ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DESIGN for HIGH-RISE

BUILDING

High – rise buildings normally refer to occupancy for:

• general offices
• commercial establishments
• hotels / condominiums or their combinations. The
definitions as to number of floors and areas vary from
one party to another.
These buildings distinctively differ from industrial
buildings for manufacturing with regards to electric utilization
equipment installed and the number of floors. The latter are
mostly single or two-storey structure due to operational
requirements and constraints. Exceptions are the taller silos for
stockpiling of materials or finished products.
1 – HIGH RISE BUILDING POWER SUPPLY REQUIREMENTS:
1. General Lighting & Power
• light for general illumination, seeing tasks,
decorative features, hallways and stairways,
others
• power for appliances and office machines
2. Heating, Ventilation & Air-conditioning (HVAC) System
•air-conditioning for temperature control
•blowers and fans ventilation
•heaters for humidity control
3. Transport System
•elevators and escalators
•conveyors, dumbwaiters, others
4. Water Pumps
•potable and non-potable water supply
•water sprinkle (fire suppression)
•pumps / drainage
•sewage ejectors
5. Communication System
• PABX telephone system
• Intercom
6. Automatic Doors
• entrance and exit for pedestrians
• garage and freight
7. Central Computer System
• CPU and peripherals
• Terminals
8. Auxiliaries
• intrusion and hold-up control system
• fire suppression and alarm system
• background music and paging
• sound reinforcement and video facilities
• noise masking and acoustics, others

Note: The latter items could be integrated into the building automation
system as may be provided in the design.
2 – HIGH-RISE BUILDING SYSTEM COMPONENTS

A high-rise building electrical system is composed of

hundreds of components, designed and assembled into a safe,
functional power-delivery system. In figure 2.1 shows a typical
building electrical system riser diagram, where the building’s
electrical system is connected to the utility system. Here, it is a
pad-mounted transformer, but in other cases it might be a bank
of transformers mounted overhead on a utility pole (for a demand
less than 1,000 kVA).
The underground service connects the utility system to
building’s main distribution panel (MDP). Located within the MDP
is the main building over-current device, or main disconnect, as
well as individual over-current devices for the system
components connected to the MDP. The MDP may also contain
provisions for utility metering, as well as instrumentation for the
measurement of system voltage and current.
 The main disconnect device can be either a circuit breaker
or a fused switch. This main device often contains special
circuitry for sensing low-level faults (i.e. ground faults for more
than 1,000 Amp main), which otherwise might escape detection.
The MDP might be thought of as the electrical nerve center of
the building. It is normally located near building exterior wall
and as close as possible to the utility transformer to minimize
the cost of main service feeders.
Thus, all components of the system must be chosen
carefully based on design requirements and must function safely,
under normal operating conditions and also under abnormal
conditions, such as short circuits.
 3 – POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM
The franchise utility power company serves at nominal
level of 230/115-volt, single- or three-phase, two-, three or four
wires depending on the type of load and as long as it does not
exceed 1,000 kVA. For extremely large service entrance current,
multiple conductors may be used. Likewise, multiple
protective/disconnect devices not exceeding six (6) may be
connected in parallel for the service entrance (as stated by
P.E.C.). For establishment of greater than 1,000 kVA load, as
most commercial and industrial consumers, the power company
requires a load center unit sub-station and serves power at
primary line distribution level of 13.8 or 34.5k Volts or whatever
potential level available in the vicinity.
The size of the load center depends on the proposed
connected load and allowances for future growth of the
establishment; its configuration, on the other hand, depends on
the requirements and available facilities of the utility company.
 The major components of the load center are:
(1) High-voltage switchgear; primary side
(2) Power transformer section
(3) Low-voltage switchgear; secondary side
(4) Metering equipment

3.1 – Utilizing Voltage

Usually in large installations with private load centers, the
practice is to use 208/120-volt for general lighting and power,
and 460-volt for motors. This appears to be the more economical
and practical arrangements.
Three-phase electric motors are normally dual-voltage,
i.e. 460/230 volts and using the higher 460-volt rating will result
in half-as-much ampere draw, hence smaller wires, lower circuit
breaker rating (although higher voltage) and smaller starter unit.
For lighting and appliances, 460-volt line can likewise be
used but availability of fixtures for such potential may not be
easily procured, i.e. 265-volt ballasts for fluorescent and
convenience outlet with built-in unit transformers of 50 to 100
VA, 460-230/115-volt ratings.
 For total load of 1,000 kVA or less, the power supply is
208/120-volt or 230/115-volt only. In some cases, and for
temporary construction power, the power company would serve
460-volt for use of construction equipment, subject to their
requirements, rules and regulations.
3.2 – Configuration of Load
Centers
Should the customer enterprise be required to provide
its own load center unit substation, several options are
available, again subject to approval of the power utility
company.
 OPTION – 1 : High-voltage supply line from power company
transformed to utilization voltage of 208/120-volt for general
lighting and power, and 460-volt for motors using two
separate power transformers as shown in fig. 3.2(a).
OPTION – 2 : High-voltage supply line from power company
transformed to 460-volts; general lighting and power
fed by the 460-volt line
through a unit dry-type transformer, 460-208 / 120-volt,
as
shown in fig. 3.2(b).
OPTION – 3 : Similar to Option – 2 “except” several units of smaller
units of
smaller dry-type transformers are distributed in the
areas or
floors for general lighting and power system; these unit
transformers are fed by 460-volt line or lines from the
load
center as shown in fig 3.2 (c).
 Any of these configurations will serve the purpose of
transforming the incoming high-voltage line from the utility
company to acceptable utilization equipment level. The final
choice of the desired system is normally dictated by costs and
equipment availability. Power transformers are either dry-type or
oil-immersed.
The common disadvantage of all of the above load
center configurations is its inflexibility. In cases of breakdown of
any of the main components, i.e. high or low-voltage switchgear
mains, or the transformer itself will result in total system shut-
down.
3.3 – Load Center Flexibility & Reliability

While a “fail-safe” system could not be adopted due to its

prohibitive cost, still some degree of flexibility and reliability of
the system can be reasonably reached.
The load center can be split into two (2) equal or
identical units to serve the likewise equally, as far as practicable,
divided electrical loads. In cases of failure of any of the major
components of either unit, the remaining half is still operational.
System selectivity can be attained, either on the primary or
secondary sides or both, by using “tie-breaker”.
 Properly coordinated interlocking system should
be provided between the tie and main breakers to
prevent accidents.

The load centers described in the proceeding

paragraph will be served on two (2) separate ends and
thus termed “double-ended” unit. Customarily, the
power company serves this type of load center from
two (2) separate distribution feeder lines to further
enhance the system’s selectivity. Figure 3.3 shows the
one line diagram of a typical “double-ended” system as
adopted from Option 3. The same can be done for both
Option 1 and 2.
Note: The interlock, mechanical/electrical, will prevent putting
“ON” the tie-breaker until either of the main breaker is
“OFF”; metering CT’s and PT’s are to be installed in both
the high-voltage incoming lines 1 and 2.

4 – EMERGENCY POWER SYSTEM

The power requirements of the building can be
sufficiently supplied by the power company at acceptable level,
continuity and characteristics. There are, however, instances
when the power may be interrupted due to the system fault or
deficiencies, some of which are inherent in the power
transmission and distribution. Longer interruptions will greatly
inconvenience the building occupants and may even be
dangerous to life and limbs. Losses in terms of unproductive man-
hours andThebusiness opportunity
suggested may
solution, also than
other substantial.
the self-contained
battery-powered emergency lights, is a stand-by diesel engine-
generator set or sets. It is not economically sound, and probably
poor engineering practice, to provide 100% back-up or stand-by
power because of the tremendous costs of the generator set or
sets to be used in relatively short time of main power
interruptions.
 The more essential loads of the building are to be supplied
with emergency power in cases of main power failure. Normally,
these are the following:
• Stairways’ and hallways’ lighting for safety purposes
• Counter areas for public transactions
• Water pumps and fire pumps
• One or two elevators to be used by physically handicapped
• Computer system
• Rooms or suites of top executives

Power transfer to stand-by generator can be done

manually by double-throw transfer-switch or automatically by
automatic-transfer-switch (ATS). For the latter, it is necessary that
the feeder/s or line/s serving the essential loads should not
include the non-essential facilities. Separate emergency lines and
panel boards will be provided exclusively for the purpose. A
typical one-line diagram is shown in fig. 4.1 as adopted from fig.
3.3.
 The system operates as follows:
• When main power voltage dips to 70 to 80% of
nominal value, the ATS automatically starts the
generator and build- up same to its rated output
voltage; after 20 seconds of such power condition, the
ATS automatically transfer the emergency feeder
mains to generator;
• When main power is restored to its rated level, the
ATS instantly transfer the load back to the main
power feeder; after 1 or 2 minutes of main power
stabilized conditions, the generator set automatically
stops;
• The ATS could also be programmed to automatically
“exercise” or operate the generator at no-load for 15-
minute, twice-a-week periods in order to keep the set
and auxiliaries in good running conditions.
Voltage level and time setting as mentioned may be
adjusted to the desired level of the user, but instant transfer
from main to stand-by power is not possible since it will require
sometime for the generator voltage to build-up.
 For uninterruptible power supply as may be required by
computer
hardwares and the like, a different equipment configuration is
necessary. It
Power Supply for Computer System
is discussed in the succeeding paragraphs.
Computer hardwares and operations requires controlled
environment as to temperature, humidity and dust for satisfactory
performance.The same is true for its electric power supply.
Power hits and dips which is normal occurrences in AC
power system are sometimes beyond the tolerable limits of the
computer. Some hardwares can not tolerate power disturbance of
more than 1/5 of a cycle of the normal 60 Hz power. While specially
designed automatic-voltage-regulators (AVR) may serve the
purpose, the problem will be in the response time to correct the
abnormalities, not to mention actual power interruptions.
On power interruptions, the time-lag for the emergency
generator to build-up and supply power through the ATS is a way
beyond the recovery time of the computer. Hence, the computer
will shut-down, will have to be reset and re-started. If the computer
is on a long-batch run schedules, it may be necessary to re-run
the batch (viz. program) from the start. There is also the possible
errors and damages to the computer hardwares and softwares
which may prove very costly.
 The recommended conditioned power system for computer is
the
“uninterruptible power supply” system or UPS. In the country most
UPS are
static type. A typical block diagram is show in fig. 4.2.
 The rectifier-charger, fed from emergency feeder thru
“RCB” breaker, supplies the D-C bus. The battery is charged and
at the same time supplies power to the inverter where D-C power
is inverter to A-C output for the computer load. Charging of the
battery is appropriately controlled.
The output feeder line to the computer is protected by
the inverter circuit breaker “ICB”.
In cases of power supply and system infirmities:
• Hits and dips will not be reflected in the A-C output lines as
this is absorbed in the rectifier / charger only; the UPS in
effect, filters the power to the computer.
• When power is interrupted, the floating battery will supply
D-C bus such that the inverter will not suffer any power
stoppage; the battery bank is normally rated to supply
power for 10 to 15 minutes, time enough to build-up and put
on the line the emergency generator. The battery bank
composed of 100 to 150 industrial type-heavy duty units,
each with a rated terminal voltage of 2 to 2 ½ Volts for higher
capacity units.
• When the UPS itself fails, the static-transfer switch “SS” will
automatically transfer the output to the by-pass line; the
transfer is of the make-before-break operation that the A-C
output will not detect the switch made; Manual transfer to
the by-pass line can also be made thru the commercial
circuit breaker “CCB”.
There are several supplies of imported and locally
manufactured UPS who can assists the users in selecting the
configuration most suited to their respective purposes. Several
options of Redundancy features are available to enhance the
reliability
A ofrotary
the system.
type combination of an A-C motor-driven-
alternator and stand-by diesel engine prime mover with
“flywheel” is another configuration of a UPS system as shown in
fig. 4.3, this is sometimes termed as “dynamic UPS” system. The
flywheel stores and supplies the rotating power (i.e. kinetic
energy) for the alternator before the stand-by prime mover
assumes the A-C motor drive functions in cases of power failure.
This is similar with the principle of rotating regulators in
maintaining the speed of a D-C generator.
5 – FEEDER : NUMBER & SIZES

Feeder line can either be bus way (bus bar trunking)

or insulated conductors or combination of both. The former is
more versatile, neat in appearance but decidedly more
expensive Bus ways are very popular especially for high
ampere capacity lines. It can carry up to 7,000 Amp as
compared against wires of 540 Amp maximum per set.
Bus ways, however, should not be used in highly
corrosive atmospheres as in battery rooms, in concealed
locations, and where it may be subjected to serve mechanical
injury as in hoist ways. For these cases, only insulated
conductors in rigid steel conduit will suffice.
All feeder runs will terminate in the low-voltage
switchgear and will be protected with appropriately rated circuit
breakers or fuses. (see fig. 5.0)
There is no limit placed in determining the number of
feeders, its maximum load and hence its corresponding circuit
protection. This is decided by the individual’s perception as
regards to flexibility, functionality and economy.
5.1 – Consideration in the Design of Feeders and
Protections
Flexibility
• While a single feeder may sufficiently supply several
areas or floors or loads, so the scope of it affects in cases
of For
• breakdown.
the general lighting and power system of a high-
rise building, some designer distribute the loads among
several feeders, example:

Feeder I - to serve Ground, 3rd, 5th floors

Feeder II - to serve Basement, 2nd, 4th
Feeder III - to serve 6th, 8th, 10th …
and so forth; if the floor is sufficiently
large, it may even be divided into zones
and fed from different feeders.
• The idea is to minimize areas affected by a single
feeder breakdown;
• The same principle could be adopted for air
conditioning, elevators, pumps and other motor loads
 Conveniently Available Sizes of Bus ways or
Conductors
• While multiple bus ways or conductors can be used to
meet desired current-carrying capacity of the line, there
should be some limit to this multiplicity for practical
purposes in handling and where building spaces are
restricted.
for example, three or more sets of large sized
conductors can not be conveniently terminated in
a single receiving or originating lugs or breaker
terminal.
Minimized Number of Replacement Breakers in Stock to
Reduce Inventory Carrying Costs

• A set of feeder breakers, say 10 units of 1,000

Amperes each, another set of 10 units of 500 amperes
each and so forth will require lesser number of
replacement units in stocks as compared against
numerous feeders of substantially different sizes of
breakers.
Allowable Voltage Drops in the Conductors
• for branch circuits the allowable voltage drop not
exceeding 3% at the farthest outlet of power, heating
and lighting loads. While for both feeder and branch
circuits to the farthest outlet the allowable voltage drop
not exceeding 5% to provide reasonable efficiency of
operation.
Note: The sizes of feeder and branch circuit wires
are based on the connected load, allowances for
future growth, demand factor and diversity
factors. The following can be used as reference
• for this purpose:
branch circuit wires for lighting, heating, and similar
loads should have a capacity of not less than 125% of
the load supplied with over current protection not
exceeding the capacity of the conductors or 150% of the
rating of the load; it is considered good engineering
practice if the capacity of the conductor is not less than
150%
• of the
for load supplied.
motors, owing to its starting current and
occasional overload runs, the sizes shall be computed
as follows.
Single motor load
Size of conductor = 125% of motor full-load ampere (FLA)
Size of circuit breaker protection = M% times motor full-
load ampere
Where the multiplier M% value depends on the type or class of
motor as well as the starter or controller to be used,
Approximately it will be:
• 250 to 300% for smaller motors, less than 7 ½ hp
with full-voltage or across-the –line starters.
• 150 to 200% for bigger motors with reduce
voltage, wye-delta or autotransformer starters.
Example: A 150 hp, 3-phase 440-Volt squirrel cage induction moto
with auto-transformer starter and full load ampere draw o
180 Amp.
Size of conductor = 125% of 180 A = 225 A
Use: 3 - 125 mm² or 250 MCM THW Cu wire @ 225
Amp capacity in 65 mm ø or 2 ½ inch ø rigid metal
conduit (RMC)
 Size of circuit breaker = 150% of 180 A = 270 A
Use: 300 AT, 400 AF, 3P, 500V circuit breaker

From the tables, it shows the approximate sizes of

conductors and circuit protection for different sizes of electric
motors. Note that the equivalent rating for safety switch is
slightly higher than those of the circuit breaker.

Group of motor and other loads

Example : Given a group of motors with their corresponding

full-load ampere (FLA) and other loads being supplied by
several feeders referring to fig. 5.1, provide the
appropriate size of main feeder conductor and
rating of circuit breaker for protection. Assume 3- phase, 460-
volt, 60 Hz supply.
 Size of conductor = (125% full-load ampere of highest rated
motor plus full load current of other loads)
x demand
factor= [125% of 180 Amp + 27+14+65+27+27+ (75,000/ 3
x 460)] x 80% (assume an 80% demand factor refer to
P.E.C. for the provision this item)
= 383 Amperes

Use: 3 - 400 mm² or 800 MCM THW Cu wires @ 485

AMP capacity in 100 mm ø or 5 inch ø rigid metal
conduit (RMC)

Note: 325 mm² (700 MCM) wire with 425 Amp

capacity may be sufficient, but the next bigger wire is
chosen to allow for future growth.

Voltage drops should also be computed to

determine the propriety of the selected size of conductors;

Where computed load exceeds the maximum

available wire size, multiple or parallel runs can be used.
 Size of circuit breaker protection = (highest motor breaker
rating plus
= [300A + 27 + 14 + full-load ampere
65 + 27+ 27+ of other loads)
(75,000/ x demand
3 x 460)] x 80%
factor
= 443 Amperes
Use: 500 AT, 600 AF, 3P, 500V ACB

The size of feeder conductor should be maintained

through-out. It should not be reduced, say at point “x” regardless
of the reduced current beyond the said point-of-tap. Such
reduction in conductor size may be allowed if appropriately sized
breaker is installed to serve as protection for the reduced line.
The exception are for runs not exceeding 25 feet and within sight,
provided that the reduce line capacity is not less than 1/3 of the
main run capacity.
6 – LOAD CENTER, PANEL BOARDS or SWITCHGEARS
Ideally, load centers and panel boards should be located
on the center of the loads to be served to save on wire runs and to
minimize line voltage drops. However most of the time the
designing architect, for aesthetic purposes, has the final decision
on the matter.
The electrical engineer should, however, strive to locate the panel
boards at point where the farthest load to be served is within 30
meters. Otherwise, larger sized wires may be necessary to
compensate for the voltage drop.
Panel boards, Switchboards & Switchgears

In general panel boards and switchgear are used as

control protection points for groups of feeder or branch circuits
serving the elctrical loads in building area, usually a floor or a
section of the floor.
A panel board consists of a metal enclosure containing
bus bars to which circuit breakers or fused switches are
attached. The interior space of the housing provides sufficient
physical space for safe installation of the circuit conductors to
their respective over current devices (see fig. 6.1).
They are generally classified into two categories:
a) Lighting & appliance panels
b) Power distribution panels
Panel board mounting of motor starter units may also be involve
 A switchboard & switchgear, on the other hand are
free standing assemblies of switches, fuses and circuit
breakers, which serve as locations for larger over current
devices, or as main distribution panels for an entire building.
Switchboards are physically larger than panel boards, due to
the size of the over current devices involved, and are design to
provide the necessary space for installation of larger cables
(see fig. 6.2).
There is no clear distinction made between the
terms “switchboard” and “switchgear”, although often high-
voltage equipment (above 600 Volts) is referred to as
switchgear. When molded case circuit breakers are utilized in a
switchboard it is often known as building type switchboard.
Main metal-enclosed switchgear for commercial,
industrial, and public buildings is invariably located in the
basement, and housed in a separate well-ventilated electrical
switchgear
Other typesrooms.
of metal-enclosed switchgear are:
a) Metal-clad
b) Compartmented (with one or more non-metallic partitions)
c) Cubicle (with number of compartments less than that
required for
metal-clad or compartmented switchgear, usually having
partition.
7 – SUGGESTED STEPS in BUILDING WIRING DESIGN

Prepare an electrical load estimate based on areas of

the building and other pertinent data; for office buildings, the
P.E.C. has information on the estimated general illumination
load, some other books can furnish data for other loads. An
estimated load of 0.1 kilowatt per square meter of habitable
area may be used to countercheck the estimated load.

Consult the local company as regards the point of

service entrance, service voltage, metering equipment and
other requirements for power connections; the same should be
done for the telephone system.

Determine from other designers the exact electrical

rating of all equipment, viz. HVAC, plumbing elevators and
escalators, kitchen and others; the electrical designer may be
asked for comparative characteristics of these equipment as
regards the electrical supply.
 Determine the location and estimated sizes of the different
electric supply equipment such as load center, switchboards,
electrical panel board, rooms or enclosures; this will enable the
architect to allocate spaces for these equipment. This estimated
space requirements could be checked and adjusted as may be
necessary after the completion of the detailed plans.
Design the lighting system, using either the lumens or
point-by-point methods, after due consultation with the architect
and lighting designer as to the type of luminaires, ceiling and wall
finished. For clarity of the plans, the lighting design which is
mostly a reflection of the ceiling is separate from those of power
layout showing the floor plans. A separate sets of plans may be
prepared for auxiliaries, viz. fire alarm, hold-up and burglar,
paging and background music, noise masking and the like.
Assign circuitry for all lighting and power system to
appropriate panels including emergency lines, and compute panel
loads.
 Prepare riser or one line diagram to include main
distribution panels, load centers, switchboards or switchgears
and other service equipment. Compute feeder, sub-feeder sizes
and all protective equipment ratings.
Check and coordinate with other trades, architectural
structural, VAC, mechanical, plumbing, others to minimize
conflicts in the work execution.

(the latter may belong to the project management team or the

construction manager)
Table – 1: Typical Molded Case Circuit Breaker Frame Sizes,
Trip
Settings and Interrupting Rating
FRAME SIZE TRIP SETTING
50 Amp 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
100 Amp 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
60 70 80 90 100
250 Amp 70 80 90 100 110 125 150
175 200 225
400 Amp and 600 Amp 125 150 175 200 225 250
300 350 400 450 500 600
800 Amp and 1200 Amp 250 300 350 400 450 500
600 700 800 1000 1200
1600 Amp 400 450 500 600 700 800
1000 1200 1600
3000 Amp 2000 2500 3000
4000 Amp 4000
5000 Amp 5000
6000 Amp 6000
Typical Interrupting Rating (r.m.s. symmetrical
Amperes)
240 Volts 480 Volts
10 kA 14 kA
18 kA
22 kA 25 kA
30 kA
35 kA
42 kA 50 kA
65 kA 65 kA
100 kA
200 kA 150 kA
Standard Ampere Ratings for Low Voltage Fuses

0 – 600 Amp
15 40 80 150 300
20 45 90 175 350
25 50 100 200 400
30 60 110 225 500
35 70 125 250 600

0 – 600 Amp
601 1200 2000 4500
650 1350 2500 5000
700 1500 3000 6000
800 1600 3500
1000 1800 4000
 References:

• Distribution Switchgear (Construction, Performance,

Selection
& Installation)
By : R. W. Blower
• Electrical Wiring Commercial – based from NEC (6th ed)
By : R.L. Smith & S.L. Herman

• Design & Analysis of Building Electrical Systems

By : J.H. Mathews

• Philippine Electrical Code (part I & II)

By : Institute of Integrated Electrical Engrs. Of the Phils.
Inc.