What are electrical connections and installations?

When you plug a device into an outlet, the electrical connection and installation work in unison. The installation is responsible for efficiently and safely delivering electricity through circuits and components installed around the home, office, or building, powering outlets, switches, or light bulb sockets.

Electrical connections, or circuits, are considered the foundation of electrical installations. They establish how devices are interconnected to ensure efficient energy distribution.

Types of electrical connections

Different types of electrical connections are used depending on the application and the device or equipment involved. Let's take a look at the pros and cons of each type:

Series connections

In series connections, components are connected one after the other, allowing the current to flow through each in sequence. This type of connection is commonly used in lighting circuits or systems that require a sum of voltages.

Pros:

• It's easy to understand and install.
• It's an effective solution for circuits requiring a combined total voltage higher than what a single source can provide. The voltages of power sources connected in series can be combined.

Cons:

• If one component fails, the entire circuit is disrupted or cut off.
• All components receive the same current, which might not suit certain connected devices.

Parallel connections

In this type of connection, components are linked in such a way that each has its own independent path to the power source. This setup is ideal when multiple devices need to receive the same voltage.

Pros:

• If one component fails, the rest of the circuit continues to function.
• All components receive a consistent voltage, which is essential for devices that require a stable power supply.

Cons:

• This type of connection is more complex to install and understand compared to a series connection.
• It may require power sources with a higher current supply capacity.

Mixed (series-parallel) connections

This setup, a combination of the two types of connections we covered earlier, allows for specific voltage and current configurations within a complex circuit.

Pros:

• It offers flexibility by combining the benefits of both series and parallel connections to achieve the desired voltage and current characteristics.
• It helps optimise circuit performance and adapt it to specific voltage and current requirements.

Cons:

• More complex in design compared to simple connections.
• Maintenance can be challenging, as identifying and repairing faults in the connection is more difficult.

Grounding connections

This type of connection involves grounding the metallic parts of a system to protect it against electric shocks and ensure a common reference potential.

Pros:

• It is a safe system, as it protects against electric shocks and helps stabilise system voltage.
• It protects equipment It prevents issues caused by power surges or insulation failures.

Cons:

• It can be more expensive than other methods due to the need for additional materials and skilled labour to ensure proper and reliable installation.
• Its effectiveness depends on the quality of the grounding system.

Splice or terminal connections

Splice or terminal connections use mechanical or soldering methods to join electrical cables together or connect them to components.

Pros:

• This type is easy to connect, allowing for quick and safe cable connections.
• Suitable for various applications and environments.

Cons:

• It entails a higher risk of failure – if connections are not installed correctly, they can loosen or corrode over time.
• Poor maintenance may lead to loss of conductivity at electrical cable junctions.

Connector-based connections

This is the simplest and most commonly used type of electrical connection. It involves plugs and sockets to enable easy plugging and unplugging of electrical devices.

Pros:

• It's detachable, making it easy to plug in and unplug devices.
• It's available in a wide range of types and shapes for different applications.

Cons:

• It can be more expensive than other connection methods.
• Connectors tend to wear out and get damaged more quickly with frequent use.

Distribution-board based connections

These connections, commonly used in electrical installations, distribute power from a central source to multiple outlets or devices.

Pros:

• It ensures an organised distribution of electrical energy.
• It allows for centralised control and improves the overall protection of the electrical system.

Cons:

• It requires careful planning and proper design, making its implementation a complex, step-by-step process.
• Installing and maintaining this type of connection can be costly.

Soldered connections

As the name suggests, this type of connection relies on soldering to join electrical components. It is commonly used in printed circuit boards and electronic components.

Pros:

• It provides a mechanically strong and electrically conductive connection.
• Once soldered and set, it establishes a permanent and reliable bond.

Cons:

• Repairs are often complex. Since the components are soldered together, these connections are difficult to undo and fix.
• Creating this type of connection requires soldering skills and the use of specialised tools.

The right type of connection should be chosen based on the project's specific requirements. Factors such as ease of installation, maintenance, safety, and costs must be considered when deciding which one to use. Every option has its pros and cons, but the key takeaway is that there is a wide range of electrical connections available. You can select the one that best suits your home or business based on the requirements, design, safety, and operational needs of your electricity system.

Components of an electrical installation

For electricity to reach a switch, outlet, or light bulb socket, it must travel through a series of components or parts of the electrical installation from the moment it leaves the power plant. This process ensures a safe use of the electrical signal and facilitates energy generation and distribution.

Drawing up a detailed plan or project before setting up an electrical installation is essential to prevent potential failures and ensure both system safety and proper electricity flow. Additionally, it's crucial to consider the different types of electrical installations and comply with current regulations when setting one up.

There are several factors that should be considered when designing an electrical installation, such as the characteristics of the space where the energy will be consumed (whether it's a home, office, building, etc.). These include the size of the property, the number of floors, the building's capacity, an estimate of the number of electrical devices that will be used, and other relevant details.

Let's take a look at the set of systems and circuits that make up a home's electrical installation:

Connection line

The connection line carries electricity from the power supply source (the public grid) to the supply point, which could be a home, office, building, residential complex, or other types of properties. The connection line can be either overhead or underground, with underground lines being the most common. Its endpoint is the main distribution box.

Main distribution box

Typically made of insulating materials, this box safely separates the connection line (external) from the distribution line (internal). Another key function – perhaps the most visible and obvious – is to establish the division of responsibility between the electricity provider and the property owners.

Metering equipment

A device (usually owned by the electricity distribution company) that is installed on the connection line to measure and record electricity consumption. The equipment should be located in a protected spot outside the building and placed in an easily accessible area for periodic inspection and reading.

Main distribution board and protection distribution

Located inside the building, this is the 'epicentre' or heart of the electrical installation. It contains elements designed to control, protect, distribute, and regulate the electrical current supplied to the home, office, building, or community.

Power socket or outlet

This component allows electricity to flow when the device cable is plugged into the socket (female outlet). A maximum of eight outlets can be installed per electrical circuit.

Grounding or neutral

This safety feature prevents the flow of electricity in the event of an insulation failure between live conductors. It has low resistance to assist the flow in case of current leakage.

Circuit breakers

The purpose of circuit breakers is to open and close the electrical connections through which energy flows. There are various types of circuit breakers:

• Thermomagnetic breaker: disconnects and protects the power supply in case of overload or a short circuit.
• Main breaker: acts as a disconnection and protection device for the system.
• Power control breaker: regulates the user's power consumption and protects the electrical system from overloads.
• Branch breaker: protects the installation by disconnecting the feeders that distribute electricity between the different sections of the system.

Transformer

This electrical device changes the supply grid's voltage to the voltage required by the installation. It is not a fixed component, as some installations may already operate at the same voltage as the incoming supply, while others may require a higher voltage. For this reason, some installations may not include a transformer, while others may require more than one.

Main panel

This panel, made up of control devices, is installed after the transformer. It contains an automatic main circuit breaker that can disconnect the electricity service if needed.

Lighting and power outlets

Located at the very end of the electrical installation, their function is to transform electrical energy into light or thermal energy.

Now that you understand how electrical energy is delivered, distributed, and controlled within your home, office, or building, it's also a good idea to know how much electricity you need and what type of tariff to choose based on your regular consumption. That's why Endesa offers a tool to help you calculate the optimal power for your everyday needs.

Being properly informed and knowing the power you need is important, but it's equally crucial to protect your electrical installation to ensure it runs smoothly and prevent potential disruptions of the daily energy flow. That's why we recommend our 360 Plus Protection service, the best way to keep your installation safe so you don't have to worry about unforeseen disruptions or breakdowns.