ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

I. CONDUCTORS
II. INSULATORS
III. CONDUITS
IV. RACEWAYS
V. OUTLETS AND RECEPTACLES
VI. SWITCHES
VII. WALL PLATES OR FACEPLATES
VIII. OVER-CURRENT CIRCUIT PROTECTIVE DEVICES

I. CONDUCTORS – Are materials which allow the free flow of electrons through
them. Metals generally have the least resistance in the flow of electric current. The
best conductors are precious metals, such as silver, gold and platinum. Copper and
aluminum are the most commonly used materials for conductors. However, since
aluminum forms an oxide layer which is poorly conductive, aluminum is restricted to
small wires while copper is preferred in all conductor types.

1. TYPES OF CONDUCTORS – there are three types of conductors:

WIRES - A metal wire is flexible. Mechanical loads are carried by wire ropes. In
electricity and telecommunications signals, a "wire" is an electrical cable with a "solid
core" comprising a single wire or stranded or braided strands.

CABLE - Electrical cables transport electric current by assembling one or more wires
side by side or bundled. A cable assembly is a partial product that may be soldered onto
a printed circuit board with a connector affixed to the housing. It may not be adequate
for connecting two devices.

BUSBARS - Metal strips or bars are used in switch gear, panel boards, and busway
enclosures for local high-current power distribution. Switch yards and battery banks
connect high- and low-voltage equipment with them.

WIRES CABLE BUSBARS

II.CONDUCTOR SIZES –AWG/MCM STANDARD
III.CONDUCTOR AMPACITY – All other conditions being equal, wires with smaller
cross-sectional areas have higher resistance per length. Power equals P=I2R, therefore
a wire with higher resistance dissipates more heat for any given current. Heat from a
conductor's resistance may damage a wire and items surrounding it, particularly
because most wires are insulated with plastic or rubber, which melts and burns. All else
being equal, thin wires will accept less current than thick wires. Maximum current a
conductor can carry is its ampacity.

IV.TYPES OF CABLES – (table of description, illustration) below

TYPES OF CABLES
II. TYPE LETTER TRADE NAME DESCRIPTION ILLUSTRATION
1. Type AC Armor Clad Armored Cable
2. Type MC MC Cable Metal Clad
Cable
3. Type NM or NM Cable
NMC
4. Type SNM
5. Type UF UF Cable
6. Type SE or USE USE cable
7. Type TC Tray Cable
8. Type FC Feeder Cable
9. Type FCC Flat Flexible
Cable
10. MV Medium Voltage.
INSULATORS – are materials which prevent the flow of electrons through them. Glass,
mica, rubber, oil, porcelain, and certain synthetics such as phenolic compounds exhibit
this insulating property and are therefore used to insulate electric conductors. Common
examples are rubber and plastic wire coverings, porcelain lamp sockets and oil
immersed switches.

Insulation is rated by voltage, for example 300V, 600V, 1000V, 3000V, 5000V and
15000V. If insulation is used above its recommended voltage rating, it may break down
causing short circuits and arcing with the possibility of fire starting.
In general, there are the unjacketed and jacketed types.
The unjacketed conductors: are those which consist of a copper conductor covered
with insulation T (thermoplastic) or TW (Moisture-resistant Thermoplastic).
The jacketed conductors: are the THHN (Heat-resistant thermoplastic) and the THWN
(Moisture and Heat-resistant thermoplastic) both of which have a nylon jacket
designated as N.

The common types of insulation are:

1. TYPES OF INSULATORS – (table of description, illustration)

TYPES OF INSULATORS – GENERAL WIRING
TRADE NAME TYPE LETTER MAXIMUM APPLICATION
OPERATING PROVISIONS
TEMPERATURE
1. RHW wire RHW Dry and wet
locations
2. T
3. TW Thermoplastic W wire is often
Wire used in dry
locations and is
not designed for
exposure to
moisture.
4. THHN Thermoplastic THHN wire is
High Heat- commonly used
resistant Nylon- in dry locations
coated Wire. and can also be
used in conduit
systems.
5. THW Thermoplastic THW wire is
Heat and Water- often used in wet
resistant Wire. or damp
locations and
can be exposed
to moisture
without
compromising its
electrical
properties.
6. THWN Thermoplastic THWN wire is
Heat-resistant, designed to be
Water-resistant, resistant to
Nylon-coated moisture, making
Wire. it suitable for use
in wet or damp
locations.
7. XHHW Cross-Linked XHHW wire is
Polyethylene known for its
High Heat- high-temperature
resistant Wire. rating, making it
suitable for use
in high-heat
environments.
8. SA SJO Cord are commonly
used for various
portable
electrical
devices,
including power
tools,
appliances,
extension cords,
and equipment
in both
residential and
commercial
settings.
9. AVA
III. CONDUITS- are circular raceways used to enclose wires and cables and are of
metal or plastic (PVC).

1. PURPOSE OF CONDUITS
 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.

2. TYPES OF STEEL CONDUITS

TYPES OF STEEL CONDUITS
Type Name Description Illustration
1. RSC - Electricians and
builders call RSC "Rigid
Steel Conduit." In
numerous applications,
RSC conduit protects
and routes electrical
wires and cables. Steel
conduits are strong and
durable, protecting
against physical
damage, moisture, and
fire. Commercial and
industrial environments
utilize RSC.
2. IMC - IMC is a lighter-weight
version of RMC, also
made of steel or
aluminum. It offers
good protection for
electrical wiring and is
commonly used in
commercial and
industrial applications.
3.EMT - EMT is a thin-walled
steel conduit that is
easy to bend and
install. It's commonly
used in residential and
commercial
applications where
 flexibility is required.

Standard length of steel conduits is 3m or 10ft.

When steel conduits are installed in direct contact with the earth, it is advisable to use
the hot-dip galvanized type and to coat the joints with asphaltum.

IV. RACEWAYS – are channels or wiring accessories so designed for holding wires,
cables and busbars that are either made of metal, plastic, or any insulating medium.

RACEWAYS ILLUSTRATIONS
1. FLOOR RACEWAYS
a) Underfloor Raceways

b) Cellular Metal Floor Raceways

c) Cellular Concrete Floor

Raceways

2. CEILING RACEWAYS
a) Header Ducts (wireways)
 b) Distribution ducts (laterals)

V. 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.

KINDS OF OUTLETS DESCRIPTION ILLUSTRATION

1.Convenience Outlet or Convenience outlets can
Attachment Cap be installed on walls, in
floor boxes, or in various
other locations to provide
access to electrical power
for devices like lamps,
computers, appliances,
and chargers.

2.Lighting Outlet is an electrical component

designed specifically for
connecting and powering
lighting fixtures. It is an
essential part of a
building's electrical system
and provides a means to
supply electrical power to
various types of lighting,
including ceiling lights, wall
sconces, pendant lights,
chandeliers, and more.
Here is a description of a
typical lighting outlet:
 3.Receptacle Outlet also known as a "power
outlet" or "outlet," is an
electrical device that
connects electrical plugs
from appliances, gadgets,
and equipment to the
electrical supply.
Receptacle outlets power
many electrical equipment
in homes, workplaces, and
other facilities. A typical
receptacle outlet is
described here.
4.Receptacles In some cases, a lighting
outlet may consist of a
standard electrical
receptacle (like a wall
outlet) that is dedicated to
powering a lamp or other
portable lighting device.
These receptacles typically
have a hot (live) wire and a
neutral wire.

VI. SWITCHES – are devices for making, breaking, or changing conditions in an

electrical circuit under the conditions of load which they are rated. Switches are rated
according to current and voltage, duty, poles and throw, fusibility and enclosure.
Switches may be classified as follows:

TYPES OF SWITCH: ACCORDING TO VOLTAGE

250V
600V
5KV
TYPES OF SWITCH: ACCORDING TO TYPE OF SERVICE
DESCRIPTION ILLUSTRATION
1.SERVICE Depending on
SWITCH context, "SERVICE
SWITCH" may refer
to different areas
and technologies,
changing its
meaning. Example:
Service Switching
Point A Service
Switching Point in
the Intelligent
Network (IN)
architecture routes
calls based on
service logic. It is
essential for call
forwarding, call
waiting, and other
sophisticated
telecom services.
2.POWER electronic devices
SWITCHES that regulate
electrical power to
circuit components.
They switch
electrical power on
and off, which is
critical for electrical
system functioning,
safety, and
efficiency. Power
switches are
versatile and
available in many
shapes. Some
popular power
switch kinds and
descriptions:
a)General Electrical and
electronic
applications employ
a variety of
switches,
independent of
purpose or industry.
Switches are
 essential to
electrical circuit
regulation. General
switch types:
b)Disconnecting Electrical switches
or that separate
Isolating electrical circuits or
switches isolate equipment
from the power
source for repair,
service, or safety
are called
disconnecting or
isolating switches.
These switches are
essential for
electrical system
workers' safety and
accident
prevention. Several
disconnecting or
isolating switches
exist.
3.WIRING Electrical
SWITCHES installations need
switch wiring to
control lights,
appliances, and
other electrical
equipment in your
house or facility.
Switch wiring
provides proper
operation and
safety. General
wiring instructions
for popular
switches
a)General
b)Three-way Three-way switches
switches are a type of
electrical switch
used in pairs to
control a single light
fixture or electrical
device from two
 different locations.
They are commonly
used in hallways,
staircases, and
large rooms where
it's convenient to
have multiple
switch locations for
the same light or
load. Here's how to
wire three-way
switches
c) Four-way Three-way switches
switches and four-way
switches control
lighting or electrical
equipment from
many places. When
many switch
locations are
required to regulate
the same light or
load in bigger
rooms, corridors, or
stairs, they are
employed. Four-
way switches allow
many places to
regulate a circuit,
although they are
more complicated
to wire.
d) Electrolier or Electrolier switches,
multi- also known as
circuit switches multi-circuit or
multiway switches,
control numerous
lighting circuits or
fixtures from one
position. These
switches are used
in complicated
lighting control
systems in big
conference rooms,
auditoriums, and
 theaters.
e) Momentary Electrical switches
contact called momentary
switches contact switches or
momentary buttons
only stay active or
closed when
triggered or
pushed. The switch
returns to open
when the actuation
force is withdrawn.
In electronic and
electrical
applications that
need brief or
temporary
activation,
momentary contact
switches are
commonly
employed.
f) Dimmer Electrical switches
switches called dimmers let
you modify lighting
fixture brightness or
bulb intensity. They
are used in homes,
workplaces, and
businesses to set
lighting moods,
save energy, and
prolong light bulb
life. Dimmer
switches control
light brightness by
changing electrical
current.
TYPE OF SWITCH: ACCORDING TO OPERATION MECHANISM
DESCRIPTION ILLUSTRATION
1. ROTARY Rotary switches
SWITCH regulate electrical
current between
several contact
sites by spinning.
These switches
 may be utilized in
many applications
depending on their
design and setup.
Radios, amplifiers,
appliances, and
industrial machines
employ rotary
switches for many
settings or
alternatives.
Rotating a knob or
lever to establish or
break electrical
connections is
rotary switches'
main characteristic.
Rotary switches are
classed by design
and functionality
and have different
working methods.
This list includes
common rotary
switches by
operating
mechanism.
2. PUSH-BUTTON Push button
SWITCH switches are
actuated by
pressing a button to
make or break the
electrical
connection. They
are often used for
momentary actions,
such as doorbells,
gaming consoles,
and reset buttons.
3.TOGGLE OR Toggle switches
TUMBLER are operated by
SWITCH flipping a lever or
toggle between two
positions, typically
"on" and "off." They
are widely used for
simple on/off
control in various
applications, from
household lighting
to electronic
devices.
TYPE OF SWITCH: ACCORDING TO NUMBER OF POLES AND THROWS
DESCRIPTION ILLUSTRATION
1. POLES refers to the
number of separate
circuits or paths
controlled by the
switch,

2. THROWS refers to the

number of positions
the switch can
adopt for each pole.
Here are common
types of switches
based on the
number of poles
and throws:
SPECIAL SWITCHES
DESCRIPTION ILLUSTRATION
1. TIME A time-controlled
CONTROLLED switch, also known
SWITCHES as a timer switch or
time switch, lets
you arrange and
automate electrical
circuits or devices
to turn on and off at
certain times.
Homes,
businesses, and
industries utilize
these switches to
regulate lighting,
heating, cooling,
and other electrical
demands. Time-
controlled switches
save energy, are
convenient, and
secure.
2. REMOTE A remote control
CONTROL switch, also known
SWITCHES as a remote-
(RC) controlled switch or
remote switch, is an
electrical switch
that can be
operated from a
distance using a
remote control
device. These
switches are
designed to provide
convenient control
over lighting,
appliances, and
other electrical
devices without the
need for direct
physical contact
with the switch
itself. Remote
control switches are
commonly used in
homes, offices, and
 various other
settings to enhance
convenience and
automation.
3. AIR SWITCH In most
applications, a "air
switch" is an
electrical or
pneumatic switch
that is activated by
air flow or pressure.
Examples of
popular air switches
and their
descriptions
4. KNIFE SWITCH A knife switch,
sometimes known
as a toggle knife
switch or just a
knife switch, is a
manually controlled
electrical switch
with a rotating
metal lever that
makes or breaks
circuit connections.
Many electrical and
educational
applications have
employed knife
switches, but safety
concerns and the
availability of more
sophisticated
switches have
made them less
prevalent.
5. FLOAT Float switches are
SWITCH electrical switches
that are triggered or
deactivated by
liquid levels in
containers or tanks.
Sump pumps,
water tanks, and
industrial machines
utilize these
switches to monitor
and manage fluid
levels. Float
switches automate
pumps, valves,
alarms, and other
devices in response
to liquid levels
easily and reliably.
6. MERCURY Mercury switches
SWITCH employ liquid
mercury to
establish or break
electrical
connections. It has
a sealed glass or
metal container
with two or more
electrical
connections and a
little mercury.
Mercury switches
are helpful for many
applications since
their behavior relies
on orientation and
movement. Mercury
switches have been
replaced with safer
substitutes owing to
environmental
concerns and
mercury toxicity.
Mercury switches
have these main
characteristics and
 components.
7. KEY SWITCH Key switches, often
called keylock
switches, use a key
to create or break
electrical
connections. These
switches need a
key to activate or
deactivate,
providing security
and control over
electrical circuits or
equipment. Access
control, security,
and industrial
machines employ
key switches. Key
switch
characteristics and
components are
listed below.
8. AUTOMATIC An Automatic
TRANSFER Transfer Switch
SWITCH (ATS) or Automatic
(ATC) Transfer Controller
(ATC) automatically
switches an
electrical load's
power source.
Homes,
businesses,
hospitals, data
centers, and
industrial locations
use ATS for reliable
energy. Its primary
aim is to sustain
energy during
power outages or
while switching
between a main
utility supply and a
backup generator.
Key Automatic
Transfer Switch
 features and
operations

VII. WALL PLATES OR FACEPLATES – these are coverings for switches and wall
outlets usually made of metal or of phenolic compound (Bakelite). Wall plates are single
gang, two-gang and three-gang.

VIII. 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.
The two most common devices used are the fuse and the circuit breaker.
While panel boards and switchboards or switchgears compose an assembly of fuses or
circuit breakers.

1. 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. Any current which
would be dangerous to the circuit melts this fuse, opens the circuit at this point
and thus protects the rest of the components from the effects of the current. The
cause of the large current may then be removed and a new fuse inserted in place
of the broken one.

TYPES OF FUSES
TYPE DESCRIPTION CURRENT RATING AND
VOLTS
1. PLUG FUSE Plug fuses, sometimes
known as cartridge fuses,
protect electrical circuits
and equipment against
overcurrent and short-
circuit events. Household
electrical systems employ
these fuses to protect
appliances and wires.
Fuse sockets or holders
are intended to
accommodate plug fuses.
2. CARTRIDGE FUSE Cartridge fuses safeguard
electrical circuits and
equipment against over
current and short-circuit
events. Its cylindrical fuse
body contains a fuse
element, which melts or
breaks under high current,
breaking the electrical
circuit and protecting
associated devices and
cables. Residential and
industrial electrical
systems employ cartridge
fuses of different sizes and
voltage ratings.
a) Cartridge type with Ferrule-contact cartridge
ferrule contacts fuses are utilized in
electrical and industrial
applications. Like cartridge
fuses, they safeguard
electrical circuits and
equipment against
overcurrent and short-
circuit events. The ferrule-
style contacts, cylindrical
metal end caps, make
installation and connecting
in fuse holders or clips
uncomplicated.
b) Cartridge type with Electrical and industrial
knife blade contacts applications employ
cartridge fuses with knife
blade connections. Like
cartridge fuses, these
fuses safeguard electrical
circuits and equipment
against overcurrent and
short-circuit events. Their
distinctive contact method
of knife blade-like
terminals makes them
simple to insert and
connect in fuse holders or
clips.
 c) Cartridge type with Electricians and
bolted knife blade industrialists employ
contacts cartridge fuses with
fastened knife blade
contacts to control larger
currents and voltages. Like
cartridge fuses, these
fuses safeguard electrical
circuits and equipment
against overcurrent and
short-circuit events.
However, knife blade
contacts with bolted
connectors provide reliable
electrical connections.
3. OPEN LINK FUSE In electrical power
distribution networks,
open-link fuses safeguard
overhead lines and
equipment against
overcurrent events like
short circuits and high
loads. Open-link fuses are
prevalent in medium-
voltage distribution.
STANDARD TYPE OF FUSES
A. NONRENEWABLE hese are fuses that cannot
PLUG FUSE be reset or reused once
they have operated
(blown) due to overcurrent
conditions. Nonrenewable
fuses typically need to be
replaced with a new fuse
after they have interrupted
the circuit.
B. NONRENEWABLE Nonrenewable knife blade
KNIFE BLADE FUSE fuses safeguard electrical
circuits and equipment
against short circuits and
high loads. After blowing,
nonrenewable knife blade
fuses cannot be reset or
reused. New fuses must
be used after overcurrent
interruption.
C. NONRENEWABLE Nonrenewable knife blade
DUAL ELEMENT TIME fuses safeguard electrical
DELAY FERRULE circuits and equipment
CARTRIDGE FUSES against short circuits and
high loads. After blowing,
nonrenewable knife blade
fuses cannot be reset or
reused. New fuses must
be used after overcurrent
interruption.

D. NONRENEWABLE A nonrenewable high

HIGH INTERRUPTING interrupting capacity
CAPACITY CURRENT current-limiting fuse with
LIMITING FUSE (DUAL twin elements protects
ELEMENT) electrical circuits and
equipment against short
circuits and high current
loads. This fuse has high
interrupting capacity and
can securely interrupt or
disconnect a circuit even at
high fault current levels. A
"dual element" fuse has
two fuse elements in one
housing, each performing
a unique function.
E. NONRENEWABLE Nonrenewable tiny fuses
MINIATURE FUSE safeguard circuits and
equipment against short
circuits and high loads.
Consumer electronics,
automobile systems, and
industrial machines employ
miniature fuses, which are
tiny. Nonrenewable tiny
fuses cannot be reset or
reused after overcurrent
blowing. Replace them
with new fuses to restore
circuit protection.

2. 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. It is not
 self-destructive on operation, as the fuse is, and it can be reset after tripping by
merely operating its handle.

3. TRIPPING – Refers to the cutting-off or disconnection of the current electric

supply. Most circuit breakers are equipped with both thermal and magnetic trips.
a. THERMAL TRIP – (descriptions)
b. MAGNETIC TRIP – (descriptions)
4. GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTERS (GFCI OR GFI) - is an
overcurrent protective device that will provide ground fault protection as well as
function as an ordinary circuit breaker.
5. GUIDELINES FOR THE USE OF OVERCURRENT DEVICES
 Overcurrent devices must be placed on the line side (or supply side) of the
equipment being protected.
 Overcurrent devices must be placed in all ungrouted conductors of the
protected circuit.
 All equipment should be protected in accordance with their respective
current-carrying capacity.

6. PANELBOARDS – popularly known as “panel” or “electrical panel”, it is simply

the box wherein the protective devises are housed from which the circuits and
busbars terminate. If the devises are of fuses, it is called a “Fuse Panel” and if
the devices are circuit breakers, it is called a “Breaker Panel”. It is rare that fuses
and breakers are housed in the same box, except that a Breaker Panel may
sometimes have a main switch and a fuse for overall protection of the panel.

TYPES OF PANELBOARDS: OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS:

ACCORDING TO USE
1.Lighting Panelboards (LP) 1.Flush Type
2.Power or Motor Panelboards (PP) 2.Surface Type
3.Distribution Panelboards (DP)
(Provide illustrations) (Provide illustrations)

PANELBOARD LOCATION
 A 1m high or less panelboard should be located 1.35m from the floor to its
centerline.
 A panelboard over 1m high should be located 75cm from the floor to the
bottom of the box, except that the highest branch circuit floor to the bottom of
the box, except that the highest branch circuit connection should not be more
than 1.95m from the floor.
  If necessary, the 75cm can be lowered to 45cm with the same restrictions as
in No.2. If these requirements cannot be followed, the panel should be divided
into two sections.
 If two or more panels are adjacent on the same wall, the centerlines of each
box should be equidistant. In addition, panel boxes should be installed with a
minimum spacing of 10cm apart.

7. 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.

TYPES OF SWITCHBOARDS
TYPE DESCRIPTION ILLUSTRATION
1. LIVE FRONT A "live front" switchboard
is constructed with
safety measures and
construction methods to
reduce operator danger
of inadvertent contact
with electrified
equipment. In electrical
distribution networks,
live front switchboards
safeguard workers on
and around equipment.
Live front switchboards
have several crucial
qualities.
2. DEAD FRONT A "dead front"
switchboard totally
shields active electrical
components from
operator access and
direct touch. The
switchboard's "dead
front" hides all active
electrical components
behind safety barriers.
Operator safety is
improved by reducing
unintentional contact
with electrified
components.
8. UNIT SUBSTATIONS – (Transfer Load Centers) an assembly of primary switch-
fuse-breaker, step-down transformer, meters, controls, busbars and secondary
switchboard. It is used to supply power from a primary voltage line to any large
facility.