ENGG UTILITIES 1

CE 2521 | 2521 5:30-6:30 MWF

PRELIM
MODULE 1: ELECTRICAL TLO 1: Name and define common electrical terminology (i.e. voltage, amperage, resistance, voltage drop,
THEORY
ampacity, etc.) and relate voltage, amperage, resistance, energy, and power.
TLO 2: Calculate energy and cost of operation of electrical equipment.

MODULE 2: BRANCH CIRCUIT TLO 3: Name, describe and distinguish between types of branch circuits and compute circuit loads
AND OVERCURRENT DEVICES
TLO 4: Identify, describe and distinguish between types of branch circuit components.
TLO 7: Compute the minimum required size of branch circuit components.

MIDTERM
MODULE 3: ELECTRICAL TLO 5: Name, describe and distinguish between types of building system voltage (e.g., 120/240V,
SYSTEM 277/480V, etc.) and buildings in which they are used.

MODULE 4: BRANCH CIRCUIT TLO 6: Identify, describe and distinguish between types of building distribution equipment and switches.
COMPONENTS
TLO 8: Interpret design information of building electrical system components.
MODULE 5: LIGHT AND
ARCHITECTURAL LAMPS
TLO 9: Name, describe and distinguish between types of artificial and natural lighting sources.
TLO 11: Identify appropriate lighting levels for a specific occupancy.

FINALS
MODULE 6: LIGHTING DESIGN TLO 10: Identify the influence of color rendition.
PRINCIPLE TLO 12: Perform basic lighting analysis (single point, zonal cavity, and natural lighting methods)
TLO 13: Interpret design and detailing information on artificial and natural lighting.

MODULE 7: BUILDING TLO 14: Name, describe and distinguish between types of networks.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS TLO 15: Identify types of transmission media.
SYSTEM TLO 16: Name and describe standards, devices, equipment and space requirements for a structured
cabling and wireless systems.
TLO 17: Interpret design and detailing information on building telecommunication systems.
TLO 18: Identify, describe and distinguish between types of renewable power systems (e.g., PV, wind,
hydropower, etc.)
TLO 19: Interpret design and detailing information for renewable power systems.

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BRANCH CIRCUIT
The electric circuit refers to the complete path transverse by an
electric current. In short, electric circuit is the entire house wiring
installation.
Branch circuit is defined by the National Electrical Code (NEC) as:
“the circuit conductors between the final over current protective
device and the outlets”. Meaning, the branch circuit is only the wiring
installed between the circuits over current protective device i.e. fuse
or circuit breaker, and the outlets.
In practice however, it is a common knowledge that the branch circuit
comprises the following:
• The source of voltage
• The wiring and
• The load
b. That the electrical service and the building
distribution system must act together so that the
power can reach the desired point of service.
c. Critical loads within the facility must be
pinpointed to determine the best way to serve
them by providing a reliable power either from the
outside source, or by standby power package for
them.
d. The system design must readily detect any
equipment failure and to be corrected
automatically.
d. Economy refers to the initial cost as well as the operating
costs. These two cost-factors stand in inverse relationship
to one another. Over design is as bad as under design. It is
wasteful both on initial and operating costs.
The Effect of Acquiring Low Cost Equipment
• High energy cost
• Higher maintenance cost
• Shorter life

e. Energy Consideration is a complex one considering the

following factors;
• Energy laws and codes
• Budget
• Energy conservation
technique
• Energy control

DESIGN: Circuitry design varies according to the number of

designers. However, good circuitry design is based on the following f. Space Allocation – must consider the following:
considerations: • Easy maintenance
a. Flexibility of the circuit • Ventilation
b. Reliability and efficiency of service • Expandability
c. Safety • Centrality
d. Economy as to cost • Limitation access
e. Energy consideration
f. Space allocation

a. Flexibility of the circuit – means that the installation can

accommodate all probable pattern arrangements and
location of the loads for expansion, or future
development.

b. Reliability and efficiency of service – means to have a

continuous service and supply of power that are all
dependent on the wiring system. Reliability of electric
power in a facility is determined by two factors.
• The utility service
• Building electric system

c. Safety – means that independent service can be used in

lieu of emergency equipment as backup for normal
services. For reliability of the circuitry, the following
principles should be considered.
a. To provide double emergency power equipment
at selected weak points in the system.

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TYPES: The branch Circuit is classified into:
• General purpose branch circuit Table 3-2: Branch Circuit Requirements
- supplies outlets for lighting and small appliances,
including convenience receptacle. Current Rating (A) 15 A 20 A 30 A 40 A 50 A
• Appliance branch circuit
Conductors Circuit wires (No.) 14 12 10 8 6
- supplies outlets intended for feeding appliances. Fixed
lighting however, is not supplied. (min. size) Min size taps (No.) 14 14 14 12 12
• Individual branch circuit
- is designed to supply a single specific item. Overcurrent Protection device rating (A) 15 20 30 40 50

Lamp holders permitted Any Any H. H. H.

CIRCUITING GUIDELINES type type Duty Duty Duty
There are many ways of doing the circuitry but there is no Outlet
optimum or perfect way of doing it. However, there are certain Devices Receptacle rating 15 15-20 30 40-50 50
rules and guidelines promulgation by the Philippine Electrical permitted (A)
Code (PEC) for flexibility, economical and convenient way of
Maximum load (A) 15 20 30 40 50
installing a circuitry.

a. The code requires sufficient circuitry to supply
residential load of 30 Watts per square meter in
buildings excluding porches, garages and basements.
b. The requirement of 30 Watts per square meter is up to
to 80 sq.m. for a 20 Amperes circuit (2,400 Watts) or 60
square meters for 15 Ampere circuit (1,800 Watts).
c. Good practice suggests that the load should not exceed
1,600 Watts for a 20 Amperes circuit and 1,200 Watts
for a 15 Amperes circuit. Thus:
o Observe a minimum load 1,200 Watts on a 15
Amperes circuit with a maximum area of 40
square meters.
o A maximum load of 1,600 Watts on a 20 Amperes
circuit with a maximum area of 53 square meters.
d. The code requires a minimum of 20 Amperes appliance
branch circuit to feed all small appliance outlets in the
kitchen, pantry, dining and family room.
e. The general purpose branch circuit, shall be rated at 20
Amperes circuit, wired with No. 12 AWG being the
minimum size of conductor wire required for all
convenience outlet.
f. Circuit load on a 15-Ampere circuit shall be limited to
the values given in Table 3-1 and Table 3-2.
Table3-1: Branch Circuit Capacity – Electric heat
g. Plug outlets or convenience receptacles shall be
counted in computing the load if it is not included in the
load for general lighting circuit. To find the number of
outlets for 9 and 12 Amperes loading on a 15 and 20
Amperes circuit respectively, we have:
o For 15 Ampere circuit: 91.5 = 6 outlets
o For 20 Ampere circuit: 121.5 = 8 outlets
h. Convenience receptacles should be planned properly,
so that in case of failure by any one of the circuitry, the
entire area will not be deprived by power supply. In
terms of reliability of service, each area should be
provided alternately with different circuits.
i. All kitchen outlets should be fed from at least two of
these circuits.
j. The code further stipulated that; “all receptacle are
potential outlet and at least two circuits shall be
supplied to serve them.”
k. Certain outlets in the room should be designed as
appliance outlet like:
o All kitchen receptacle
o Dining room receptacle
o One in the living room
l. The code requires that, “at least one Amperes circuit
supply the laundry outlets.”
m. If air conditioner is anticipated, provide a separate
circuit for this particular appliance.

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OTHER GOOD PRACTICES IN CIRCUITING
• Lighting and receptacles should not be combined in a
single branch circuit together.
• Avoid connecting all building lights on a single branch
circuit.
• Lighting and receptacles should be supplied with current
from at least two circuits so that, if a single line is out, the
entire area is not deprived of power.
CAUSES OF OVER CURRENT
There are two principal causes of over current
• Overload in the equipment or conductors
• Short circuit or ground fault
Both were the results of excessive current flow in the circuit. The
primary function of the over-current device is to protect the branch
circuit and the load devices against excessive current supply.
However, regardless whether the excess current is being caused by
an equipment problem of overloading, or by a circuit problem such as
un-international ground fault, the protective devices has but one
purpose – to interrupt the line, in case there is an excess current flow
in the circuit.

When the over current protective devices senses an excessive flow

of current, it automatically open the circuit or simply cut off the line to
• Do not allow combination of prevent the excessive flow of current in creating damages to the
switch and receptacle outlets. circuit or to the equipment. The over current device automatically
• Provide at least one opens the line to release the excessive current. The action of the
receptacle in the bathroom, over current protective device is called “Clearing” because it clears
and one outside the house. the circuit of the fault or over current load. It therefore acts in the
Both must be Ground Fault same manner as the mechanical device to relieve the machine from
Circuit Interrupted (GFCI) excessive pressure.
type. The overcurrent protective devices are installed in circuits to protect
• Provide switch control for closet lights. Pull chain switch is the following:
a nuisance. • The wiring
• Convenience outlet though counted as part of the general • The transformer
lighting load shall be limited to 6 convenience outlets on a • The lights
15 Amperes circuit and 8 convenience outlets on a 20 • Appliances and other equipment
Amperes circuit.
• The Code requires that, at least one 20 Amperes circuit On the Protection of Conductors, the Philippine Electrical Code
supply shall be installed to the laundry outlets. provides that: “Conductors shall be protected against over current in
• Convenience outlet shall be laid out in such a manner that accordance with their Ampacities.” By definition, Over Current is any
no point on a wall is more than 2.00 meters from an outlet. current in excess of the rated capacity of the equipment or the rated
Use a grounding type receptacle only. ampacity of the conductor. It was clear that both the equipment and
the wire installation shall be protected from the over current flow.
PROTECTION OF THE BRANCH CIRCUIT
As a Rule, branch circuit should be protected from over current. Electrical equipment has its own rated ampacity. Similarly, electrical
Hence, overall current protective devices shall be installed in all conductors have also their respectively allowable ampacity. Thus,
branch circuitries. any load in excess of their rated or allowable ampacity, could
damage the circuit or the equipment.
The function of the over-
current protective devices is to APPLICATION OF OVER-CURRENT PROTECTION IS ALSO
open the circuit (disconnect the GOVERNED BY THE FOLLOWING RULES:
line) when the current rating • That the over-current protection devices should be installed on
capacity of the equipment the line or supply side of the equipment being protected.
being protected is exceeded. • The over-current protective devices shall be placed all
The circuit protective device underground conductors of the protected circuits.
represents the source of • All equipment should be protected in accordance with its
voltage. It is always connected current carrying capacity.
at its hot line end to the voltage • That, the over-current protective devices should be readily
source and its load end to the assembled and protected from physical damages and away
circuit wiring. Apparently, it from easily ignited materials.
becomes the source of voltage. • Conductors size should not be reduced in a circuit or tap unless
The panel board wherein the over current protective device is a part, the smallest wire is protected by the circuit over current
the busbars become the source of voltage as we look upstream from devices.
the over current devices. The Philippine Electrical Code also defines
the branch circuit as “that portion of the circuit beyond the over
current devices.”

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OVER CURRENT DEVICES
• FUSE
Fuse is defined as; an overall current protective device with
a circuit opening fusible element which opens (break) when
there is an over current in the circuit.

• CIRCUIT BREAKER
The Circuit Breaker is an over-current protective device
designed to function as a switch. Basically, a circuit breaker
is equipped with an automatic tripping device to protect the
branch circuit from overload and ground fault. Circuit
breaker can be manually tripped, so that, in many cases, it
also acts as circuit switch.

Trip or tripping refers to the cutting-off or disconnection of

the current supply.

• PANEL BOARD
The Panel Board is defined by the Philippine Electrical
Code as “A single panel or group panel limits designed for
assembly in the form of a single panel.”

This includes buses and automatic over-current protective

devices with or without switches for the control of light, heat
or power circuits. Panel board is designed for mounting in a
cabinet or cutout box installed in or against a wall or
partition accessible only to the front.

Panel board is popularly known as panel or electrical panel.

Panel board is simply the box wherein the protective
devices are grouped from which they are fed. If the devices
are of fuses, it is called Fuse Panel and if the devices are
circuit breakers, it is called Breaker Panel.