ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

1. GENERAL
1.1 DEFINITION OF ELECTRICITY
• a form of energy generated by friction, induction or
chemical change, having magnetic, chemical and radiant
effect.

• the motion of free electrons through a solid conductor.

1.2 SOURCES OF ELECTRICITY

BATTERIES

GENERATORS
1.2 SOURCES OF ELECTRICITY
PRIMARY BATTERIES
• delivers electricity as soon as its parts are assembled,
or put together, provided that it is connected to a circuit.

STORAGE BATTERIES
• are used to supply emergency lighting circuits for
hallways, stairways, exits and to energize police and fire
alarm systems and certain types of signal systems.
1.2 SOURCES OF ELECTRICITY
GENERATORS
 a machine that converts
mechanical energy into electrical
energy.

• Alternating Current Generators or Alternators – The bulk of

electrical energy utilized today is in the form of alternating
current, including energy for power and lighting.

• Direct Current Generators – These furnish electrical energy

for elevators, escalators, intercommunicating telephone
systems, control of signal systems, and clock systems.
1.3 OTHER DYNAMO ELECTRIC
MACHINES

MOTORS – for converting

electrical energy to mechanical energy.

TRANSFORMERS – for
converting one voltage to another, from
lower to higher or from higher to lower

ROTARY CONVERTERS –
for changing alternating current to direct
current and vice versa.
1.4 TYPES OF CURRENT
ALTERNATING CURRENT – a
current which is periodically
varying in time rate and in
direction. It rises from zero to
maximum, falls to zero, reverses
its direction and again returns to
zero.

DIRECT CURRENT – a current

which flows at a constant time rate
and in the same direction.
1.5 UNITS OF ELECTRICITY
UNIT OF QUANTITY
COULOMB – a coulomb of electricity comprises
approximately 6.25 x 10 18 electrons.

AMPERE – An ampere of current represents a rate of flow

of one coulomb or 6.25 x 10 18 electrons/second through a
given cross section.

UNIT OF ELECTRIC POTENTIAL

VOLT – is the electromotive force or potential difference
between two points in an electric field which will move a
charge of one coulomb between these points.
UNIT OF RESISTANCE

OHM – The resistance which will allow one ampere of

current to flow when one volt is impressed upon it.

UNIT OF ELECTRIC POWER

WATT – the unit of electric power or the rate of doing

electrical work.

UNIT OF ENERGY

WATT-HOURS – the unit of energy or the capacity for

doing work.
1.6 OHM’S LAW

I (amp) = V (Volts) / R (Ohms)

The current, I, that will flow in a d-c circuit is directly

proportional to the voltage ,V, and inversely proportional to
the resistance , R, of the circuit.
1.7 ELECTRIC LOAD CONTROL
– is the effective utilization of available energy by
reducing peak loads and lowering demand charge. The
control devices and systems are referred to as load
shedding control, peak demand control, peak load
regulation, and power use control.

LOAD SCHEDULING AND DUTY-CYCLE CONTROL – the

installation’s electric loads are analyzed and scheduled
to restrict demand by shifting large loads to off-peak
hours and controlled to avoid coincident operation.

DEMAND METERING ALARM – in conjunction with a

duty cycle controller, demand is continuously metered
and an alarm is set on when a predetermined demand
level is exceeded.
AUTOMATIC INSTANTANEOUS DEMAND CONTROL – also
called “rate control”, it is an automated version of the
demand metering alarm system, where it automatically
disconnects or reconnects loads as required.

IDEALCURVE CONTROL – This controller operates by

comparing the actual rate of energy usage to the ideal rate,
and controls KW demand by controlling the total energy used
within a metering interval.

FORECASTING SYSTEMS – are computerized systems which

continuously forecast the amount of energy remaining in the
demand interval, then examine the status and priority of each
of the connected loads and decide on the proper course of
action.
 CURRENT
LEADS

1.8 MEASURING ELECTRIC CONSUMPTION

LOAD
POWER
SOURCE
WM

VOLTAGE

WATTMETER
LEADS
KWH METERS – To measure energy, the factor of
time is introduced, such that; energy = power x
time. A-C electric meters are basically small
motors, whose speed is proportional to the power
being used. The number of rotations is counted on
the dials which are calibrated directly in kilowatt-
hours.
2. BUILDING ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
2.1 BRANCH CIRCUITS
An electrical circuit may be defined as a complete conducting
path carrying current from a source of electricity to and
through some electrical device or load and back to the source.
The two wire circuit, which is the most elementary of all wiring
systems, consists of a live wire carrying the current to the
various power consuming devices in the circuit and a neutral or
grounded wire which is the return wire carrying the circuit
back to the source of supply.

SERIES CIRCUIT

PARALLEL CIRCUIT
SERIES CIRCUIT – is one in which the components
are connected in tandem. All separate loads of the
circuit carry the same equal current and the total
resistance, R, is the sum of the resistances around the
circuit.

R1 R2
10 amp 10 amp

R3
ELEC
SOURCE

10 amp
10 amp R4
R5
CIRCUIT IN SERIES

R = R1 + R2 + R3 + R4 + R5
 3 amp

1 amp 1 amp 1 amp

+

ELECTRICAL R1 R2 R3
SOURCE

CIRCUIT IN PARALLEL

1
R=
1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3

PARALLEL CIRCUIT (or Multiple Circuit) – is one in

which the components or loads are so arranged that
the current divides between them. Each outlet has a
live wire connected to the current carrying wire of
the circuit and also a neutral wire or grounded wire
connected to the return wire of the circuit. With this
system, the total current flowing through the circuit
is the sum of the current flowing through each
outlet.
CLASSIFICATIONS OF BRANCH CIRCUITS

General Purpose Branch Circuit - supplies outlets for

lighting and appliances, including convenience
receptacles.
GENERALLY
LTG A
15, 20A

Appliance Branch Circuit - supplies outlets intended

for feeding appliances. Fixed lighting is not supplied.
15, 20, 30,
or 50A A A

Individual Branch Circuit - is designed to supply a

single specific item, such as a motor load or a unit air-
conditioner. SIZE REQUIRED
FOR ITEM FED SINGLE ITEM
 Branch Circuit
The portion of an electrical
system extending from the final
overcurrent device protecting a
circuit to the outlets served by
the circuit General Purpose Circuit
A branch circuit that supplies
current in a number of outlets
for lighting and appliances
Appliance Circuit
A branch circuit that supplies
current in one or more
outlets specifically intended
for appliances
Individual Circuit
A branch circuit that supplies
current only to a single piece
of electrical equipment
Distribution Panel
A panel for distributing
power to other panels or
to motors and other
heavy power-consuming
loads. Controls, Low-Voltage
distributes and protects a Of or pertaining to a circuit in which alternating
number of similar branch current below 50 volts is supplied by a step-
circuits in an electrical down transformer form the normal line voltage
system used in residential systems to control doorbells,
intercoms, heating and cooling systems and
remote lighting fixtures. Low-voltage circuits do
not require a protective raceway
 GENERAL CIRCUITING GUIDELINES

1. General: Branch circuits shall be sufficient to supply a load of 30 watts

per square meter (3 watts per square foot) in buildings excluding
porches, garages and basements.

2. In all but the smallest installations, connect lighting, convenience

receptacles, and appliances in separate circuits. The Code requires a
minimum of 2 - 20 amperes appliance branch circuit to feed all small
appliance outlets in the kitchen, pantry, dining and family room.
20 amp

C3

C3

C3
DINE

KIT

20 amp
C1
Range
C4

C2

Ref
3. Convenience receptacles in an area shall be wired to at least two
different circuits so that in case of failure in any one of the circuits,
the entire area will not be deprived of power.
4. General purpose branch circuits shall be rated at 20 amperes wired with
No. 12 AWG minimum. Switch legs may be No. 14 AWG if the lighting
load permits.

5. Limit the circuit load for lighting and small appliances on 15 amp and 20
amp circuit loads and on 15 and 20 amp overcurrent devices
respectively.
2.2 SINGLE PHASE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
For homes and small commercial buildings

A single phase electrical system can either be 2-wire or

3-wire and composes two hot legs and a neutral wire.

SWITCH FUSE

Two-Wire Single Phase DC or AC

Three-Wire Single Phase 110 V

DC (EDISON SYSTEM)
220 V

Three-Wire Single Phase AC 110 V

2.2 THREE PHASE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
For industries and large commercial buildings
The Three Phase AC electricity is a Triple Circuit. The lighting and
outlet loads are connected between any phase leg and a neutral
line. While machineries and other bigger loads are connected to
the phase leg only.
A B C
Three-Wire Three Phase AC
A
B A-B 220V A-C 220V MOTOR
C B-C 220V

A N B C
Four-Wire Three-Phase AC

220V 220V 110V

220V 110V
110V
2.3 COMPONENTS OF THE BUILDING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
 Service
The supplying of utilities required
or demanded by the public
Substation
An auxiliary power station
where electrical current is
converted or where voltage
is stepped up or down
Line Drop
The decrease in voltage between
two points on a power line,
usually caused by resistance or
leakage along the line

Service Entrance Conductor Service Drop

The portion of a service conductor extending The overhead portion of service
from a service drop or service lateral to the conductors extending from the
service equipment of a building nearest utility pole to a building
Service Lateral
Watt-Hour Meter
The underground portion of service
A meter for measuring and recording the
conductors extending from a main
quantity of electric power consumed with
power line or transformer to a
respect to time
building Feeder
Transformer Vault Switchgear Room Any of the conductors
A fire-rated room housing Contains the service extending from the
a transformer and equipment for a large service equipment to
auxiliary equipment for a building various distribution
large building points in a building
Service Equipment
Equipment necessary for
controlling, metering and
protecting the electric
Standby Generator
power supply to a builidng
For providing emergency power
during a power outage. Switchboard Unit Substation
One or a group of panels on A freestanding enclosure
Uninterruptible Power Supply which are mounted switches, housing a disconnect
An emergency system designed overcurrent devices, switch, a step-down
to provide pwer automatically and metering instruments and transformer and
instantaneously buses switchgear
Lightning Rod
Any of several conducting rods installed at the
top of a structure and grounded to divert
lightning away from the structure. Also called air
terminal

Lightning Arrester
A device for protecting electric equipment from
damage by lightning or other high-voltage
currents, using spark gaps to carry the current
to the ground without passing through the
device

Spark Gap
A space between two terminals or electrodes
across which a discharge of electricity may pass
at a prescribed voltage

Direct burial cable may be used for
residential service connections
A transformer is used by medium-sized and large buildings to step
down from a high supply voltage to the service voltage. To
reduce costs, maintenance and noise and heat problems, a
transformer may be placed on an outdoor pad. If located within a
building, oil-filled transformers require a well-ventilated, fire-rated
vault with two exits and located on an exterior wall adjacent to the
switchgear room. Dry-type transformers used in small- and
medium-sized buildings may be replaced together with a
disconnect switch and switchgear in a unit substation
The service switch is the main
disconnect for the entire electrical
system of a building, except for any
emergency power systems.
The service equipment includes a main
disconnect switch and secondary
switches, fuses and circuit breakers for
controlling and protecting the electric
power supply to a building. It is located
in a switchgear room near the entrance
of the service conductors
Service Conductors extend from a main power
line or transformer to the service equipment of a
building
Servcie Drop
The overhead portion of service conductors extending
from the nearest utility pole to a building
Servcie Lateral
The underground portion of service conductors extending
from a main power line or transformer to a building
Servcie Entrance Conductor
The portion of a service conductor extending from a service
drop or service lateral to the service equipment of a building
Watt-Hour Meter
Measures and records the quantity of electric power
consumed with respect to time. Supplied by the public utility,
it is always placed ahead of the main disconnect switch so
that it cannot be disconnected
For multiple-occupancy buildings, banks of meters are
installed so that each unit can be metered
independently
Grounding Rod or Electrode
Is firmly embedded in the earth to establish a ground
connection
To panelboards

The main switchboard is a panel on

which are mounted switches,
overcurrent devices, metering
instruments and busbars for controlling,
distributing and protecting a number of
electric circuits
SERVICE ENTRANCE– the point of delivery of electricity to a
building by a public utility company.
MAIN SWITCHBOARD – The service
entrance conductors in the form of bus
bars terminates in the main switchboard
and connects to the distribution panel
boards by means of feeder circuits
protected by circuit breakers. The main
switchboard serves for the control,
protection and metering of the main
feeders.
FEEDER CIRCUITS – A feeder circuit is a set of conductors
which extends from the main switchboard to a distributing
center (panel board) with no other circuits connected to it
between the source and the distributing center.

SUB-FEEDER CIRCUITS – are line

extensions of a feeder, fed through
a panel board or cut-out, or from
one distributing center to another
and having no other circuit
connected to it between the two
distributing centers. A sub-feeder
serves to distribute power from
the main feeders to smaller local
panel boards, called sub-panel
boards.
BRANCH CIRCUITS – These are small capacity conductors
which deliver energy to lamps, motors and other loads within
the circuit.
PANEL BOARDS AND SUB-PANEL BOARDS (also called CUT-
OUTS) – These serve to control and protect the sub feeders and
branch circuits.
UTILIZATION EQUIPMENT –
These are the lighting, power
and motor loads and wiring
devices which are directly
handled and utilized by users.
 Fuse
A device containing a strip or
wire of fusible metal that melts
under the heat produced by
Service Switch excess current thereby
The main disconnect for the entire interrupting the circuit
electrical system of a building
except for any emergency power
systems
Panel
A board on which are mounted
the switches, fuses and circuit
breakers for controlling and
protecting a number of similar
branch circuits installed in a
cabinet and accessible from
the front only. Also called a Circuit Breaker
panelboard. A switch that automatically interrupts an electric
circuit to prevent excess current from damaging
Bus apparatus in the circuit or from causing a fire. A
A heavy conductor, usually in the form of a circuit breaker may be reclosed and reused without
solid copper bar, used for collecting, carrying replacement of any components. Also called a
and distributing large electric currents. Also breaker.
called a busbar
Grounded Conductor
Any conductor of an electrical system
intentionally connected to a ground
connection

Grounding Electrode Ground Wire

A conductor, as a metal ground rod, A conductor connecting
ground plate or cold-water pipe, firmly electric equipment or a
embedded in the earth to establish a circuit to a ground
gorund connection connection. Also called a
grounding conductor
2.4 ILLUSTRATING THE COMPONENTS OF THE BUILDING
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

BLOCK DIAGRAM
A horizontal single
line diagram of the
building’s electrical
system from the
incoming service to
the utilization items
at the end of the
system where the
major electrical
components are
shown as blocks or
rectangles.
SINGLE LINE DIAGRAM
When electrical symbols are used in lieu of the blocks, it is called a “one line”
or a “single line diagram”.

HIGH-VOLTAGE
PRIMARY FEEDERS
2,400, 4,160, 7,200
OR 13,200 VOLTS

MAIN DISTRIBUTION
SECONDARY SERVICE
FEEDERS PANELS
CONDUCTORS
MAIN RECEPTACLES
LIGHTING
TRANSFORMER SWITCH
MOTOR
VAULT 120/208 OR BOARD PANELS
120/240 OR
SWITCHES 227/480 VOLTS LARGE LIGHTING/
TRANSFORMER MOTOR APPLIANCE
FUSES PANELS SMALL
BRANCH MOTORS &
CIRCUIT CONTROL
RISER DIAGRAM
Is a vertical line diagram of the major electrical components of
the buildings electrical system presented showing the spatial
relations between components.
ELEVATORS
PP MACHINE
MR ROOF
ROOM
LP
5A 5B 5C

4A 4B 4C

LEFT 3A 3B 3C
RISER CENTRAL RISER SHAFT
2A 2B
2C
RIGHT RISER
1A LP 1B 1C
LOBBY

SPARE M.C.C.
MACHINE ROOM

FIRE ALARM
FA
PANEL
LPSE STAIR AND EXIT
PANEL
M METERING
2.5 EMERGENCY ELECTRIC SUPPLY SYSTEM
Emergency Systems – provide electric power and
illumination essentially for life safety and protection of
property during an emergency, such as, electricity for exit
lighting, elevators, fire alarm systems, fire pumps and the like.

Standby Systems – provide power to selected loads not

directly involved with life safety, such as, water and sewage
treatment plants and industrial machines for manufacturing
processes.
EMERGENCY POWER EQUIPMENT

Battery Equipment – Central storage batteries are

mounted in individual racks and always provided with
automatic charging equipment.

Engine-Generator Sets – are machines intended to

produce electricity and composed of three
components: the machine and its housing (if any), fuel
storage tank and the exhaust facilities.
EMERGENCY WIRING SYSTEMS USING THE BATTERY

Small emergency appliance connected direct to a storage

battery

Groups of emergency loads connected to central storage

battery through automatic device

Emergency equipment loads are entirely separate from

normal loads and are generally de-energized. The contactor is
activated when it senses power loss.
EMERGENCY WIRING SYSTEMS USING THE GENERATOR

Emergency system handled by a single transfer switch which

automatically turns on when it senses power loss at its
downstream location.

Emergency system handled by multiple switches

Emergency service totally separated from normal through its

own emergency service entrance, coming from different
transformers or feeders.

Same as above, but both service entrances supply normal

loads and each act as standby for each other.
3. ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
3.1 CONDUCTORS
– are materials which allow the free flow of electrons
through them.
Wires – are single insulated conductors No. 8 AWG
(American Wire Gauge or smaller; for the English System, it
is the B & S Gauge or Browne and Sharpe Gauge. The
smallest size of wire permitted is No. 14.

Cables – are single insulated conductors No. 6 AWG or

larger; or they may be several conductors of any size
assembled into a single unit.
Bus Bars – large conductors which are not circular in
cross section and usually found only to supply the main
switch boards.
CONDUCTOR SIZES – AWG/MCM STANDARD

All conductor sizes from No. 16 to No. 0000 (also designated

4/0) are expressed in AWG.
Beyond AWG No. 4/0, a different designation, MCM (or
thousand circular mil) is used. In this designation, the smallest
MCM size is 250 MCM or ½”  and the biggest is 500 MCM.
A circular MIL is an artificial area measurement, representing
the square of the cable diameter (diam2) when the diameter is
expressed in mils (thousands of an inch). Thus a solid conductor
½ inch in diameter is 500 mils in diameter, or 250,000 circular
mils in area, (500)2 or 250 MCM; thus;
CM/1000 = diam2 = (500)2/1000 = 250,000/1000 = 250
MCM
In the metric system, conductor sizes are given simply as the
diameter in millimeters (mm).
CONDUCTOR AMPACITY

Conductor current carrying capacity or ampacity is the

maximum operating temperature that its insulation can stand
continuously. Heat is generated as a result of the current flowing
and the conductor resistance. When conductors are placed in an
enclosed conduit, the heat generated is not as easily dissipated
as it would be if the conductor were free in the air. Thus, the
current rating of a conductor in free air is much higher than that
for the same were it in a conduit.
TYPES OF CABLES
Armored Cable (Type AC) – a fabricated assembly of
insulated conductors enclosed in flexible metal sheath.
Metal Clad Cable (Type MC) – a factory assembled cable of
one or more conductors each individually insulated and
enclosed in a metallic sheath of interlocking tape of a smooth
or corrugated tube.
Mineral Insulated Cable (Type MI) – a factory assembled
conductor/s insulated with a highly compressed refractory
mineral insulation enclosed in a liquid and gas tight
continuous copper sheath.
Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable (Type NM or NMC) – also
known by the trade name ROMEX, is a factory assembly of
two or more insulated conductors having a moisture
resistant, flame retardant, and non-metallic material outer
sheath.
 Shielded Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable (Type SNM) – a
factory assembly of two or more insulated conductors in an
extruded core of moisture resistant and flame retardant
material covered within an overlapping spiral metal tape.
Underground Feeder and Branch Circuit Cable (Type UF) –
a moisture resistant cable used for underground connections
including direct burial in the ground as feeder or branch
circuit.
Service Entrance Cable (Type SE or USE) – a single or multi-
conductor assembly provided with or without an overall
covering primarily used for service wire.
Power and Control Tray Cable (Type TC) – a factory
assembled two or more insulated conductors with or without
associated bare or covered grounding under a metallic sheath
and is used for installation in cable trays, raceways, or where
supported by wire.
Flat Cable Assemblies (Type FC) – an assembly of parallel
conductors formed integrally with an insulating material web
designed specially for field installation in square structural
channels.

Flat Conductor Cable (Type FCC) – consists of three or more

flat copper conductors placed edge to edge separated and
enclosed within a insulating assembly. This type of cable is
used for appliance or individual branch circuits installed inside
floor surfaces.

Medium Voltage Cable (MV) – a single or multi-conductor

solid dielectric insulated cable rated at 2,000 to 35,000 volts.
Trade name is Medium Voltage Solid Dielectric.
3.2 INSULATORS
INSULATORS are materials which prevent the
flow of electrons through them.
 TYPES OF INSULATORS
General Wiring

Trade name Type Maximum Application

Letter Operating Provisions
Temperatur
e
Moisture-& heat-resistant RHW 75O C Dry and wet
rubber 167O F Locations
Thermoplastic T 60O C Dry locations
140O F
Moisture-resistant TW 60O C Dry and wet
thermoplastic 140O F Locations
Heat-resistant THHN 90O C Dry locations
thermoplastic 194O F
Moisture-& heat-resistant THW 75O C Dry and wet
thermoplastic 167O F Locations
Moisture-& heat-resistant THWN 75O C Dry and wet
thermoplastic 167O F Locations
Moisture-& heat resistant XHHW 90O C Dry locations
cross-linked 194O F Wet
thermosetting 75O C locations
polyethelene 167O C
Silicone-asbestos SA 90O C Dry locations
194O F
Asbestos and Varnished AVA 110O C Dry locations
Cambric 230O F only
3.3 CONDUITS
CONDUITS are circular raceways used to enclose wires and
cables and are of metal or plastic (PVC).

To protect the enclosed conductors from mechanical injury

and chemical damage.

To protect people from shock hazards by providing a

grounded enclosure.

To provide a system ground path.

To protect the surroundings against fire hazard as a result of

overheating or short circuiting of the enclosed conductors.

To support the conductors.

 TYPES OF STEEL CONDUITS
Heavy-wall steel conduits called “Rigid Steel Conduits” or RSC
with an approximate thickness of 0.117 mm.

“Intermediate Metal Conduit” or IMC with thickness of 0.071

mm.

Thin-wall steel conduits named “Electric Metal Tubing” or

EMT.

RSCs and IMCs use the same fitting, called condulets, and are
threaded alike at the joints. EMTs are not threaded but use set
screw and pressure fitting and are not recommended for
embedding in concrete nor permitted in hazardous areas. IMCs
yield a larger inside diameter (ID) for easier wire pulling and is
lighter than the RSC.
Standard length of steel conduits is 3 M or 10 ft.
3.4 RACEWAYS – are channels or wiring accessories so
designed for holding wires, cables and bus bars that are either
made of metal, plastic, or any insulating medium.
3.5 OUTLETS and RECEPTACLES – An outlet is a point in the
wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization
equipment. It refers only to the box. A receptacle is the wiring
device in which the utilization equipment (appliance) cord is
plugged into.

•Convenience Outlet or Attachment Cap - the complete set-

up which establishes connection between the conductor of
the flexible cord and the conductors connected permanently
to the receptacle.
•Lighting Outlet – is an outlet intended for
direct connection to a lamp holder, lighting
fixture, or pendant cord terminating in a
lamp holder.

•Receptacle Outlet – is an outlet where one

or more receptacles are installed.
3.6 SWITCHES – are devices for making, breaking, or
changing conditions in an electrical circuit under the
conditions of load which they are rated.

TYPE OF SWITCH – ACCORDING TO VOLTAGE

Switches are rated as 250V, 600V,or 5KV as required.

 TYPE OF SWITCH – ACCORDING TO INTENSITY OF USE

1. Normal Duty (ND) – intended for normal use in light and

power circuits as in general-purpose switches.

2. Heavy Duty (HD) – intended for frequent interrupting.

3. Light Duty (LD) –intended to connect the loads

occasionally, such as service switches.

 TYPE OF SWITCH - ACCORDING
TO TYPE OF SERVICE
1. Service Switch – intended to
disconnect all the electric service in
the building except emergency
equipment. This may comprise one to
six properly rated switches that are
assembled into a switchboard.
2. Power Switches –
a) General –purpose switches – are
intended for use in general
distribution and branch circuits.
b) Disconnecting or isolating switches –
are intended for disconnecting or
isolating circuits; used for circuits
rated at more than 600 volts.
3. Wiring Switches – include all the
relatively small switches that are
employed in interior wiring
installations for the control of
branch circuits, individual lamps or
appliances.
a) General–purpose switches – are
single-pole or double-pole switches
for the general purpose use of
connecting or cutting-off circuits for
the control of lamps or other loads
from a single point.
b) Three-way switches – are used
where it is desired to control lamps
from two different points, as in a
stairwell.
c) Four-way switches – are used in
conjunction with two 3-wire switches
where it is desired to control lamps
from three or more desired points.
  TYPE OF SWITCH - ACCORDING TO
d) Electrolier or multi-circuit switches –
OPERATION MECHANISM
are used for the control of lights in
Wiring switches may also be classified
multi-lamp fixtures so that one
according to the operating mechanism
lamp or set of lamps may be turned
as:
on alone or in combination with
1. Rotary switch
other lamps.
2. Push-button switch
3. Toggle or tumbler switch
e) Momentary contact switches – are
used where it is desired to connect
 TYPE OF SWITCH - ACCORDING TO
or cut-off a circuit for only a short
NUMBER OF POLES AND THROWS
duration. The switch is provided
with a spring so that it will return to
1. Poles – that part of the switch which is
its original position as soon as the
used for making or breaking of a
handle or button is released.
connection and which is electrically
insulated from other contact making or
f) Dimmer switches – a rheostat[1] or
breaking parts.
similar device for regulating the
intensity of an electric light without
2. Throws - a single throw switch is one
appreciably affecting spatial
which will make a closed circuit only
distribution. Also called a dimmer.
when the switch is thrown in one
Wiring switches may either be the
position. A double throw switch will
flush type, surface type or the
make a closed circuit when thrown in
pendant type.
either of two positions.
SPECIAL SWITCHES
1. Time Controlled Switches – This
device comprises a precision low
speed miniature drive motor (timer)
to which some type of electric
contact-making device is connected.
2. Remote Control (RC) Switches – A
contactor[1], or more specifically, a
relay[2], that latches after being
operated wireless from a distance.
3.Air Switch – a switch in which the
interruption of a circuit occurs in air.
4. Knife Switch – a form of air switch in
which a hinged copper blade
is placed between two
contact clips.
5. Float Switch – a switch controlled by
a conductor floating in a liquid.
6. Mercury Switch – an especially quiet
switch that opens and closes an electric
circuit by shifting a sealed glass tube of
mercury so as to uncover or cover the
contacts.
7. Key Switch – a switch operated only
by inserting a key or a card. Also called
a card switch.
8. Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) –
This device, an essential part of an
emergency or standby service, is
basically a double throw switch,
generally 3-pole, so arranged that on
failure of normal power, emergency
service is automatically supplied.
3.7 WALL PLATES OR FACEPLATES -
These are coverings for switches and wall
outlets usually made of metal or of
phenollic compound (Bakelite).
3.8 OVER-CURRENT CIRCUIT
PROTECTIVE DEVICES – are devices
whose sole purpose is to protect
insulation, wiring, switches and other
apparatus from overheating or burning,
due to overloads, to faults or to short
circuits, by automatically cutting off the
circuit.

FUSE – is a device consisting of an

alloy link of wire with a low melting
temperature which is inserted in the
circuit, in such a way, that all current
which passes through the circuit, must
also pass through this metal.
CIRCUIT BREAKERS– is an over-
current protective device designed to
function as a switch, or it can be
manually tripped and thus act as a
circuit switch. It breaks a circuit with an
automatic tripping device without injury
to itself.

GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT

INTERRUPTERS (GFCI or GFI) – is
an over current protective device that
will provide ground fault protection as
well as function as an ordinary circuit
breaker.
PANELBOARDS – popularly known as
“panel” or “electrical panel”, it is simply
the box wherein the protective devises are
housed from which the circuits and bus
bars terminate.

SWITCHBOARDS – are free standing

assemblies of switches, fuses, and/or
circuit breakers whose function normally
is to provide switching and feeder
protection to a number of circuits
connected to a main source.

UNIT SUBSTATIONS – (Transfer Load

Centers) an assembly of primary switch-
fuse-breaker, step-down transformer,
meters, controls, bus bars and secondary
switchboard. It is used to supply power
from a primary voltage line to any large
facility.
4. WIRING SYSTEMS

4.1 WIRING METHODS

KNOB AND TUBE WIRING – an
obsolete wiring system consisting of
single insulated conductors secured to
and supported on porcelain knobs and
tubes. When wires run through walls,
they are inserted into a nonmetallic fire-
resistant tubing called a loom.
RIGID METAL CONDUIT WIRING –
is the best and most expensive among
the usual type of wiring. Its advantages
are:
1. it is fireproof;
2. moisture proof;
3. it is mechanically strong so that nails
cannot be driven through it and it is not
readily deformed by blows;
4. it resists the normal action of cement
when embedded in concrete or masonry.
FLEXIBLE METAL CONDUIT
WIRING – Its installation is much
easier and quicker than that of rigid
metal conduits. Unlike the rigid conduits
which come in short lengths of 10 ft. (3
M), flexible metal conduit wiring comes
in length of 25 ft – 250 ft (8 M – 83 M)
depending on the size of the conduit.
ARMORED CABLE WIRING (BX
WIRING) – consists of rubber or
thermoplastic covered wire protected
from injury to a certain extent from
dampness by one or two layers of flexible
steel armor.
SURFACE METAL RACEWAY
WIRING – the wires are supported on a
thin sheet steel casing. The raceway is
installed exposed, being mounted on the
walls or ceiling. Metal raceways must be
continuous from outlet to outlet or
junction box, designed especially for use
with metal raceways.
FLAT CABLE ASSEMBLIES – a field
installed rigidly mounted square
structural channel (1 – 5/8” standard)
designed to carry 2 to 4 conductors (No.
10 AWG) and will act as light duty
(branch circuit) plug-in busways.

LIGHTING TRACK – a factory-

assembled channel with conductors for
one to four circuits permanently
installed in the track that will act as
light duty (branch circuit) plug-in
busways.

CABLE TRAY / OPEN RACEWAY

– is a continuous open support for
approved cables. When used as a
general wiring system, the cables
must be self-protected, jacketed
types, type TC.
 FLOOR RACEWAYS – The NEC
recognizes three types of floor
raceways:

1. Underfloor Ducts (UF) installed beneath

or flush with the floor. These underfloor
ducts usually requires a triple duct
system for power, telephone and
signal cabling.

2. Cellular Metal Floor Raceway – Found

usually in office landscaping, it is an
integrated structural/electrical system
in a cellular metal floor.

3. Precast Cellular Concrete – made of

concrete cells fed from header ducts,
which are normally installed in concrete
fill above the hollow core structural slab
or fed from the ceiling void below. The
cells can be used for air distribution and
for piping.
CEILING RACEWAY SYSTEMS –
under-the-ceiling raceways composed of
header ducts and distribution ducts
separate for power and telephone cabling.
They permit very rapid changes in layouts
at low cost and are therefore particularly
desirable in stores where frequent display
transformations necessitate corresponding
electrical facility adjustments.

PRE-WIRED CEILING DISTRIBUTION

SYSTEMS – are ceiling raceways that are
pre-wired in the factory and plugged in
where required.
 ELECTRICAL SYMBOLS
FEEDER L LAMP HOLDER PUSH BUTTON

BRANCH CIRCUIT-CEILING/WALL
PS LAMP HOLDER WITH PULL SWITCH BELL
BRANCH CIRCUIT-FLOOR
C
CLOCK OUTLET
3&4 WIRES CIRCUIT NO. BUZZER
MARK INDICATES 2 WIRES D DROP CORD OUTLET
CH CHIME
CROSSING WIRES FAN OUTLET
F

CONNECTING WIRES ANNUNCIATOR

R RADIO OUTLET

LIGHTING OUTLET CEILING FLOOR OUTLET LIGHTING PANEL

POWER PANEL
DUPLEX CONVENIENCE OUTLET
RECESSED CEILING OUTLET FUSE
DASH INDICATES SHAPE OF
CONVENIENCE OUTLET SPLIT-WIRED WH
FIXTURE WATT-HOUR METER
WEATHER PROOF OUTLET
WP
T TRANSFORMER
LIGHTING OUTLET WALL OUTLET AND SWITCH
S
J JUNCTION BOX
RANGE OUTLET
R
FLUORESCENT LAMP SPECIAL PURPOSE OUTLET GROUND

REFRIGERATOR OUTLET
ref
LIGHTING LAYOUT PLAN
POWER LAYOUT PLAN