Home Wiring, Plumbing, HVAC, Gas, and Domotics Explained

Main Elements of Home Wiring

At the entrance of the home, the following are typically located:

• Limit Switch (ICPM): A power control switch that prevents power consumption from exceeding a set limit. It also protects against short circuits.
• Differential Switch: Detects current leaks and cuts off the power supply.
• Meter: Located in the meter room or within the house, it informs the utility company of energy consumption.
• Switch: Consists of three cables: two for power supply and a third for grounding to prevent leakage.

Wiring Diagram

The electrical panel with the limiter and differential should be as close as possible and at a height of 1.5 to 1.8 meters. Each circuit is protected by a miniature circuit breaker (PIA) that trips when exceeding a certain intensity.

Water Systems

Each house has a water supply and drainage system.

• Sanitary Water Pipes: Carry hot or cold water throughout the building.
• Waste Pipes: Collect wastewater and channel it towards the drain.

Water can be heated using gas boilers, water heaters, etc.

Water System Components

• Shut-off Valve: Opens or closes the water passage; a security system for the circuit.
• Pipes: Made of copper or plastic, designed to withstand water pressure.
• Meter: Indicates the water consumed.
• Drainage: Conduits through which wastewater is evacuated. S-shaped traps are used to prevent odors.
• Stopcock: Cuts off the water supply, usually installed in kitchens and bathrooms.

Heating Installation

A boiler burns fuel to produce heat, which heats water. The hot water circulates through radiators, heating the room, and then returns to the boiler to be reheated, restarting the cycle.

Gas Installation

Gas is channeled through the city from pipelines or storage tanks. Buildings have shut-off valves to prevent leaks. Installations should be periodically reviewed by authorized installers. Meters measure consumption in m³. Gas is commonly used in kitchens, boilers, etc. Common gas types include:

• Butane: Supplied in bottles and connected directly to the appliance. Suitable for kitchens and even refrigerators.
• Propane: Used in remote locations without main gas lines, connected to tanks near the house.
• Natural Gas: Piped directly into the home.

Home Automation (Domotics)

The set of installations that allow us to automate certain actions in a house (e.g., turning on the heater, raising or lowering blinds, turning lights on or off, scheduling a washer or dryer). Domotic installations enable many automated processes, leading to the term "smart homes." Some advantages include:

• Energy Savings: Connect appliances when desired or during periods of lower energy rates. Automatic switching on and off eliminates the need for manual control.
• Remote Control: Some operations can be performed by phone or the Internet.
• Security: Protection against fires or leaks.
• Simulated Presence: During long absences, lights can be turned on and off to simulate occupancy.

Air Conditioning Installation

Used in areas with high temperatures. Split-system models, placed in one or more rooms, are preferred for domestic use.

Bioclimatic Architecture

Aims to minimize energy consumption. Some strategies include:

• Proper Insulation: Orient buildings and terraces towards the equator (south in the northern hemisphere, north in the southern hemisphere) to create a greenhouse effect.
• In Cold Climates: Use large windows facing south to maximize solar gain.
• Choose Appropriate Tree Species: Renew the air and provide shade.
• Avoid Houses: That require excessive energy consumption.
• Since 2007, new buildings are often required to incorporate solar thermal systems.