Tuesday, July 2, 2024

House Wiring and Distribution Box Installation: A Comprehensive Guide

 

Introduction

House wiring and distribution box installation are crucial aspects of any residential electrical system. They ensure the safe and efficient distribution of electricity throughout your home. This article will guide you through the design and step-by-step installation process.

Designing Your Electrical System

1. Planning

The first step in designing your electrical system is planning. This involves determining the number and location of electrical outlets, light fixtures, switches, and distribution boxes. Consider the layout of your home and the electrical needs of each room.

2. Circuit Design

Next, design the circuits. Each circuit should serve a specific area of your home. For example, you might have one circuit for the kitchen, one for the living room, and so on. Remember, each circuit should not exceed its maximum load capacity.

3. Distribution Box

The distribution box, also known as the breaker box or fuse box, is the heart of your electrical system. It distributes power to the various circuits in your home. The size and type of your distribution box will depend on the number of circuits and the electrical load of your home.

Installing Your Electrical System

1. Installing the Distribution Box

Step 1: Choose a location for the distribution box. It should be easily accessible and have plenty of space around it for wiring.

Step 2: Mount the distribution box to the wall using the mounting brackets provided. Ensure it is level and securely fastened.

Step 3: Install the main breaker in the distribution box. This will control the power to all of the circuits.

2. Wiring the House

Step 1: Run the wires from each circuit to the distribution box. Use cable clamps to secure the wires and prevent them from moving.

Step 2: Connect each wire to its corresponding circuit breaker in the distribution box. The black (hot) wire connects to the breaker, the white (neutral) wire connects to the neutral bar, and the green or bare (ground) wire connects to the ground bar.

Step 3: Install outlets, switches, and light fixtures according to your plan. Connect the wires as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Testing the System

Once everything is installed, it’s time to test the system. Turn on the main breaker and then turn on each circuit breaker one at a time. Check that each outlet, switch, and light fixture is working correctly.

Conclusion

House wiring and distribution box installation can be a complex task, but with careful planning and attention to detail, it can be accomplished safely and effectively. Always remember to follow local building codes and regulations, and don’t hesitate to call a professional electrician if you’re unsure about any part of the process.

Remember, safety should always be your top priority when working with electricity. Always turn off the power at the main breaker before starting any electrical work, and use insulated tools to protect yourself from electric shock.

By following these steps, you can design and install a reliable, efficient electrical system for your home. Happy wiring!


Naeem Nekmal

Hamburg, Germany

02/July/2024


Monday, June 19, 2023

WHAT IS REVIT AND WHO USES IT?




WHAT IS REVIT AND WHO USES IT?

Revit is a commercial building information modeling (BIM) software by the company Autodesk. It’s generally used by architects, structural engineers, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineers, designers, and contractors. Autodesk Revit allows users to create, edit, and review 3D models in exceptional detail.

What Is the Difference Between Revit and AutoCAD?

Revit is often compared to AutoCAD, Autodesk’s CAD software that is also used in the AEC industry. However, while most AEC professionals use Revit and AutoCAD at the same time, these two are quite different.

AutoCAD is a design software that allows its users to create 3D and 2D drawings with the aid of a computer. On the other hand, Revit is used to build an intelligent 3D model with real-world information. For example, in AutoCAD, doors are just a part of a drawing. However, your Revit projects would feature an actual door model along with information about the material, pricing, etc.

REVIT FOR ARCHITECTS:

BIM tools have revolutionized architecture as we know it. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that most Revit users work in this field. Here, you can find just some of the things architects can do with Revit software.

Design and Documentation:



As we’ve already mentioned, Revit allows you to place real-life building components such as windows, walls, and doors instead of drawings, making a design more precise. Furthermore, it can help you generate floor plans, elevations, sections, details, and schedules. Before the BIM methodology was introduced, these tasks were both complex and time-consuming. Nowadays, thanks to BIM software such as Revit, the design process has become more straightforward and efficient.

Analysis:

With advanced analysis engines and access to performance data, Revit users can optimize the functionality of their architectural design. Furthermore, Revit can run highly accurate cost estimates and monitor the performance over the lifecycle of a project or building.

Visualization:

Another thing you can use Revit for is 3D building design visualization. Thanks to various rendering tools, you will be able to create construction documentation with cutaways, 3D views, and stereo panoramas. Furthermore, with Revit Interoperability and Autodesk’s 3ds Max software, you can access your building model in virtual reality.

Multidiscipline Coordination:

Finally, seeing that Revit is a multidiscipline BIM platform, architects can share their Revit models with structural engineers and construction professionals in real-time. This feature will not only speed up the design process and make team members more efficient, but also significantly improve the final product.

REVIT FOR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS:

Architecture isn’t the only field that evolved thanks to the emergence of the BIM model. Namely, structural engineering also advanced thanks to Revit and its key capabilities. In fact, it’s almost impossible to become a relevant structural engineer without basic knowledge of Revit. Here is what engineers can do with it:

Reinforcement Detailing:

With Revit and its various add-ons and plugins, you can create 3D reinforcement designs in an advanced BIM environment. Furthermore, you can produce reinforcement shop drawings with rebar schedules.

Construction Documents:

Through Revit, you can create more thorough and accurate steel and concrete designs. Furthermore, thanks to the comprehensive building database, all of the elements from Revit models will correspond to real-world objects and materials. Therefore, other stakeholders and customers will be able to perceive your plans more vividly.

Structural Analysis:

Revit also allows you to conduct a cloud-based structural analysis while you continue to work on your construction project. Furthermore, you can run a few parallel analyses and analyze your Revit model partially or fully. Finally, Revit allows you to choose the format of the analysis results and what to do with them.

Linking With Steel Fabrication:

The interoperability between Revit and Advance Steel will provide you with a smooth BIM workflow from steel design to fabrication. Furthermore, Revit allows you to model connections in more detail using either parametric or custom steel connections. These features will not only increase the productivity of structural engineers but also significantly reduce mistakes in construction projects.

REVIT FOR DESIGNERS AND CONTRACTORS:

BIM 3D modeling has also helped MEP designers and contractors become both more effective and more efficient. Revit MEP helps employees dealing with mechanical, electrical, and plumbing planning and construction coordinate with other team members and fulfill their tasks as accurately as possible. Below, you’ll find what to expect from Revit if you are a part of the MEP industry.

Integrated Design:

Unlike CAD software, Revit allows you to streamline the engineering design process. Therefore, you can coordinate and communicate with architects and engineers before construction begins. Thanks to this level of automation, you are sure to come up with a solution that all stakeholders will accept.

Analysis:

Just like architects and structural engineers, MEP engineers also have various analysis tools at their disposal in Revit. These tools allow them to conduct simulations and run interference detection early in the process. Furthermore, you can use conceptual energy analysis data to examine annual energy costs and much more.

Documentation:

Revit also allows you to create, model, and document mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Furthermore, these systems will be presented in the context of a full BIM project that includes architectural and structural components. Therefore, your documentation will be thorough and accurate.

Fabrication:

Finally, Revit helps MEP engineers create fabrication-ready models. Therefore, MEP contractors will immediately be aware of the materials and equipment needed for the production process. This fact, in turn, improves the workflow by reducing the communication chain.

REVIT PRICING:

After finding out how useful and important Revit is, you might be wondering about its price. First of all, we should note that perpetual licenses for Revit are not available. That being said, you can choose one of the subscription plans available on Autodesk’s webpage. The pricing of a single-user Revit license is shown in the chart below.

Subscription Plan Price
Annual subscription $2,545
Three-year subscription $6,870

Furthermore, if your line of work requires you to use other Autodesk software alongside Revit, you might want to consider Autodesk’s AEC industry collection. Architecture, Engineering & Construction Collection features various CAD and BIM software such as Revit, AutoCAD, and Civil 3D. These programs complement each other perfectly, especially since all of them can work with .dwg files.

Plus, the price of the bundle is much lower than if you were to buy all of these programs separately. In fact, you can save as much as $8,000 every year if you purchase it as a Collection.

Finally, you can buy Revit through an authorized reseller who will cater to your specific needs while also providing you with the same price. Plus, you get technical support. Microsol Resources deliver integrated solutions and services from implementation services to training that is needed to ensure our customer’s success.

IN CONCLUSION:

Although BIM isn’t a new concept by any means, it’s obvious that it is the future of the AEC industry. Hopefully, this article helped you become aware of the enormous potential of BIM software Revit and the way it can be utilized in architecture, engineering, and construction.

Source: microsolresources.com 

Sunday, June 11, 2023

The Power of Reversible Hydrogen Fuel Cells: Separating Hydrogen and Oxygen from Water


Introduction:

The quest for clean and sustainable energy sources has led to significant advancements in the field of hydrogen fuel cells. One of the key challenges in harnessing hydrogen as an energy carrier is the separation of hydrogen and oxygen gases from water. In recent years, reversible hydrogen fuel cells have emerged as a promising solution for this task. In this article, we will explore the workings of reversible hydrogen fuel cells and their role in efficiently extracting hydrogen and oxygen from water.

 

Understanding Reversible Hydrogen Fuel Cells:

 

Reversible hydrogen fuel cells, also known as reversible proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), are a variant of traditional PEMFCs. While conventional PEMFCs generate electricity from hydrogen gas, reversible fuel cells can operate in reverse mode, enabling the production of hydrogen and oxygen gases from water.

 

Mechanism of Action:

 

Reversible hydrogen fuel cells operate through a series of electrochemical reactions that take place within the cell. Let's dive into the detailed process:


1. Electrolysis Mode:


In the electrolysis mode, an external electrical current is supplied to the reversible fuel cell, initiating the splitting of water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen gases.

  • At the anode:

2H2O (liquid) → 4H+ (protons) + 4e- (electrons) + O2 (oxygen gas)

  • At the cathode:

4H+ (protons) + 4e- (electrons) → 2H2 (hydrogen gas)

 

When the electrical current is applied, water molecules at the anode are oxidized, releasing protons (H+) and electrons (e-). The protons migrate through a proton exchange membrane to the cathode, while the electrons flow through an external circuit. At the cathode, the protons and electrons combine, resulting in the production of hydrogen gas.


2. Fuel Cell Mode:

 

During the fuel cell mode, hydrogen gas and oxygen gas are supplied to the reversible fuel cell, which then generates electrical energy through the reverse reaction.

  • At the anode:

2H2 (hydrogen gas) → 4H+ (protons) + 4e- (electrons)

  • At the cathode:

O2 (oxygen gas) + 4H+ (protons) + 4e- (electrons) → 2H2O (liquid)

 

In this mode, hydrogen gas is oxidized at the anode, releasing protons and electrons. The protons migrate through the proton exchange membrane to the cathode, while the electrons flow through an external circuit, generating electrical power. At the cathode, oxygen gas combines with protons and electrons to form water.


Note: This animation from FREUDENBERG Youtube Channel will remove your confusion about Electrons migration and producing Electricity.



Efficiency and Advantages:

 

Reversible hydrogen fuel cells offer several advantages over traditional electrolysis methods for hydrogen production. Firstly, they are highly efficient, allowing for the conversion of electrical energy into chemical energy (hydrogen) with minimal energy loss. Secondly, these fuel cells can be integrated with renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, enabling sustainable hydrogen production. Furthermore, reversible fuel cells provide the flexibility to switch between electrolysis and fuel cell modes, making them versatile for various applications.

 

Conclusion:

 

Reversible hydrogen fuel cells represent a significant leap forward in the field of hydrogen separation from water. By leveraging the principles of electrochemistry, these innovative cells enable the efficient extraction of hydrogen and oxygen gases. With their high efficiency and adaptability, reversible fuel cells hold great potential for a sustainable and clean energy future, providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based systems.

 

Once again, many thanks from ELBCAMPUS administration for providing us such an interesting subject with great practical methods.

 

Naeem Nekmal

Hamburg, Deutschland

June, 2023

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Sorubi Recreational Park Phase I



Recreation areas and resorts are one of the three basic necessities of human beings, which are work, rest, and Amusement.
Recreational Areas are where people go on holidays for fun and relaxation.
The existence of recreational areas such as green parksgardensagricultural farms, and gardening is
extremely important not only for entertainment and recreation but also in the protection of the environment and the beauty of the city.
Sorubi district of Kabul province, Afghanistan is one of the main options for recreation with its refreshing climate and wonderful potential.
Residents of the eastern zone of the capital, which is visited by visitors every year. According to the statistics, the Recreation areas on holidays, especially on Fridays in the warm seasons of the year may have a large number of #visitors, which is an estimated about 4000 - 5000 visitors.
Sorubi Recreational Park Phase I (Bagh-e Rayees) is one of the recreational areas which has been planned in 10 hectares area that is used by tourists in almost all seasons of the year.

@nekmalblog

Saturday, December 12, 2020

Density of Aggregate - Bulk and Relative Density



Density is an important parameter for aggregate. For aggregates, density is determined by multiplying the relative density (specific gravity) of the aggregate times the density of water.

Bulk Density of Aggregate [1]

The bulk density or unit weight of an aggregate is the mass or weight of the aggregate that required to fill a container of a specified unit volume.

Bulk Density = Mass/volume

Key Features:

  • If the volume is unit then, Bulk Density= Mass.
  • Unit in kg/m3 or lb./ft3.
  • In this definition, the volume is that contains both the aggregates and the voids between aggregates particles. 
  • The approximate bulk density of aggregate that is commonly used in normal-weight concrete is between 1200-1750 kg/m3 (75-110 lb./ft3)
  • Here, the Standard test method for determining the bulk density of aggregates is given in ASTM C 29 (AASHTO T 19). [2]

Relative Density of Aggregate [1]

The relative density (specific gravity) of an aggregate is the ratio of its mass to the mass of an equal volume of water.

Relative Density = Mass of the Aggregate/Mass of equal volume of water

Key Features:

  • Most aggregates have a relative density between 2.4-2.9 with a corresponding particle (mass) density of 2400-2900 kg/m3 (150-181 lb./ft3).
  • Here, for coarse aggregates, the standard test method has been explained in ASTM C 127(AASHTO) and for fine aggregates, the standard test method has been explained in ASTM C 128 (AASHTO). [3] 
  • The relative density of an aggregate can be determined on an oven-dry basis or a saturated surface-dry (SSD) basis.

Thursday, December 10, 2020

PMP Course lectures


 

PMI defines the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK) as a term that describes the knowledge within the profession of project management. The project management body of knowledge includes proven traditional practices that are widely applied as well as innovative practices that are emerging in the profession.

Sunday, November 22, 2020

Turkish Shawarma in Afghanistan

 



Shawarma (Arabic: شاورما‎) is a dish in Middle Eastern cuisine consisting of meat cut into thin slices, stacked in a cone-like shape, and roasted on a slowly-turning vertical rotisserie or spit. Originally made of lamb or mutton, today's shawarma may also be chicken, turkey, beef, or veal. Thin slices are shaved off the cooked surface as it continuously rotates. Shawarma is one of the world's most popular street foods, especially in Egypt, the countries of the Levant and the Arabian Peninsula, and beyond. 

Etymology: 

Shawarma is an Arabic rendering of Turkish çevirme [tʃeviɾˈme] 'turning', referring to the turning rotisserie. 

History:

Shawarma in Lebanon, 1950 Although the roasting of meat on horizontal spits has an ancient history, the technique of grilling a vertical stack of meat slices and cutting it off as it cooks first appeared in the 19th-century Ottoman Empire, in what is now Turkey, in the form of donner kebab. Both the Greek gyros and shawarma are derived from this. Shawarma, in turn, led to the development during the early 20th century of the contemporary Mexican dish tacos al pastor when it was brought there by Lebanese immigrants. 

Preparations: 

Shawarma in a pita Shawarma is prepared from thin cuts of seasoned marinated lamb, mutton, veal, beef, chicken, or turkey. The slices are stacked on a skewer about 60 cm (20 in) high. Lamb fat may be added to provide extra fat for juiciness and flavour. A motorized spit slowly turns the stack of meat in front of a heating element, continuously roasting the outer layer. Shavings are cut off the rotating stack for serving, customarily with a long, sharp knife. Spices may include cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric and paprika, and in some areas Baharat. Shawarma is commonly served as a sandwich or wrap, in a flatbread such as pita or luffa. In the Middle East, chicken shawarma is typically served with garlic sauce, fries, and pickles. In Afghanistan, most shawarma is made with Chicken meat turkey and is commonly served with tahini sauce because serving yogurt sauce with meat. It is often garnished with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, pickled vegetables, tahini sauce or sauce. Some restaurants may offer additional toppings like grilled peppers, eggplant or French fries.