must be given to the type of wiring systems appropriate to the two main areas, shop and bakery. This is one subject upon which the landlord or insurer may have an interest.

Table 2 – Arrangement of loads taking diversity into account

 Phase Circuit Amps
 Brown // Phase 1 Sockets 58
 Mixer 0.55
 58.55
 Black // Phase 2 Lights 8.6
 Hob 21
 Mixer 0.55
 30.15
 Grey // Phase 3  Oven 43.5
 Mixer 0.55
 44.05

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8. Start by considering cost

From the financial viewpoint it is sensible to consider the most economical wiring system that the Wiring Regulations will permit. This is the starting point for design. Changes to more sophisticated methods may be introduced as the situation dictates.

Undoubtedly twin and earth cable is the easiest and cheapest system to install, but the outer sheathing gives only limited mechanical protection.

In the case of the shop, a certain amount of physical maltreatment should be anticipated and considered during the design and specification stages.

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9. Shop area

Shop area must fulfill the following requirements //

  • The public have access and must not be put at risk by their own activities.
  • Children will be present and inquisitive fingers can cause damage.
  • The shop staff may be heavy-handed in cleaning or careless when handling trays of stock. This food shop is subject to hygiene standards, which may include frequent washing down.
Surface mounted twin and earth cable is unsuitable for this situation. It would be precluded by regulations, which specify that the electrical system must be appropriate to the situation and the method of installation must take into account the conditions likely to be encountered.

It is acceptable to install flat twin and earth cables under plaster or within building voids, provided the concealed cables are installed within prescribed zones.

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10. Bakery area

Different parts of the bakery area are subject to differing conditions //

  • Some general physical abuse can be expected.
  • High temperatures will occur in close proximity to the oven and hob units. Wall surfaces may be frequently washed down.

In these circumstances, the choice of surface wiring systems should be one or more of //

  • Steel conduit and trunking;
  • Plastic conduit and trunking;
  • Mineral insulated, copper-sheathed cable (MICS) with thermoplastic (PVC) outer sheath;
  • Steel wire armoured PVC or thermosetting insulated cable.

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11. Temperature limits

70°C

A point of interest is that wherever general purpose PVC cable is used, the recommended limiting temperature is 70°C. This will apply to all the systems listed in Bakery area, including the MICS with PVC outer sheath. Therefore, none has any working temperature advantage.

A surface heated to 70°C is very hot and is likely to exist only on the metallic casing of the oven when it is on.

The Regulations show 70°C as the limiting temperature for accessible parts of metallic enclosures for electrical equipment. An air temperature in excess of 70°C will only be found in the oven or above a hob unit. There would appear to be no problem of cable selection on the basis of temperature alone.


90°C

If a higher temperature rating is considered to be important, the use of 90°C thermosetting (XLPE) cable may be possible. This insulation is available on single-core conduit cable. Care should be taken with armoured cable with XLPE insulation. Off-the-shelf supplies will probably have PVC sheathing.

In theory, rigid PVC conduit and trunking could also be used at 90°C, but the fixing arrangements to accommodate expansion and prevent sagging would be impracticable.

It should be appreciated that conductors intended to operate at a temperature exceeding 70°C in normal service must not be connected to switchgear, protective devices, accessories or other types of equipment, unless the manufacturer of the equipment has confirmed that the equipment is suitable for such conditions.

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12. Final selection and cable sizes

Having taken all factors into account, the final selection of wiring systems on this project can be made, and are shown in Table 3. It should be noted that cable sizes are based upon the scheme as illustrated:

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13. Bakery wiring (cable, trunking and conduit)

Cable:
70°C PVC-insulated – Ref. 6491X, single-core cables;


Table 3 – Proposed cable sizes

CircuitFull load (A)CB (A)Size (mm2)
Bakery lights in conduit and trunking4.761.0
1.5
Shop lights, surface or embedded in plaster4.361.0
1.5
Bakery sockets, ring in conduit and trunking322.5
Shop sockets, ring, surface or embedded in plaster322.5
Mixer 3-phase, in conduit and trunking3.261.0
Hob, in conduit and trunking25326.0
Oven, in conduit and trunking425010.0

Steel or PVC trunking:
Main distribution from distribution board at high level to avoid any heat from appliances;

Heavy gauge PVC conduit:

  1. Drops to outlets at worktop mounting height; 2. Ceiling mounted exposed to luminaires.
  2. As an alternative, and to make cleaning easier, PVC mini-trunking could be used for wall drops.

Go back to Index ↑

Will be continued soon..

Reference // Electrical installation designs – B. Atkinson (Purchase hardcopy at Amazon)

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author-pic

Edvard Csanyi

Electrical engineer, programmer and founder of EEP. Highly specialized for design of LV/MV switchgears and LV high power busbar trunking (<6300A) in power substations, commercial buildings and industry facilities. Professional in AutoCAD programming.

12 Comments


  1. Mukit
    Sep 27, 2020

    Thanks,Very nice topic.


  2. Charles
    May 29, 2020

    Hi
    I’m currently working on a project for college. Would you mind answering some of
    My questions.


  3. Subarna Dangol
    Nov 06, 2019

    Hi there, Can you give me the concept supplying power sources above from ceiling? I’m having difficulties cleaning my working place with wall mounted power supply, and my working area is 30×60 ft. for production . I’m hoping support soon .


  4. burhanuddin zulfiqar
    Oct 10, 2019

    One of the best website to study electrical engineering. keep it up and thanks for this gem EDVARD.


  5. burhanuddin zulfiqar
    Oct 10, 2019

    One of the best ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING learning website. It has covered so many courses and topics that one dont even need to got University and attend lectures (just frankly speaking). BTW keep it up and thanks for this GEM EDVARD.


  6. Abebaw
    Sep 16, 2019

    I am wondering how can I get a two-page bakery machine for business purpose?

    Thanks
    Abebaw


  7. Pieter Redelinghuys
    May 25, 2019

    Edvard, I have been hands-on for 55 years, busy in the HEAVY ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY, and I would like to COMPLEMENT YOU on a UNIQUE AND COMPREHENSIVE PORTAL. I have been following your program for a long time and every new portal has the BEST information available, each and every ELECTRICIAN & ENGINEER can use your information and have SUCCESS in implementing your advice, THANKS FOR YOUR DILIGENCE & COMMITMENT.
    BEST REGARDS.


    • Edvard
      May 31, 2019

      Thank you very much Pieter, that’s very kind of you. I do my best :)


  8. Mohammad Younas Khan
    Nov 28, 2017

    tHIS IS NICE SITE, I WANT TO SEE MORE HOW AND THE DATA BASE APPROCH


  9. CatalinB
    Aug 31, 2015

    Nice work! Anyway, some things might be wrong/odd regard legislation available in some countries:
    A minimum section can be required. By example, lighting must have 1.5 mm2, outlets 2.5mm2 and force circuitry 1.5 mm2 as minimum wire section.
    More, some countries impose a Schuko outlet for 230V, as primary protection. And a additional protection, with a RCBB (or RCBO) having Idn=30mA (max). A bakery its a commercial space, so another 300 mA general RCCB its required (type S).
    For outlets circuits maximum installed power its 2.0 kW. Some normatives impose a maximum 24A on Fy2.5; 32A it is far to more. More, an outlet have a 16A max current, so 16A CB or RCBO its more than ok. Next, a CB protect circuit, no loads. So, for all lighting circuits, a 10A CB its ok. Some time 6A CB its more expensive.
    Out of topic, in some way: lights are resulting from calculation. Free software do this and result its type of luminaire, power, position etc.


    • red
      Sep 23, 2016

      Please CatalinB,can you tell me,which software that you mention above,do this calculation and give the result of types of luminaire,power,position etc.?If you dont worry,i would appriciate a lot if you can suggest this type of softwares.Thank you


  10. Romero
    Aug 27, 2015

    Simple & yet interesting. Nice refresher. Keep it up !!!

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