The home electrical grid plays an essential role in our daily lives, providing the electricity needed to operate all the devices that make life comfortable, convenient and safe. Imagine for a moment that you are living without electricity: no lighting, no refrigerator, no kitchen utensils, no air conditioning, no TV, no computer! In this article, we will explore the different components and circuits that make up this electrical network, as well as their specific role in our residential facilities.

Definition of the home electrical wiring network

The home electrical network includes all the elements necessary to direct electrical current from power sources to various electrical appliances and equipment located in the home, that is, it provides the supply and distribution of electrical energy in our homes. This system also makes it possible to supply facilities with electrical energy, making it possible to use lighting, household appliances, heating, air conditioning and many household electrical appliances.

Components of the home electrical network

• What are the basic components of a home electrical network?
  Components of the home electrical network are essential to ensuring the safe and efficient distribution of electricity in our homes. Each component plays a specific role in the overall electrical circuit . Below is a detailed explanation of the main ingredients:

a. Cables and wires

Electrical cables and wires are the main conductors used to transmit electricity from the distribution board to various appliances and points of use in the home. They consist of copper or aluminum conductors, insulated with a plastic jacket to prevent any accidental contact with electrical current. These wires are neatly arranged in tubes or wall ducts to protect and conceal them.

B- Distribution boards

Distribution panels, also called switchboards, are enclosures that contain circuit breakers, fuses and  other electrical protective devices . They are usually located at the entrance of the house and serve as a central point where electricity from the external network is distributed to the various circuits of the house. Distribution panels also make it possible to individually control each circuit in the event of an electrical problem.

C- Electrical switches and outlets

Light switches and electrical outlets are familiar items in our homes. Switches are used to control turning lights or other electrical appliances on and off. They open and close a circuit to allow or stop the flow of electricity to an appliance or lighting. On the other hand, electrical sockets are used to connect electrical appliances and household equipment to the electrical network.

D- Circuit breakers

Breakers are essential protection devices that monitor the amount of current flowing in an electrical circuit. When an overload or short circuit is detected, the circuit breaker automatically cuts off the power to prevent possible damage to cables, appliances and circuits. After the problem is resolved, the circuit breaker can be reset to restore power.

Lighting circuits

Lighting circuits are an integral part of home electrical networks and are specifically designed to provide the electricity needed to light our homes. They consist of electrical cables, switches, dimmers (as applicable) and various types of lighting fixtures. These circuits allow lighting of different rooms and interior and exterior spaces in an efficient and adapted way to our needs.

Power circuits

Power circuits are responsible for providing the electrical energy needed to operate electrical appliances and household equipment in our homes. They are connected to electrical outlets or sockets and allow various appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, washing machines, televisions, etc. to be connected and operated. These circuits can be single-phase or three-phase, depending on the power demand of the devices and the type of electrical network.

• Low Voltage Circuits
  Low voltage alternating current ( AC ) circuits are electrical circuits that operate at a lower voltage than traditional household circuits. Generally  12 volts  (direct current) or  120 volts  ( alternating current ) are used. These circuits are commonly used to power devices such as doorbells, telephones, intercoms, sockets, outdoor lights, etc. Low voltage systems are safer because they reduce the risk of electrocution in the event of direct contact.

Protection circuits

Protection circuits are essential to ensure the safety of the home electrical network and its occupants. They prevent the risk of fire, overload, short circuit or electrocution in the event of a malfunction in the electrical installation. Protective circuits are designed to detect electrical hazards and automatically shut down the power supply if a problem occurs.

One type of protection is grounding, which is an essential element in electrical protection. It ensures that leakage or over-voltage currents are diverted to ground, thus avoiding any risk of electrocution or damage to equipment. Lightning arrestors are also important devices that protect electrical equipment from power surges due to lightning or fluctuations in a home electrical network.

How does the home electricity network work?

The home electrical grid works through the process of transmission and distribution of electricity, which brings electrical energy from generating stations to points of use in our homes. Here’s how things generally go:

Transport

Electricity is generated primarily in power plants, whether nuclear, thermal, hydro, wind, solar or other sources. Once generated, the electricity is converted to high-voltage alternating current (usually  220 kV or 400 kV ) to reduce losses when transported over long distances.

It is then transported over a network of high-voltage lines, also called transmission lines, that extend for hundreds of kilometres. These lines are supported by electric pylons and often cross remote areas to reach densely populated areas where electricity demand is high.

distribution

–  Once electricity reaches an urban or residential area, it is converted to low-voltage current (usually  110 volts or 220 volts ) for distribution to local consumers. This conversion occurs at transformer stations, which are special electrical installations located in different parts of the network.

–  From transformer stations, electricity is distributed via networks of low-voltage lines, also called distribution lines. These lines are buried underground or attached to power poles to reach homes and buildings.

The electricity  is then directed to the distribution boards in each home. These panels contain breakers and fuses that protect the home’s internal electrical circuits from overloads and short circuits.

–  Electrical wires are then used to operate various electrical devices and specific consumption points, such as switches and electrical outlets. The lighting, power supply and low voltage circuits are separate and connected to specific switches and sockets to control the power supply of the corresponding devices.