SLC21/WK6: Electricity bill and Electrical Cable, Circuit Breaker size Calculation

Greetings , We are now on week 6 of the Steemit Engagement Challenge, and I am excited to engage with this week's topic. The topic involves calculating electricity bills, determining electrical wire sizes, and choosing the right circuit breakers. This lesson has been very insightful, full of valuable knowledge, and the tasks assigned are interesting and engaging.

When it comes to XLPE and PVC cables, the differences are as clear as night and day (or perhaps hot soup and cold salad). Let’s explore three key differences between these two types of cables that’ll help you choose the right one without getting tangled up!

Firstly, XLPE (Cross-Linked Polyethylene) cables are the superheroes of high voltage, capable of handling power above 33 kV. They can withstand temperatures up to 90°C without breaking a sweat. On the other hand, PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) cables are the friendly neighborhood cables, working in low-voltage areas up to 11 kV and only handling up to 70°C—anything more, and they’ll be asking for an ice pack!

Secondly, XLPE cables are like high-end sports cars—durable and expensive. They last longer and are built to endure extreme conditions. Meanwhile, PVC cables are more like budget-friendly sedans—cheaper and perfect for day-to-day home wiring, but they wear out faster.

Lastly, XLPE cables are used for big industrial projects and substations, while PVC cables are the go-to for household wiring and appliances. So, whether you're powering a factory or a toaster, the right cable makes all the difference!

The most obvious difference would be their names. Actually, a cable having single core carries one conductor, whereas a two-core cable carries two conductors, and a three-core cable carries three conductors. Think of them as carrying one bag, two bags, or three bags-each carrying different things.

Usage: Single-core cables are ideal for standard household wiring and simple connections. Two-core cables usually find their application in lighting or small motors where a live and neutral connection is needed. Three-core cables are used in three-phase motors and heavy-duty equipment, such as large electrical installations.

Color Coding: Each of them has a separate color coding. Single core cables typically are in only one color such as red or black. Two core usually have two color wires-red and black-both live and neutral. Three core increase the tempo by three colored wires such as red, yellow, and black or for earth purposes it is followed by green

Choosing the right cable is like choosing the right tool for the job—you don't want to hammer in a screw!

comparing cores

Write about peak and off-peak hours in your country.

In my country, peak and off-peak hours play a major role in determining electricity bills and energy usage strategies.

Peak hours are when electricity demand is at its peak, typically in the evenings when people return home from work and turn on lights, fans, air conditioners, and other appliances. Generally, these hours fall within 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Because of high electricity demand during this time, power companies charge higher rates per unit of electricity consumed.

Off-peak hours are when the demand for electricity is low. These usually fall in between 11:00 PM to 5:00 PM the next day. Since people will not use as many appliances during off-peak hours, there will be less strain on the power grid, and thus electricity is cheaper.

Saving money goes without saying as scheduling any high-energy activities such as running washing machines, recharging devices, or utilization of heavy appliances during the off-peak hours shall manage electricity costs effectively in addition to the reduction on the load in the power grid.

Peak and off peak hours hours

Electricity bills are an essential part of managing household expenses. Calculating your house load and estimating your bill can help you monitor and reduce energy usage effectively.

By analyzing the electricity bill provided, we aim to calculate the house load and create a similar bill based on your consumption. This involves understanding meter readings, tariff rates, and the charges applicable.

November Bill

Below, we calculate my house load and electricity bill by following the given example .

Step 1: Details from the Provided Bill

• Units Consumed: 73
• Cost Per Unit (GOP Tariff): 11.69 PKR (stated in the bill)

Step 2: Calculate the Electricity Cost

Using the formula:
Cost of Electricity = Units Consumed × Cost per Unit

Cost of Electricity = 73 × 11.69 = 853.37 PKR

Step 3: Add Other Charges

Other charges from the bill include:

• Meter Rent + Fixed Charges: 185 PKR
• Fuel Price Adjustment (FPA): 31.39 PKR
• Quarterly Tariff Adjustment (QTA): 127.25 PKR
• Taxes (Electricity Duty, TV Fee, GST): 235 PKR

Step 4: Total Bill Calculation

Adding all charges:

Total Bill = 853.37 + 185 + 31.39 + 127.25 + 235 = 1432.01 PKR

Step 5: Bill Adjustment for Due Date

• Payable Before Due Date: 1432.01 PKR + Late Payment Surcharge = 2866 PKR
• Payable After Due Date: 2967 PKR

These are cleared detail of the "November month bill."

Solution: Total Electricity Bill with HT Meter Values

We will calculate the total electricity bill based on the HT meter readings provided in Example 2. Here's the data we need for the calculation:

Step 1: Extract Data

From the HT meter details:

• R1 (Peak) Readings:
  • Start: 2625.20 kWh
  • End: 2665.26 kWh
  • Units: 2665.26−2625.20=40.06kWh

• R2 (Off-Peak) Readings:
  • Start: 9692.81 kWh
  • End: 9825.21 kWh
  • Units: 9825.21−9692.81=132.40kWh

Step 2: Apply Rates

Using the given rates:

• Peak Hour Rate: 1.5 Steem/unit
• Off-Peak Hour Rate: 1.0 Steem/unit
  Peak Charges=40.06×1.5=60.09Steem
  Off-Peak Charges=132.40×1.0=132.40Steem

Step 3: Total Charges

Total Bill=60.09+132.40==192.49Steem

Step 4: Design Electricity Bill in Excel

The bill includes the following details:

1. Customer Information
   • Name, Meter Number, etc.
2. HT Meter Readings
   • Start and End Readings for Peak and Off-Peak.
3. Units Consumed
   • For both Peak and Off-Peak hours.
4. Rates Applied
   • Peak Rate and Off-Peak Rate.
5. Total Bill
   • Sum of Peak and Off-Peak charges.

Excel Template Design

An Excel template will look like this:

Bill summary

To determine the cable and circuit breaker sizes needed for your washing machine, we can follow these steps:

Step 1: Calculate the power consumed by the washing machine.

The formula to calculate power is:

P = V × I × PF

Where:

• ( P ) = Power in watts (W)
• ( V ) = Voltage in volts (V) = 220V
• ( I ) = Current in amperes (A) = 20A
• ( \text{PF} ) = Power factor = 0.9

Now, substitute the values into the formula:

P=220×20×0.9=3960watts (W)

Step 2: Determine the cable size

Based on the calculated power, we need to select a cable size. Let's use a common guideline for current ratings:

• For a 20A current, you can use a 2.5 mm² (2.5 RM) cable.

However, if the power is around 3960W (almost 4 kW), it's safer to use 4 mm² cable for higher durability and to handle the load with ease.

Step 3: Determine the circuit breaker size

Based on the calculated power of the washing machine:

• For a 20A current, use a 20A circuit breaker.

Since the current is 20A, a C20 (20 Amp) circuit breaker is appropriate to protect the circuit from overload.

Conclusion:

• Cable Size: 4 mm²
• Circuit Breaker Size: 20A

This setup should ensure the safe operation of your washing machine at home.