ELEC 104

1. Overcurrent devices and their function; advantage and disadvantage.

 An overcurrent protection device (OCPD) is a piece of electrical equipment used to
protect service, feeder, and branch circuits and equipment from excess current by
interrupting the flow of current.
 Overcurrent protection simply means a fuse, breaker, or fusible link is used to protect the
equipment, a circuit in the equipment, or the equipment’s wiring. These terms are often
used interchangeably because they have some similarities. Breakers or fuses are normally
used to protect the whole unit from excessive current, but they can be sized to protect one
component in the unit. This provides overcurrent protection for the unit and offers
optional protection for components like the transformer or circuit board.
ADVANTAGE AND DISADVANTAGE

 advantage of overcurrent devices is that they help ensure electrical safety by cutting
off power in case of a fault, reducing the risk of electrical shocks or injuries. On the
downside, some overcurrent devices can be expensive to install and maintain,
especially in complex electrical systems. Additionally, improper sizing or installation
of overcurrent devices can lead to either inadequate protection or frequent nuisance
trips, impacting system reliability.

2. Types and sizes of electrical wires.

 NON-METALLIC CABLE
A non-metallic, or NM cable, is one of the most common types of electrical wires in
modern homes. These cables typically feature a hot wire, a ground wire, and a neutral
wire in one sheathing. They’re also sometimes referred to as Romex cables. NM
cables are used to conduct electricity throughout your home to switches, outlets, and
other appliances.
 ARMORED CABLE
You may have heard armored cables called AC cables or BX wiring,
but they’re all one in the same. This type of cable is often used in
areas with stricter rules and regulations surrounding electrical codes,
where NM cables may not be allowed. Armored cables are more
expensive than NM cables, but they’re also sturdier and safer.
 METAL-CLAD CABLE
Metal-clad cables, or MC cables, are covered in a protective metal
sheath. This type of cable is sturdier than a typical NM cable and is
suitable for areas that may be unfinished or exposed, such as
basements.
 THHN/THWN wire
THHN stands for thermoplastic highly heat resistant nylon-coated
wire, and THWN stands for thermoplastic heat-resistant wire rated
for wet locations. Both of these types of insulated wire are often used
to connect appliances with branch circuits.
SIZE:

 The size of the wire is an indicator of how much electricity it can conduct. Wire sizes
are measured in gauges, which are inversely proportional to the size of the wire. The
smaller the gauge number, the bigger the wire will be and the more electricity it can
carry.

 Common electrical wire sizes in residential homes include:

(14-gauge,12-gauge,10-gauge,8-gauge,4-gauge,3-gauge,2-gauge)
3. Grounding: theory and importance.
 Grounding theory in electrical engineering revolves around establishing a
low-resistance path between electrical devices or systems and the earth. The
primary objective is to provide a reference point for voltage levels and to
ensure safety by facilitating the dissipation of fault currents.

1. REFERENCE POINT
 REFERENCE POINT
Grounding provides a stable reference point for electrical
voltages. By connecting electrical systems or equipment to the
earth, grounding establishes a common voltage level that
serves as a reference for circuits and equipment within a
system.
 SAFETY
Grounding plays a crucial role in electrical safety. It helps
prevent electrical shocks by directing fault currents away from
users and equipment. In the event of a fault, such as a short
circuit, grounding provides a low-impedance path for the fault
current to flow safely to the earth, triggering protective devices
to isolate the faulty circuit.
 STABILITY
Grounding helps stabilize electrical voltages and reduces the
risk of transient overvoltages. It dissipates static charges and
minimizes electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio
frequency interference (RFI), which can affect the performance
of electrical systems and equipment.
 Functionality
Proper grounding is essential for the reliable operation of
electrical systems and equipment. It helps ensure the integrity
of signal references, reduces the potential for equipment
damage due to electrical faults, and enhances system
performance by minimizing noise and interference.

Overall, grounding theory is fundamental to the design, installation, and maintenance of

electrical systems, providing a framework for achieving safety, stability, and functionality in
electrical engineering applications.

REFERENCES:
Roderick, A. (2021, February 10). What are Overcurrent Protection
Devices? Technical Articles. https://eepower.com/technical-articles/what-are-
overcurrent-protection-devices/#:~:text=In%20the%20event%20of%20an,capable
%20of%20correcting%20the%20problem.
Wack, M. (2023, September 14). 8 types of electrical wires you can find in your
home. Angi. https://www.angi.com/articles/electrical-wires-cables-types.htm
Mari, L. (2020, April 14). The basics of grounding electrical systems. Technical Articles.

https://eepower.com/technical-articles/the-basics-of-grounding-electrical-systems/