Energy
Design of a Biocompatible Electrical Installation
When seeking to follow bioarchitecture criteria to design a home, it is important to remember that we must also consider the design of a biocompatible electrical installation.
A biocompatible electrical installation will be key in the home, as it will significantly reduce the fields to which we are exposed.
There are, therefore, a series of basic premises or recommendations that it is important for your architect or installation engineer to be aware of during the design phase.
Why Design a Biocompatible Electrical Installation in a House?
Today we are exposed to a large amount of electrical and magnetic radiation that did not exist just 100 years ago. From wireless networks of all kinds (Wi-Fi, mobile phones, or cordless telephones) to direct radiation from microwaves or induction cooktops, to all types of household appliances and electrical devices that generate different types of electrical and magnetic radiation that are not harmless to our bodies.
Our body produces small electrical currents in chemical processes or in the transfer of information through the nervous system. In other words, our body is also electrically charged. And it is precisely this that causes external charges to affect our body.
The electrical and magnetic charges in the environment interact with the body’s own charge, and this can cause headaches, anxiety, or even nausea, depression, and fatigue.
A biocompatible electrical installation seeks to reduce exposure to electrical or electromagnetic fields while eliminating the presence of toxic compounds contained in conventional installations so as not to alter our biological processes.
How to Design a Biocompatible Electrical Installation
A biocompatible electrical installation seeks to limit low-frequency radiation to avoid potential biological problems.
Given that few electricians ensure that an installation is biocompatible, the ideal approach is to work with a bioarchitecture expert during the design process. This way, the construction process can be directed to achieve a biocompatible electrical installation suitable for the home.
Let us examine in detail the main aspects we must address:
Install a Proper Grounding System
The grounding system is undoubtedly one of the essential elements in any installation. It consists of a set of conductive elements that divert erratic currents and voltages. It is important that it be of high quality, as it determines whether electrical currents can damage our appliances or harm users.
It typically consists of rods that are driven into the ground to where they will release this excess voltage. Water, gas, or air pipes, as well as other metallic elements that can be conductive, are also connected to it.
A grounding system properly connected to each of our electrical devices will conduct electrical fields to the ground, limiting our exposure to them.
Use an Appropriate Domestic Network
Depending on the grounding system arrangement, we can distinguish two types of domestic networks: TT networks and TN networks with three subtypes.
TT Networks
The main characteristic of TT networks is that the neutral conductor of the installation is not connected to the grounding system. This represents an advantage from a bioarchitecture perspective, as the plumbing installations have no direct contact with the electrical installation. In this way, currents cannot be diverted to them or cause electrical fields.
Furthermore, this type of network prevents contamination from the public network from easily accessing our installation.
TN Networks
On the other hand, in TN networks there is always some type of bridge between the neutral conductor and the grounding system. Unfavorable situations may arise in which potential imbalances occur due to this.
However, there are three types of TN networks:
In the first type, called TN-C, the neutral cable and the grounding system are always in contact within the electrical installation. The protective wiring and the neutral run together to the final device. This is not a good solution when we speak of bioarchitecture.
There is also the TN-C-S network, in which the neutral and the grounding system are separated in the protection box and run separately to the consuming device. This is also not a good solution for a biocompatible electrical installation.
Finally, we find the TN-S type. In this system, although they start together, the neutral conductor and the protective conductor separate at the service entrance and arrive separately at the final devices.
These TN-S networks, as well as TT networks, are the most suitable when implementing a biocompatible electrical installation. The separation between the neutral wiring and the protective wiring prevents the formation of electrical fields that could affect users.
Proper Wiring Layout
The layout of the wiring that will be distributed throughout the rooms of the home will also be important.
The ring system is probably the most commonly installed due to the ease it entails. In many cases, it consists of more than one power supply point, so if one fails, there is another to replace it. However, since all points are connected in a circular circuit, it can produce additional electrical and magnetic fields.
For a biocompatible electrical installation, we will use a star system. This is a layout in which everything originates from a single power supply point. If any part of the circuit is damaged, we ensure that it does not affect the other elements. However, if the power supply fails, there is no alternative.
The star-shaped installation reduces the power of each circuit since the electrical paths are shorter and consequently the generated fields are smaller.
The ideal approach is to install an independent circuit for lighting and power outlets in each room. This way, it is also possible to disconnect a single room for rest.
Use Cables with Twisted Electrical Shielding
A cable with electrical shielding is a cable to which a metallic mesh or wire fabric is added around it. Its purpose is to reduce electrical fields so that the coverings are ultimately connected to the grounding system to divert radiation.
However, an installation of shielded cables will only prevent electrical fields if the entire installation is properly executed. That is, the auxiliary conduits must be well connected and the junction boxes through which they pass must be properly resolved.
On the other hand, it is also possible to use twisted electrical cable, which consists of a pair of insulated and intertwined cables whose function is also to eliminate the magnetic fields produced by alternating current.
Install a Network Disconnector
Another important element in a biocompatible electrical installation will be the network disconnector. Its function is, as its name indicates, a device that disconnects the electricity supply. There are manual ones, if users want to decide when to activate it, or automatic ones that activate when there is no consumption.
A network disconnector allows the elimination of unnecessary electrical fields. They can be installed at a general level or for a single circuit, such as that of a bedroom, for example. In this case, if it is automatic, the disconnector will activate as soon as the last element—such as a lamp—is turned off and stops consuming power.
It should be noted that automatic disconnectors will not work if there is any type of device that permanently demands voltage. This is the case with televisions on standby, chargers, stereo equipment, or refrigerators, among others.
Other Recommendations for a Biocompatible Electrical Installation
After planning a proper biocompatible electrical installation for a house, it will also be necessary to live in accordance with bioarchitecture. This does not entail major changes in daily life, but there are some recommendations worth considering.
Living Areas and Bedrooms Free of Fields
Living areas and especially bedrooms are the rooms in a home where the most rest occurs. Rest and sleep are among the most important moments when the body recovers and is particularly exposed.
For these reasons, it is advisable that rest areas remain free of fields at least during rest hours. It is therefore advisable to pay special attention to the installations in these rooms and install network disconnectors.
It should also be considered that the strength of waves decreases with distance. It is advisable that devices that produce waves, such as mobile phones or radios connected to wireless networks, remain between 1 and 3 meters away from us.
Responsible Use of Household Appliances
Finally, responsible use of household appliances and electrical devices will also be important for the proper functioning of a biocompatible electrical installation.
One important issue will be to verify that appliances have a ground cable. This will help ensure that if there are overvoltages or current surges, they are diverted to the home’s grounding system and do not produce electrical fields or other more serious problems.
On the other hand, the schedule and use of appliances will also contribute to improving the home’s installation. Unplugging them from the power supply or avoiding the standby mode of some devices can significantly reduce both consumption and electrical fields. In this task, the network disconnector will be of great help in eliminating consumption in rest areas.
Installations are a topic that is sometimes overlooked when we speak of bioarchitecture, but they are no less important. Proper rest can improve daily life and overall health, and to achieve this we must avoid constant fields and radiation day and night.
A biocompatible electrical installation involves a small investment when installing it. However, consumption is subsequently reduced significantly. A proper installation that also addresses biological issues and avoids low-frequency fields is advisable.
We always work to achieve a healthy and wholesome home at Slow Studio. A home is a lifelong project, and we believe that every home must respond to the needs of each family.