BUILDING UTILITIES

ELECTRICAL & OTHER POWER SYSTEMS

INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRICAL AND OTHER POWER SYSTEMS ELECTRICAL TERMINOLOGIES

ELECTRICAL POWER AND LIGHTING SUPPLY, DISTRIBUTION AND FIXTURES ELECTRIC CURRENT – flow in an electric circuit
ELECTRICAL POWER SOURCE AND ALTERNATIVE POWER SOURCES
CLASSIFICATIONS OF CURRENT
References: Philippine Electrical Code, National Building Code Rule 10 DIRECT CURRENT (DC)
Graphics Standards, Visual Dictionary of Architecture by Francis D.K. Ching Flows in one direction (- to +)
Uniform in strength
DEFINITION OF ELECTRICITY Battery/dry cell
2 types: continuous/pulsating (fluctuating)
ELECTRICITY – Phenomenon; Manifestation

Principally made up of atoms: ELECTRON – negatively charged ALTERNATING CURRENT (AC)

PROTON – positively charged Reverses direction of flow at regular intervals
NEUTRON – not electrically charged Reverses in direction
Frequency: 60 cps (60 Hertz)
2 GENERAL CLASSES: 1. ELECTRODYNAMIC or Dynamic Electricity (AC) Phase: SP/3P
2. ELECTROSTATIC or Static Electricity (DC) 230VAC, 60Hz, SP

ELECTRICAL POWER SOURCE AND ALTERNATIVE POWER SOURCES

COMPARISON BETWEEN DIRECT CURRENT AND ALTERNATING CURRENT
1. FOSSIL FUEL (OIL -imported)
2. HYDRO-ELECTRIC (WATER)
3. GEOTHERMAL (hot ground water) DIRECT CURRENT ALTERNATING CURRENT
4. NUCLEAR ENERGY Fixed polarity Reverses polarity
5. SOLAR ENERGY Steady (Continuous); Varies between reversal
Vary in magnitude (Fluctuating)
REQUIREMENTS FOR APPROVAL OF ELECTRICAL PERMIT Steady value Stepped up or down
Easier to measure: 1.5 volts Easier to amplify: 110V+
1. WORKING DRAWINGS
ELECTRIC CIRCUIT – path for electric current w/ EMF applied
In reference with Architectural Floor Plan(s) and Reflected Ceiling Plan(s) ELECTROMOTIVE FORCE (EMF) – force which causes movement of electricity in
LIGHTING LAYOUT a conductor
Floor Plan(s), Symbol/Legend, Gen. Notes, CIRCUIT DIAGRAM – electrical layout
Site Plan, Location Plan, Vicinity Map CLOSE CIRCUIT – complete; continuous path
POWER LAYOUT OPEN CIRCUIT – broken, incomplete, and disconnected
Floor Plan(s), Symbol/Legend, General Notes, Two Types:
Schedule of Loads, Riser Diagram PARALLEL/SERIES

2. ELECTRICAL ANALYSIS prepared by the Professional Electrical Engineer OHM’s LAW – relationship of EMF, Current, Resistance
Formula: I = V/R V=IR R=V/I
I = Current (Amperes)
V = EMF (Volts)
R = Resistance (Ohms)

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 BUILDING UTILITIES
ELECTRICAL & OTHER POWER SYSTEMS
Voltage (Volts) – EMF; pressure or force; Voltmeter ELECTRICAL POWER AND LIGHTING SUPPLY, DISTRIBUTION AND FIXTURES
Amperes (Amps) – inherent in wires (conductor); Ammeter
AMPACITY - current-carrying capacity (w/o undue heating) SERVICE ENTRANCE (SE – AERIAL)
Ohms – friction; inherent in insulator/Ohmmeter  Power supplied to a building through a service entrance.
 Extend from utility pole overhead wires are fastened to the structure and
PRINCIPLE: spliced to service entrance wires that enter a conduit through a service
One VOLT is the PRESSURE or FORCE which causes One AMPERE to FLOW head.
(CURRENT) in a wire with a RESISTANCE of One OHM (RATIO 1:1:1)  Rigid conduit is used.
Formula: I = V/R V=IR R=V/I UNDERGROUND SERVICE ENTRANCE (USE)
I = Current (Amperes)  Three wires are placed in a rigid conduit.
V = EMF (Volts)  An underground service conduit is brought to the meter socket.
R = Resistance (Ohms)  Includes a watt-hour meter, main breaker, lightning protection
OTHER TERMINOLOGIES
DEVICE – does not consume electricity THREE CATEGORIES OF SYSTEM COMPONENTS OF BUILDING
WATT – rate of power; power consumption; heat volts + ampere A) Category 1. WIRINGS AND RACEWAYS
Watt Meter – any one time B) Category 2. POWER HANDLING EQUIPMENTS
Watt-Hour Meter – periodic; KWH Meter/Electricity Meter
C) Category 3. UTILIZATION EQUIPMENTS – actual use
ALTERNATOR – AC generator
GENERATOR – (M.E. to E.E.) Mechanical Energy to Electrical Energy
MOTOR – (E.E. to M.E.) Electrical Energy to – Mechanical Energy Category 1. WIRINGS AND RACEWAYS
BATTERY – electrochemical; electrolysis  CONDUCTORS – offers low resistance
Primary – nonrenewable 1. Gold – 100% Conductivity
Secondary – rechargeable 2. Silver – 99.99% Conductivity
ELECTRIC POWER GENERATION/DISTRIBUTION
3. Copper – 99.98% Conductivity
1. GENERATING STATION – source of electricity
2. TRANSMISSION LINES – high voltage power lines  INSULATORS – prevents flow of electric current (controls excess)
3. SUBSTATION – distributes power to several circuits i.e. THERMOPLASTIC (TH, TW, THW)
4. CIRCUIT – lines that run along highways and major roads to serve communities  RACEWAYS – channels, CONDUITS (metallic and non-metallic)
and businesses
5. TAP LINES – serves smaller groups of customers and neighborhoods from the
main circuits
6. INDIVIDUAL TRANSFORMERS – reduce power to usable voltage levels

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 BUILDING UTILITIES
ELECTRICAL & OTHER POWER SYSTEMS
(From Assignment No. 4)
Category 1: B. RACEWAYS

1. FLOOR RACEWAY
a) Underfloor Raceway – conventional installation

b) Cellular Metal Floor Raceway – rib decking / raised floor system

c) Cellular Concrete Floor Raceways – T-joist (steel floor deck) / precast

concrete slab with built in pipes (disadvantage: takes up space in depth /
elevation height)

2. CEILING RACEWAY – suspended from slab

(Has clearance for movement & maintenance, not embedded in floorings)

a) Power and Control Tray Cable (TC) – open wireway / support / tray
Prevents sagging of cables – efficiency & resistance of current flow
2 Types:
Mesh Wire – lightweight
Rail Type – sturdy to decrease resistance

b) Bus Bar – (flat shaped) Busway, Bus duct

c) Cable Bus – (rounded shape)

NEMA – National Electrification Manufacturers Association

Provides electrical components (e.g. switchboards, transformers, etc.)
Ex.) NEMA-Type Transformer – can be used for outdoors,
Withstands inclement weather / climatic conditions
Sequence:
Transformer (Outside) > Enters Electrical Room via Cable Bus to Switchboard > Distributes
via Cable Bus to sectors of building > Cable Bus to Main Panel Board / Generator, etc. >
Use of Cable Bus or Bus Duct/Bus Bar/ Open wireway/ Cable Tray, etc.

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 BUILDING UTILITIES
ELECTRICAL & OTHER POWER SYSTEMS
(From Assignment No. 3)
Category 1: A. WIRES AND CABLES
GENERAL WIRING: THERMOPLASTIC (PEC)
1. FMC/MC/AC – also known as BX; flexible, can be bended MIN-MAX
FLEXIBLE METAL CLAD / METAL CLAD / ARMORED CABLE TEMPERATURE DESCRIPTION APPLICATIONS
Wrapped in Spiral Wound Gasket (tape) °C / °F

2. NMC/NM – ROMEX Brand; sheath, good for indoor, Dry and damp locations
Roughing-in wood (not concrete, will deteriorate) Thermoplastic,
Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable (Type NM or NMC) 600V THHN Insulated Cables
heat resistant,
THHN 90 °C / 194 °F used in conduit and cable trays
NMC – Feeder Type nylon jacket outer
for services, feeders, and
NM – for Branch Circuit sheath
branch circuits in commercial or
industrial applications
3. GENERAL WIRING: THERMOPLASTIC (PEC)

4. MI – MINERAL INSULATED, jacketed 75 / 167 Thermoplastic, 75˚C: wet locations

Used for Refrigerators/Freezers, Overused Appliances & Equipment (E.g. telephones, THHW heat and moisture
Computers) can withstand extreme temperature changes (freezing/heating point) 90 / 194 resistant 90˚C: dry locations

5. SNM – SHIELDED NON-METALLIC SHEATHED CABLE THW - 75˚C: wet locations

75 / 167 Thermoplastic, 90˚C: special applications
Telecommunication / SUBMARINE CABLE
THW / THW-2 heat and moisture (electric discharge lighting)
Can follow terrain, flexible; has inorganic insulator (i.e. plastic) and metallic insulator
resistant
90 / 194 THW-2 - dry and wet locations
6. SE/USE – SERVICE ENTRANCE / UNDERGROUND SERVICE ENTRANCE
 Aerial (Service Oblique/ Service Drop) – (3 wire power source to Porcelain Thermoplastic,
75 / 167 moisture and heat
bracket, to gooseneck, to meter, to panel board, etc.) THWN /
 Underground – (i.e. Pad Mounted Transformer – green steel box on resistant, nylon Dry and wet locations
THWN-2
90 / 194 jacket outer
concrete, underground electrical Distribution.)
sheath

7. UF – UNDERGROUND FEEDER – direct burial to ground TW 60 / 140

Thermoplastic,
Dry and wet locations
Covered in RSC (Rigid Steel Conduit) moisture resistant

XLPE, heat
9. FC – FLAT CABLING/ FLAT CABLE ASSEMBLIES XHH 90 / 194 Dry and damp locations
resistant
System furniture application/cable management
XHHW - 75˚C: wet locations,
75 / 167
90˚C: dry and damp locations
10. FCC – FLAT CONDUCTOR CABLE XHHW / XLPE, heat and
Used for independent circuit, general purpose XHHW-2 moisture resistant XHHW-2 - Dry and wet
90 / 194
Positive (Red Wire) and Negative (Black Wire) Cables are individually wrapped with a locations
filler in between; Produces more magnetism (unnecessary attraction, effects efficiency)
hence there’s a Nylon Stud that acts as a barrier between the two

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 BUILDING UTILITIES
ELECTRICAL & OTHER POWER SYSTEMS
Category 2. POWER HANDLING EQUIPMENTS
 TRANSFORMER – Transformer Vault/Transformer Room E. CIRCUIT PROTECTIVE DEVICES – Checks overload / short circuit
 SWITCHBOARD / SWITCHGEAR – Electrical Room
 MAIN PANEL BOARD – Electrical Closet (for buildings) FUSE – alloy link or wire; fusible link; nonrenewable
 Service Switch/Safety Switch A device containing a strip or wire of fusible metal that melts under the
 Circuit Breaker/Fuse heat produced by excess current thereby interrupting the circuit
 SERVICE DISTRIBUTION – delivered through a distribution panel, or
service panel. Plug Fuse – Required for Indigenous dwelling (5-30 amps)

(From Assignment No.5) Cartridge Fuse – Common in the Philippines (5-60 amps)
A TRANSFORMER – voltage to voltage
OUTDOOR TRANSFORMERS Knife Blade Fuse – (61-600 amps); DE/SE Circuit Breaker
H-frame – 1000 kva ; Oil Insulated Protects circuits, time delay
Cluster mounted – 225 kva ; Askarel Dual element (DE)
Pad mounted – 120V to 240V ; Switchboard Single element (SE)

INDOOR TRANSFORMERS Copper Pigtail – Solenoid; most sensitive part; senses short circuit and overload,
Dry Type – pad mounted; switchboard ; silicone insulation expands and sets to neutral
Askarel – synthetic non-flammable liquid Thermal Pigtail – detects heat
Oil-insulated – for transformer vault Magnetic Pigtail – detects polarity of positive-negative

TRANSFORMER RATING: stepped up/stepped down Category 3. UTILIZATION EQUIPMENTS – actual use
LIGHTING FIXTURES AND LUMINAIRES
B. SWITCHBOARD/SWITCHGEAR (From Assignment No.6)
Free standing; assemblies of Switches, Fuses / Circuit,
Breakers / Unit Substations (Transformer Load Center) – large facility FIXTURES / LUMINAIRES
Main Difference Between: Switchboard (slender); Switchgear (bulky) INCANDESCENT LAMP / BULB – FILAMENT
FLOURESCENT LAMP / TUBE – CATHODE
C. PANELBOARD – final distribution point; POWER PANEL and
LIGHTING PANEL CONDUITS / FITTINGS / CONDULETS
Main Panelboard and Distribution Panelboard
ELECTRICAL BOXES
D. SERVICE SWITCH – large switch or SERVICE SWITCH (SS)
Disconnecting apparatus PLATES
Service disconnecting means LIGHTING OUTLETS
Applied on apartments: Meter Banks RECEPTACLE / CONVENIENCE OUTLETS

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 BUILDING UTILITIES
ELECTRICAL & OTHER POWER SYSTEMS

A.) FIXTURES/LUMINAIRES B.) CONDUITS – (Electrical Raceway) pipes (bigger diameter), tubings (smaller diameter)
INCANDESCENT LAMP / BULB – no ballast, Filament
1. FILAMENT MATERIALS (Metallic or Nonmetallic)
2. GAS Make:
3. LEAD-IN-WIRES 1.) Rigid Metal (RMC) / Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT)
4. STEM PRESS
5. EXHAUST TUBE a) Rigid Steel Conduit (RSC)
6. BASE For feeders, threaded, bigger diameter, thicker
7. FUSE b) Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC); IMT (Tubing)
8. MICA DISC For wirings and cables, threaded
9. BUTTON ROD c) Electric Metallic Conduit (EMC); (EMT) Electric Metallic Tubing
10. BUTTON NOT threaded, slender
11. SUPPORT WIRES Has compression knot / bell / spigot
12. GLASS ENVELOPE 2.) Flexible Metal (BX)
Soft Glass and Hard Glass 3.) Rigid Nonmetal (Plastic, etc.)
Inside frosted – WHITE SILICA 4.) Flexible Nonmetal (Plastic, etc.) – flexible tubing, corrugated

FLUORESCENT LAMP/TUBE – Cathode C.) CONDULETS (Conduit Fittings)

Used for tight areas, pass under beams
1. CYLINDRICAL GLASS TUBE – phosphor  Straight and angle couplings
2. CATHODE – argon and low pressure mercury vapor  Elbow Fittings – Long Sweep
3. BALLAST – limits current  Tee and Cross connections
4. STARTER – switch; starts the ballast  F – Standard outlet box fittings
TYPES:  SE – Service Entrance
PRE-HEAT STARTING – CFL – COMPACT FLOURESCENT LIGHT BULB  L – Elbow or Turn Fittings
Requires a starter which preheats the cathodes so that less  C – Through Fittings (Coupling)
voltage is required
 T – Through Fittings w/ 90° take off
2-5 seconds delay in the start of lamp after switch is on
 E – End of run to types of motors, transformers, equipment
CFLs emit the brightest cool white
 LL/LR - 90° turns where mounting is not suitable for LB (LR- angled to the right)
1990s – Intro of CFLs
 LB – (angled and bended) when run of conduit comes must run thru wall/ceiling
PHOSPHOR – Powder that diffuses light, spreads light
evenly in the tube
D.) ELECTRICAL BOXES
INSTANT START (SLIMLINE) – w/o a starter; not commercially available,
Used for photocopying machines, scanners, x-rays, flash bulbs
OUTLET BOX – cable ends , Circle-shaped, roughing-in for a lighting outlet
Start as soon as current is turned on and
eliminates the need for external starters UTILITY BOX – outlets, switches (has Locknut & Bushing to hold conduit)
RAPID START – bi-pins JUNCTION BOX – joining, splicing ; Octagonal-shape
Most recent developments and the one that is most widely used;
PULL BOX – facilitates pulling (pulling in of wires or cables)
They start as quickly as the instant-start lamps; require no
external starters; and the ballasts are smaller and more efficient CUT-OUT BOX – metal box, can be a fuse box, for panel boards

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 BUILDING UTILITIES
ELECTRICAL & OTHER POWER SYSTEMS
E.) PLATES CONVENIENCE OUTLETS/RECEPTACLES:
Lighting Outlets/Switches
OUTLET - point in a circuit where other devices can be connected.
Receptacle / Convenience Outlets
RECEPTACLE - a device (at an outlet box) to which any plug-in extension line,
appliance, or device can be connected
SWITCHES (Gang Plates)
CONVENIENCE OUTLETS (Single, Duplex, Triplex) TYPES OF OUTLETS AND RECEPTACLES:

BRANCH CIRCUITS  CONVENIENCE RECEPTACLES - for small appliances and lamps; available in
single, double, or multiple-units
BRANCH CIRCUITS  LIGHTING OUTLETS FOR LAMP HOLDERS
 SURFACE-MOUNTED FIXTURES
 From the distribution panel, electricity is routed to the building through branch circuits  FLUSH OR RECESSED FIXTURES
 Each circuit delivers electricity to a limited number of outlets or devices and protected with  LIGHTING FIXTURES
a circuit breaker  SPECIAL-PURPOSE RECEPTACLES - for one electrical device
Branch Circuits Are Divided Into Three Types By The PEC: E.g. ACU outlet – SCO (Single Convenience Outlet)
NOTES:
1) LIGHTING CIRCUITS
2) SMALL-APPLIANCE CIRCUITS (ex. convenience outlets)  DUPLEX CONVENIENCE OUTLET – 0.30 mts. From the floor
3) INDIVIDUAL CIRCUITS  SWITCH – 1.2 to 1.5 mts.

(From Assignment No. 7)  Toggle Switches – tumbler switch; used to control circuits
UE: Switches and Convenience Outlets
 Dimmer Switch – control intensity of light by touch, slider, and rotary control
SWITCHES:  Master Switch – control circuits throughout an entire building or area from one location
Switches control the flow of electricity to outlets and to individual devices
 Time Switches – on/off at specified time intervals
TYPES OF SWITCHES:
 LIGHTING OUTLETS – 8 in a Circuit
1) Single Gang
2) Two Gang  Types of Outlet:
3) Three Gang
o Type A – two-pronged, flat, one side bigger for anchorage purpose
4) Three Way Switch
o Type B – Universal Outlet; two flat parallel pins, and one long round earth pin
 Small-appliance circuits and individual circuits are usually "hot," meaning that electricity
o Type O – Circular; 3 plug, primarily used in Thailand; Thailand power adapter
is available in the outlet at all times.
 HOME INTEGRATION SYSTEMS
 Lighting circuits, however, may be either hot or controlled by switches.
o ELECTRONIC WIRING – 150 V in nature NOT 230 V
 Single-pole switches control one fixture, device or outlet. To control lights from two Fully Integrated Automation System – Requires Mechanical Sheet As Auxiliary
different switches a three-way switching circuit (three wires and two switches) is used Sheet For I.T.
often installed for the top and bottom of stairways.
Signed by ECE (Electronics & Communications Engr.) – More Than 5 Telephony
o POWER WIRING – Lighting
o MISCELLANEOUS WIRING

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 BUILDING UTILITIES
ELECTRICAL & OTHER POWER SYSTEMS
ASSIGNMENT No. 1 PRINCIPLES OF ELECTRICITY RESEARCH No. 1
1. What is Electric Current? How does National Power Corporation operate with local electricity utility companies?

2. What is Direct Current? What Alternating Current?

CONCRETE PEDESTAL POLE
3. Definition of
ELECTRIC CIRCUIT
SERVICE OBLIQUE AND SERVICE LATERAL
CLOSE CIRCUIT

OPEN CIRCUIT RESEARCH No. 4

RAISED FLOOR SYSTEM
PARALLEL CIRCUIT

SERIES CIRCUIT RESEARCH No. 5

Ampere Ratings for Fuse and Circuit Breakers for Residential and Commercial Use
4. What is OHM’S LAW?

5. TERMINOLOGIES: RESEARCH No. 6

DEVICE TYPES OF INCANDESCENT BULBS

WATT
LED BULBS AND LAMPS
ALTERNATOR

GENERATOR NEMA BOXES

MOTOR
RESEARCH No. 7
BATTERY New Trends of Switches and Convenience Outlets

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