Electrical

System and
Illumination
1. How do you determine the wattage of
the lighting outlets?

Amps (A) x Volts (V) x Power Factor = Watts (W)

2. How do you rate circuit breakers & fuses?
You need to present an example.
• Fuses and circuit breakers are rated by their maximum current value.
The prime function of overload protection is to safeguard conductors
and cables from becoming too hot. Thus the fuse or circuit breaker
rating must be no greater than that of the smallest cable protected.

• For example, an 18 A fuse will allow currents up to 18 amps to flow,

but will open ("blow") at current values greater than 18 amps.
3. How do you chose the size of conductors?

Cable size selection is based on three main factors:

• Current carrying capacity
• Voltage regulation
• Short circuit rating
• The current carrying rating is determined by the
conductor size and the thermal heating of the cable. The
cable spacing, application and insulation materials are
relevant to the dissipation of this heat.

• Voltage regulation is not usually a problem with well-

designed electrical power systems but the voltage drop
incurred with excessively long cable runs needs to be
accounted for.
4. What is the rule to follow in choosing conductors?

Choose conductors that can safely carry the

anticipated electrical load without exceeding
voltage drop and current-carrying capacity.
Consider factors like circuit type, length, insulation
type, and electrical code requirements.
5. What is the maximum number of convenience
outlets in a circuit?

A maximum of 8 outlets for a 15 amp circuit.

6. What is the maximum number of lighting outlet
a circuit can have?
The National Electrical Code (NEC) does not limit
the number of outlets per circuit. The NEC only
states that a circuit cannot supply more than 80%
of the circuit breakers limits.