Unit 3

Supply and distribution

3.1. Systems of supply and distribution
The following systems of generation and distribution are acceptable, other than for
tankers intended for the carriage in bulk of oil, liquefied gasses and other hazardous
liquids having a flesh point not exceeding 60:
a) d.c., two wire;
b) a.c., single-phase, two-wire;
c) a.c., three-phase;
three-wire;
four-wire with neutral earthed but without hull return.
For tankers intended for the carriage in bulk of oil, liquefied gases and other
hazardous liquids having a flash point not exceeding 60 only the following systems of
generation and distribution are acceptable:
a) d.c., two wired insulated;
b) a.c., single-phase, two-wire, insulated;
c) a.c., three-phase; three-wire, insulated;
d) earthed systems, a.c. or d.c., limited to areas outside any dangerous space or zone,
and arranged so that no current arising from an earth-fault in any part of the
system could pass through a dangerous space or zone;
e) high voltage systems with earthed neutral, provided it can be shown that any
possible resulting current does not flow directly through any of the dangerous
areas.
Earthed intrinsically safe circuits are permitted to pass into and through dangerous spaces
and zones.
System voltages for both alternating current and direct current in general are not to
exceed:
15000 V for generation and power distribution;
500 V for cooking and heating equipment permanently connected to fixed wiring;
250 V for lighting, heaters in cabins and public rooms, and other applications not
mentioned above.
The arrangement of the main and the emergency systems of supply is to be such that a
fire or other casualty in any space containing the main source of electrical power,
associated transforming equipment, if any, the main switchboard and the main lighting
switchboard will not render the emergency services inoperable.
The main switchboard is to be so placed relative to the main source of power that, as
far as is practicable, the integrity of the main system of supply will be affected only by a
fire or other casualty in one space.
Distribution systems required in an emergency are to be so arranged that a fire in any
one main fire zone, as defined by SOLAS Reg. II-2/A, will not interfere with the
emergency distribution in any other such zone.
When the total installed electrical power of the main generating sets is in excess of 3
MW or it is supplied at high voltage arrangements are to be made so that it is possible to

split the switchboard, by removable links or other means, into at least two independent
sections, each supplied by at least one generator.
3.2. Essential services
Essential services that are required to be duplicated are to be served by individual
circuits, separated in their switchboard or section board and throughout their length as
widely as is practicable without the use of common feeders, protective devices or control
circuits, so that any single fault will not cause the loss of both services.
3.3. Isolation and switching
The outgoing circuits from every switchboard or section board are to be provided with a
means of isolation and switching to permit each circuit to be switched off:
a) on load;
b) for mechanical maintenance;
c) in an emergency to prevent or remove danger.
Isolation and switching is to be by means of a circuit breaker or switch arrangement to
open simultaneously all insulated poles. Where a switch is used as the means of isolation
and switching, it is to be capable of:
a) switching off the circuit on load;
b) withstanding, without damage, the overcurrents which may arise during overloads
and short circuit.
Provision is to be made, in accordance with one of the following, to prevent any circuit
being inadvertently energized:
a) the circuit breaker or switch can be withdrawn, or locked in the open position;
b) the operating handle of the circuit breaker or switch can be removed;
c) the circuit fuses, where fitted, can be readily removed and retained by authorized
personnel.
Where a section board, distribution board or item of equipment can be supplied by
more than one circuit, a switching device is to be provided to permit each incoming
circuit to be isolated and the supply transferred to the alternative circuit.
The switching device required is to be situated within or adjacent to the section board,
distribution board or item of equipment, and capable of opening and closing all insulated
poles. Where necessary, interlocking arrangements are to be provided to prevent circuits
being inadvertently energized.
A notice is to be fixed to any necessary section board, distribution board or item of
equipment to worn the personnel before gaining access to live parts of the need to open
the appropriate circuit breakers or switched, unless an interlocking arrangement is
provided so that all circuits concerned are isolated before access is gained.
3.4. Insulated systems
A device is to be installed for every insulated distribution system, whether primary or
secondary, for power, heating and lighting circuits, to continuously monitor the insulation
level to earth and to operate an alarm in the event of an abnormally low level of
insulation.

Where any insulated lower voltage system is supplied through transformers from a
high voltage system, adequate precautions are to be taken to prevent the low voltage
system being charged by capacitive leakage from the high voltage system.
3.5. Earthed systems
No fuse, non-linked switch or non-linked circuit-breaker is to be inserted in an
earthed conductor. Any switch or circuit breaker fitted is to operate simultaneously in the
earthed conductor and the insulted conductors. These requirements do not preclude the
provision of an isolating link to be used only when the other conductors are isolated.
For high voltage systems, where the earthed neutral system of generation and primary
distribution is used, earthing is to be through an impedance in order to limit the total earth
fault current to a magnitude which does not exceed that of the three phase short circuit
current for which the generators are designed.
Generator neutrals may be connected in common, provided that the third harmonic
content of the voltage waveform of each generator does not exceed five per cent.
Where a switchboard is split into sections operated independently or where there are
separate switchboards, neutral earthing is to be provided for each section or for each
switchboard. Means are to be provided to ensure that the earth connection is not removed
when generators are isolated.
A means of isolation is to be fitted in the earthing connection of each generator so
that generators can be completely isolated for maintenance.
All earthing impedances are to be connected to the hull. In order to eliminate possible
interference with radio, radar and communication circuits, earthing impedances are to be
bonded together on the hull side of the impedances and the means of bonding is to
separate from that provided by the hull.
For tankers intended for carriage in bulk of oil, liquefied gases and other hazardous
liquids, no current carrying part of a distribution system is to be earthed, other than
through an earth indicating device or through components used for the suppression of
radio interference.
Hull currents which may arise from sacrificial anode protective systems and
impressed current cathodic protection systems for other hull protection or for installations
within the machinery space are not considered to contravene the paragraph above.
3.6. Diversity factor
Circuits supplying two or more final sub-circuits are to be rated in accordance with
the total connected load subject, where justified, to the application of a diversity factor.
Where spare ways are provided on a section or distribution board, an allowance for future
increase of load is to be added to the total connection load before application of any
diversity factor.
A diversity factor may be applied to the calculation for size of cable and rating of
switchgear and fusegear, taking into account the duty cycle of the connected loads and
the frequency and duration of any motor starting loads.
For winches and crane motors the diversity factor is to be calculated and submitted
when required.
3.7. Lighting circuits

A final sub-circuit of rating exceeding 16A is not to supply more than one point. The
number of lighting points supplied by a final sub-circuit of rating 16A or less is not to
exceed:
10 for 24 55V circuits;
14 for 110 127V circuits;
18 for 220 250V circuits;
except that in final sub-circuits for cornice lighting, panel lighting and electric signs
where lampholders are closely grouped, the number of points supplied is unrestricted
provided the maximum operating current in the sub-circuit does not exceed 10A.
Lighting circuits are to be supplied by final sub-circuits separate from those for
heating and power (This does not apply to cabin and wardrobe heaters).
Lighting for machinery spaces, control stations and normal working spaces is to be
supplied by from at least two final sub-circuits in such a way that failure of any one of the
circuits does not leave the space in darkness.
Lighting for enclosed hazardous spaces is to be supplied from at least two final subcircuits to permit light from one circuit to be retained while maintenance is carried out on
the other.
Lighting of unattended spaces, such as cargo spaces, is to be controlled by multi-pole
linked switches situated outside such spaces. Provision is to be made for the complete
isolation of these circuits and locking the means of control in the off position.
3.8. Motor control
Every electric motor is to be provided with efficient means for starting and stopping
so placed as to be easily operated by the person controlling the motor. Every motor above
0.5 kW is to be provided with control apparatus.
Means to prevent undesired restarting after a stoppage due to low volts or complete
loss of volts are to be provided. This does not apply to motors where a dangerous
condition might result from the failure to restart automatically, e.g. steering gear motor.
Means for automatic disconnection of the supply in the event of excess current due to
mechanical overloading of the motor are to be provided.
Motor control gear is to be suitable for the starting current and for the full load rated
current of the motor.
3.9. Vocabulary
alternating current ~ current alternativ
capacitive leakage ~ scurgere capacitiv
circuit fuse ~ sigurana circuitului
common feeder ~ distribuitor obinuit
control apparatus ~ aparatur de control
cornice lighting ~ lumin de corni
crane motor ~ motor de macara de punte
direct current ~ current continuu
distribution ~ distribuie
distribution board ~ cutie/ tablou de distribuie
earthed conductor ~ conductor de mpmntare
earth-fault ~ defeciune de mpmntare

final sub-circuit ~ sub+circuit final

fixed wiring ~ circuit fix
fusegear ~ siguran fuzibil
generation ~ generare, formare
heating equipment ~ echipament de nclzire
impedance ~impedan
cathodic protection system ~ system catodic de protecie
insulated pole ~ pol izolat
interlocking arrangement ~ dispozitiv de cuplare
lampholder ~ dulie
lighting point ~ punct de iluminare
magnitude ~ mrime, amplitudine
mechanical overloading ~ suprancrcare mecanic
multi-pole linked switches ~ ntreruptoare legate la mai muli poli
non-linked circuit-breaker ~ ntreruptor/ ruptor nelegat
non-linked switch ~ conjunctor-disjunctor/ ntreruptor nelegat
operating handle manet de comand
outgoing circuit ~ fider de plecare
overcurrents ~ supracurent
panel lighting ~ tablou de lumini
removable link ~ legtur detaabil
sacrificial anode protective system ~ system de protecie cu anod de sacrificiu
section board ~ seciune panou comand
spare way ~ traseu de rezerv
steering gear motor ~ motorul mecanismului de guvernare
switched off ~ nchis, deconectat
switching ~ comutare, distribuie
three-phase ~ trifazic
three-wire ~ cu trei conductoare
winche ~ vinci
withstanding ~ rezistent
TASK 1. Match the electric system of generation and distribution with the class of ships.
Use T for tankers intended for the carriage in bulk of oil, liquefied gases and other
hazardous liquids and C for the rest of cargo ships.
Ship type
1
2
3
4
5

Electric system of generation and distribution

a.c., three-phase; three-wire, insulated;
a.c., single-phase, two-wire;
d.c., two wired insulated;
a.c., three-phase; three-wire; four-wire with neutral earthed but
without hull return.
earthed systems, a.c. or d.c., limited to areas outside any
dangerous space or zone, and arranged so that no current arising
from an earth-fault in any part of the system could pass through a
dangerous space or zone;

6
7
8

a.c., single-phase, two-wire, insulated;

d.c., two wire;
high voltage systems with earthed neutral, provided it can be
shown that any possible resulting current does not flow directly
through any of the dangerous areas.

TASK 2. Match the expressions to the explanations: 1. Lighting for enclosed hazardous
spaces, 2. Lighting circuits, 3. Lighting of unattended spaces, such as cargo spaces, 4.
Lighting for machinery spaces, control stations and normal working spaces
a.. are to be supplied by final sub-circuits separate from those for heating
and power.
b. .is to be supplied by from at least two final sub-circuits in such a way
that failure of any one of the circuits does not leave the space in darkness.
cis to be supplied from at least two final sub-circuits to permit light
from one circuit to be retained while maintenance is carried out on the other.
dis to be controlled by multi-pole linked switches situated outside such
spaces.
3.10. Prefixes
Prefixes are groups of letters put at the beginning of words to alter their meaning in a certain
way. The more common prefixes are used to give adjectives, verbs and nouns a negative
meaning. Here are negative prefixes and the rules for using them with words, according to the
letter these words begin with.
un- used with adjectives: unhappy; untidy;
used with verbs: unbend; undo; unload; unlock;
im- is used before words beginning with m or p: immature; impolite; impatient; improbable;
il- is used before words beginning with l: illegible; illegal;
ir- is used before words beginning with r: irresponsible; irreplaceable; irreversible;
dis- is used before adjectives and verbs: dishonest; disconnect; disqualify;
in- is used before a limited number of words: invisible;
re- is used before verbs and the meaning is again: redo; reopen; retake; replace; rewind;
over- is used before verbs and the meaning is too much: overdo; overwork; overheat;
mis- is used before verbs and the meaning is badly or incorrectly: misunderstand;
mistranslate; misinform;
semi- the meaning is half: semicircular; semi-final; semi-detached;
sub- the meaning is under: submarine; subdivision;

under- the meaning is not enough: under worked; underused.

TASK 3 Prefix exercises

Exercise 1 Use a prefix from the left and a word from the right and complete the
sentences below:
unim-

inil-

irdis-

possible
correct

friendly
honest

regular
visible

legible
employed

patient
responsible

1. Nobody at the party talked to us they were very _________________.

2. I cant read this at all; handwriting is completely ________________.
3. Its a very depressed area and almost 20% of young adults are
____________.
4. You cant see where my jacket was mended. The repair is completely
_____________.
5. I find it very hard to remember the past tense of lots of _____________
verbs.
6. Bobs so ______________ that hes just not prepared to wait for the right
opportunity.
7. It was very _____________ to go out and leave those two children alone.
8. It says here we lost 300 last week, but these figures must be ______________.
Check them again, Sue!
9. His brother steals money and tells lies hes very _____________.
10. She says it cant be done, but I dont accept that. Nothing is _____________.
Exercise 2 Replaced the underlined words and phrases with a word of the same
meaning which begins with the prefix given.
Example: That child looks very sad. unhappy
1. Im sure thats against the law. il______
2. The doctor told me to take off my clothes. un_______
3. We dont have the same opinion about this. dis________
4. His room is always in a mess. un________
5. Im afraid she doesnt like onions. dis________
6. That was very rude, wasnt it? im_________
Exercise 3 Match the prefixes in the box with the meanings below. (There are two
prefixes for one meaning)
mis-

un-

over-

re-

1. do something again
2. do something badly or incorrectly
3. reverse an action
4. do something too much
7

dis-

Exercise 4 Complete the sentences with a suitable verb, using a prefix from exercise 3.
Example: If she fails her exam, she can retake it in the autumn.
take

pack

do

open

lock sleep understand appear hear

charge

1. I wrote the wrong answer because I __________ the question.

2. When I __________ I feel even more tired when I wake up.
3. I got to the hotel at 4.00 but I couldnt _________ my stuff until later.
4. I turned left instead of right. Obviously I ________ what she said.
5. Its closed for the summer, but it will _________ in September.
6. The children were here a minute ago, but now theyve _________.
7. John had a key but it wouldnt _________ the door.
8. A: It says here 3, but the man asked me for 5.
B: In that case he has __________ you.
9. Do you think I can __________ my homework if its not very good?
Exercise 5 Use the word in brackets to complete the sentences. Add the necessary prefix
and put the word in the correct form.
Example: The runner was disqualified after a blood test. (qualify)
1. Children (and adults love parcels at Christmas time. (wrap)
2. I almost always find that I with his opinion. (agree)
3. Im sure hes lying but its going to be hard to his story. (prove)
4. After a brief speech the Queen ..the new statue. (veil)
5. It took the removal men an hour .our things from the van. (load)
6. His phone was ..because he didnt pay his last bill. (connect)
Exercise 6 Answer the following questions.
1. What kind of oven cooks things particularly fast?
2. What kind of drug can help somebody with an infection?
3. What kind of company has branches in many countries?
4. How does a passenger aeroplane normally fly?
5. What is a student who is studying for a second degree?
6. What means underground railway in the US and underground passage in the UK?
3.11. Tasks and exercises key
TASK 1.
1. T; 2. C; 3. T; 4. C; 5. T; 6.T; 7. C; 8. T.
TASK 2.
1 c; 2 a; 3 d; 4 b.
TASK 3 Prefix exercises

Exercise 1
8

1. unfriendly; 2. illegible; 3. unemployed; 4. invisible; 5. irregular; 6. impatient; 7.

irresponsible; 8. incorrect; 9. dishonest; 10. impossible.
Exercise 2
1.illegal; 2. undress; 3. disagree; 4. untidy; 5. dislike; 6. impolite.
Exercise 3
1. redo 3. undo 4. overdo.
Exercise 4 Complete the sentences with a suitable verb, using a prefix from exercise 3.
1. misunderstood; 2. oversleep; 3. unpack; 4. misheard; 5. reopen; 6. disappeared; 7.
unlock; 8. overcharged; 9. redo.
Exercise 5
1. unwrapping; 2. disagree; 3. disprove; 4. unveiled; 5. to unload; 6. disconnect.
Exercise 6
1. microwave; 2. antibiotic; 3. multi-national; 4. on auto-pilot; 5. postgraduate; 6.
subway.