Electrical Installation

Electrical installation encompasses all transmission, distribution, and protection systems that ensure the safe and efficient delivery of electrical energy from its point of generation to the end user. This system consists of cables, main and subpanels, sockets, switches, fuses, grounding systems, and lighting elements. Electrical installation is a fundamental infrastructure component for human life and occupational safety in both residential and industrial settings.

Importance of Electrical Installation in Terms of Architectural Compatibility

Electrical installations must be designed and implemented in harmony with architectural plans. Locations for installation components should primarily be on wall surfaces rather than on structural elements such as columns, beams, or shear walls. This approach is essential for preserving structural integrity, reducing fire risk, and maintaining aesthetic coherence. Additionally, improper cable routing through structural elements can compromise structural strength and lead to installation errors.

Safety and Fire Risk

Electrical installations are a significant cause of fires. In Istanbul, the proportion of fires caused by electrical faults was 12% before 1990; today, this figure has risen to 23%. Contributing factors include increased use of electrical appliances, failure to upgrade aging installations, and non-compliant practices. Properly sizing cables, using correct fuse ratings, and conducting regular inspections significantly reduce fire risk.

Historical Development: The Case of Tarsus

The electrical infrastructure in Türkiye began to develop during the late Ottoman period. Work in Tarsus commenced in 1906 and culminated in 1910 with the commissioning of the Tarsus Electric Power Plant, one of Türkiye’s first hydroelectric power stations. The plant had a capacity of 75 kW and transmitted electricity to the city center at high voltage, which was then stepped down to low voltage for distribution. This system represents a significant example of modern infrastructure thinking of its time and introduced a model of joint management by the municipality and the private sector.

Design and Implementation Criteria

The main considerations in designing electrical installations in modern buildings are as follows:

• Main panels should be located at the building entrance, while distribution panels should be placed at unit entrances.
• Switches should be positioned near entrances and in easily accessible locations, not behind doors.
• Cable routing through columns, beams, or shear walls should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Necessary penetrations must be made during the formwork stage.
• In wooden houses with surface-mounted installations, fire-resistant systems such as steel spiral conduit or EMT conduits should be preferred.
• Grounding systems, especially in high-rise buildings, must be designed to discharge static electricity effectively.

Recommendations for Protection Against Fires

• Buildings should be properly grounded to prevent fires caused by static electricity, and personnel should be provided with antistatic equipment.
• Regular maintenance of electrical installations is essential, and unauthorized modifications deviating from the original design must be avoided.
• Overloading of cables, mismatched fuses, and outdated wiring create fire hazards. Appropriate cable cross-sections and insulation standards must be ensured.