ENGINEERING UTILITIES 1

(ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
PRINCIPLES OF ELECTRICITY
Electricity
Is a form of energy generated by friction,
induction or chemical change, having
magnetic, chemical and radiant effect.
Is a property of the basic particle of
matter which like an atom consist of:
a) Electron
b) Proton
c) Neutron
Electron is a negatively charged particle of
an atom sometimes referred to as the
negative charge of electricity.
Proton is the positively charged particle
of an atom which is sometimes referred
to as the positive charge.
Neutron is that particle of an Atom which
is not electrical charged and weighs
slightly more than the proton
Definition of terms
Ion is an atom or molecule that is electrically
charged.
Volt/Voltage is the electrical pressure that
causes the electrons to move through a
conductor (wire). In other words, voltage is
the electromotive force.
Ampere is the standard unit used in
measuring the strength of an electric current,
named after Andre M. Ampere.
Definition of terms
Watt – is the rate or measure of power used
or consumed. It represents the equivalent
heat volts and ampere consumed by lights,
appliances or motors.
Circuit refers to the wire installation that
supply current to the light convenient
outlets.
Resistance – is the friction or opposition to
the flow of current by the wires and
transformers.
 UNIT OF ELECTRIC CURRENT
THE ''AMPERE"

When electricity flows in a conductor, a

certain number of electrons pass a given
point in the conductor in 1 second.
Numerically, an ampere of current flows in
a conductor when 6.25 x 10^18 electrons
pass a given cross section in 1 second.
Diagram
UNIT OF ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
THE "VOLT" OR "V"

The electron movement and its

concomittant energy, which constitutes
electricity, is caused by creating a higher
positive electric charge at one point on a
conductor than exists at another point on
that same conductor.
UNIT OF ELECTRIC RESISTANCE:
THE OHM

The flow of fluid in a hydraulic system is impeded

by friction; the flow of current in an electric circuit
is impeded {resisted) by resistance, which is the
electrical term for friction. In a direct-current
circuit (d-el this unit is called resistance and is
abbreviated R; in an alternating current circuit (a-c)
it is called impedance and is abbreviated Z. The
unit of measurement is called the ohm.
How does Resistance works
Types of resistor
Ohms Law
The current I that will flow in a the circuit is
directly proportional to the voltage V and
inversely proportional to the resistance R
of the circuit.
𝑉 𝑉
𝐼= 𝐼=
I = current 𝑅 𝑍
V = Voltage
R = Resistance for DC Electricity
Z = Impedance for AC electricity
Ohms Law
1. The higher the voltage, the larger the
current.
2. The higher the resistance, the lower
the current.
Voltage = Current x resistance
V=IxR
Current = Voltage/ Resistance
I = V/R
Resistance = Voltage/Current
R = V/I
Power = Voltage x Current
P=VxI
By Further Algebraic Manipulation of the
Formula
𝐏 𝐏 𝐏
𝐏= 𝐈 𝟐 𝐱𝐑 𝐈= 𝐕= R=
𝐕 𝐈 𝐈𝟐
EXAMPLES
1) An incandescent lamp having a hot resistance of
66 ohms is put into a socket that is connected to a
115 V supply. What current flows through the lamp?

𝑉 115
𝐼= I = 66
= 1.74 𝐴𝑀𝑃𝐸𝑅𝐸𝑆
𝑅
EXAMPLES
2) A bathroom heater draws 11 amperes at 120
V what is its hot resistance?

𝑉 120
=
R= R= 11
10.91 𝑂𝐻𝑀𝑆
𝐼
EXAMPLES
3) A household electric water heater is rated
220 V and 20 amperes. What is the unit's
resistance when drawing this amount of
current?

𝑉
R=
𝐼 R = 220
20
= 11 𝑂𝐻𝑀𝑆
The Advantages of using 240 volts over
the 120 volts current supply are:

1. Economy through the use of smaller wires.

2. Lower power loss.
3. Smaller percentage of power drop
CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS
a) Series Circuits
The elements are connected one after the other
in series. Thus, the resistance and voltages add.
An electric circuit may be defined as a complete
conducting path that carries current from a source
of electricity to and through some electrical device
(or load} and back to the source. A current can
never flow unless there is a complete (closed)
circuit.
In any series circuit, the total Resistance R is the sum
of the resistance around the circuit. Thus,
Total Resistance, R = rab + rbc + rcd + rda

hence the total circuit resistance is

0.01 + 0.02 + 1.15 + 0.02 = 1.20 ohms
The battery voltage may be called Vab = 120v
The voltage across the load resistance,
Vcd = 115v The resistance of the two wires
rbc = rda = 0.04 ohm.
Example:

The battery in the above figure is rated at 120v. the line resistance
(both wires) is 0.04 ohm, and the load resistance is 1.15 ohms.
Determine the (a) current flowing in the circuit, (lb) the voltage across
the load (vcd)·
a) the current flowing is:
V Vab 120
I= = = = 100 amp.
R rab + rbc + rcd + rda 1.2

b) The voltage drop across the load is

Vcd = I x Rcd = 100 X 1.15 = 115V
b) Parallel Circuits
When two or more branches or loads in a
circuit are connected between the same two
points, they are said to be connected in parallel
or multiple. Such an arrangement and its
hydraulic equivalent are shown below.
From the circuit shown below, it should be
apparent that multiple loads are across the
same voltage and, in effect, constitute separate
circuits. From this we conclude that in the
circuit is the sum of the individual currents
flowing in the branches that is,
Loads connected in parallel are equivalent to separate
circuits superimposed into a single connection. Each
load acts as an independent circuit unrelated to, and
unaffected by the other circuits. Notice that the total
current flowing in the circuit is the sum of all the
branches, but that the current in each branch is the
result of a separate Ohm's Law calculation. Thus in the
10-ohm load a 12·amp current flows and so forth.
Electric current is classified as:
1. Direct Current (DC), The DC electricity, flows in one
direction. The flow is said to be from negative to positive.
The normal source of DC electricity, is the dry cell or
storage battery
2. Alternating current, The AC electricity reverses its direction
of flow. It is generated by machine called generator. The type of
current is universally accepted because of its unlimited number
of applications with the following advantages.
a) It is easily produced.
b) It is cheaper to maintain.
c) It could be transformed into higher voltage
d) It could be distribution to far distance with low voltage
drop.
e) It is more efficient compared with the direct current.
Comparison of AC and DC Electricity

Under the principles of DC electricity. Power is

the product of voltage and current.
Watts = Volts x Amperes
Under the principles of AC electricity, the
product of volts and amperes is equal to the
quantity called volt-ampere (v.a.) which is not
the same as watts. Thus;
Volt Amperes = Volts x Amperes
Comparison of AC and DC Electricity
And to convert volt-ampere to watts or
power, a power factor (pf) is introduced.
And to get power in an AC circuit, we have
the following formula:

Watts = Volts x Amperes x power factor

W = V x I x pf
EXAMPLE:
A 12 amperes electric fan and blower with
a power factor of 0.85 was connected to a
240 volts convenient outlet (c.o). Calculate
the current and power circuit.
Solution:
Power (watts) = Volts x Amperes x power factor
W = 240v x 12 amp x 0.85
W = 2,448 watts
EXAMPLE
An electric motor has a trademark label of
2 horse power, 240 volts, 15 amperes.
Calculate the power factor.
SOLUTION:
1. Assume motor efficiency say 85%
2. 1- horse power is 746 watts, convert HP to
watts.
746 x 2 = 1,492 watts 1,492
Input =
Output 0.85
3. Efficiency = = 1755 watts
Input
4. For AC current

Power = Volts x Amperes x power factor

Power
power factor =
Volts x Amperes

1755
pf =
240v x 15 amp

pf = 0.4875
Volt-Amperes = 240v x 15
Volt-Amperes = 3,600 v.a.
Volt Transformation
Transformer is simple static device
consisting of magnetic core wherein the
primary and secondary windings are made.
The voltage is directly proportional to the
number of Windings or turns. Thus, if a 120
AC will be connected to the left side.
containing 100 turns, 240 volts would be on
the right side confining 200 turns. ·
The same transformer could be used as step
down transformer by reversing the supply and
the load. The 240 volts will be the primary and
the 120 volt the secondary. In short,
transformers are reversible.
Power in Electric Circuit
The measuring unit of electric power is the Watt.
Thus, 1,000 watts is One Kilowatt. Power has several
forms: an electric motor produces mechanical power
that is measured in terms of horsepower. An electric
heater produces heat or thermal power, and light bulb
produces both heat and light that is measured in
terms of candle power. Watt is the power term. It is a
measure of the power consumed. The power input (in
watt) to any electrical device having a resistance R
with the current I is expressed in the following
equations:
 Watt = 𝐼 2 x R
By Ohms law:
V = IR
Since 𝑊 = 𝐼2 𝑅

𝑊 = 𝑉𝐼

Where:
W is in Watts
R is in Ohms
I in Amperes
V in Volts
EXAMPLE
A mercury lamp having a hot resistance of 50
Ohms, is connected to a socket with 240v. current
supply.

a. How much current flows through the lamp?

b. Calculate the power drawn.
Solution:
I=
𝑉 240
I = = 4.8 Amperes
𝑅 50
Where power factor (pf) in a purely resistive
circuit, such as those with only electric heating
elements, impedance or resistance power
factor ( pf) is equal to 1. 0. Thus:
W =VI X pf

W = 240 X 4.8 X 1.0

W = 1,152 WATTS

W = 𝑰𝟐 R

W = 𝟒. 𝟖𝟐 X 50

W = 1,152 WATTS
EXAMPLE
A water heater draws 10 amperes at 240 volts
current supply. Determine its heat resistance .
𝑉 240
R= R=
𝐼 10

R = 24 Ohms
Energy Calculations
Determine the monthly energy consumption of
the following appliances:

Appliances Load Daily Used

Electric Iron 1,200 watts 2 hours
Water Heater 1,000 watts 3 hours
Toaster 2,300 watts 30 minutes
 SOLUTION:

Appliances Load Daily Used LOAD X TIME

Electric Iron 1,200 watts 2 hours 1.2 X 2 = 2.4 KWh
Water Heater 1,000 watts 3 hours 1X3 = 3 KWh
Toaster 2,300 watts 30 minutes 2.3 X 0.5 = 1.15 KWh
TOTAL = 6.55 KWh

If the average cost of energy (not power) is P5.00 per kwh.,

for 30 days consumption, multiply:

30 X 6.55 = 196.5 KWh

TOTAL COST = 196.5 X 5 = P 982.50
Voltage and Voltage Drop
• Series Circuit – current is the same throughout
but voltage differs.
• Parallel Circuit – the voltage is the same, but
the current differs.
𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒅𝒓𝒐𝒑 𝒊𝒏 𝒘𝒊𝒓𝒆 = 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒅 𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒙 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒘𝒊𝒓𝒆

The power loss in the wire conductor can be

calculated as the product of the voltage and the
current. It is equal to the components resistance
times the current squared.
𝑷 = 𝑰 𝒙 (𝑰 𝒙 𝑹)
EXAMPLE:
1.) For a 120 volt current supply:
1200 watts
Current drawn = = 10 amperes
120 volt supply

2.) For a 240 volt current supply we have:

1200 watts
Current drawn = = 5 amperes
240 volt supply
From the foregoing example it appears
that smaller diameter wire on a 240 volts
current can safely carry more current in
proportion with its weight than a larger
diameter wire on a 120 volts supply
current. In effect, less copper is required
to carry the same amount of power on a
higher voltage current supply.
EXAMPLE
The owner of a 5 kw electric motor irrigation pump,
requested line connection from the electric
cooperative. The owner was given an option to avail
of either 120 or 240 volts service. What is the good
choice if the circuit line has a resistance of 0.42
Ohms?
Sol. 120 volts 240 volts

Current drawn
5000w 5000w
120v 240v
= 41.66 amperes = 20.83 amperes

Minimum wire size

required to carry the No. 12AWG
No. 8 AWG
current without (see Table 1-1)
overheating
Relative cost of the
No. 8 and No. 12 wire 2.2 1.0
in comparative ratio
Voltage drop 41.66 x 0.42 20.83 x 0.42
= 17.50 v = 8.75 v
= 14.60% = 3.60%
American Wire Gauge (AWG) is a system of
numerical wire sizes .
The Advantages of using 240 volts over
the 120 volts current supply are:

1. Economy through the use of smaller wires.

2. Lower power loss.
3. Smaller percentage of power drop
CONDUCTORS
AND
WIRING
ACCESSORIES
Conductors and Insulators
Electric Conductors are substance or
materials used to convey or allow the flow
of electric current.
Insulators are substances or materials that
resist the flow of electric current
Materials Considered as Good Electric
Conductors are:
1. Silver 7. Platinum
2. Copper 8. Iron
3. Aluminum 9. Lead
4. Nickel 10.Tin
5. Brass
6. Zinc
Various Kind of Insulators
1. Rubber 7. Latex
2. Porcelain 8. Asbestos
3. Varnish 9. Paper
4. Slate 10. Oil
5. Glass 11. Wax
6. Mica 12. Thermoplastic
Wires and Cables
Wires
are those electrical conductors 8mm squared
(AWG No. 8) and smaller in size.
Cables
on the other hand, are those which are larger
than the wires. Wires and Cables are either:
a. Stranded wire
b. Solid wire
Stranded wire
Consist of a group of wire twisted to form a
metallic string. The circular mil area of a
stranded wire is found by multiplying the
circular mil area of each strand by the total
number of strand.
Different Types of Cables
Armored Cable (AC) is a fabricated assembly. of insulated
conductors enclosed in flexible metal sheath. Armored cable is
used both on exposed and concealed work .
Ampacity of Electrical Conductors
Ampacity is defined as the ability of the wire or
conductor to carry current without
overheating. Conductor resistance to current
flow, generate not only heat but also
contribute to the voltage drop expressed in the
following equation:

𝑽𝒐𝒍𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒅𝒓𝒐𝒑 𝒊𝒏 𝒘𝒊𝒓𝒆 = 𝒄𝒊𝒓𝒄𝒖𝒊𝒕 𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒙 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒘𝒊𝒓𝒆

𝑷𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒘𝒊𝒓𝒆 = 𝒄𝒊𝒓𝒄𝒖𝒊𝒕 𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒙 𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒅𝒓𝒐𝒑
Derating of Conductors Ampacity
-means that the full amount of allowable ampacity, is
reduced to a certain percentage due to the
environmental condition it is exposed of and the
number of wires placed inside the conduit.
Raceways
• Are channels or wiring accessories so
designed for holding wires that are either
made of metal, plastic, or any insulating
mediums.
The common types of raceways for
household wiring installations are:
1. The conduits
2. The connectors and other accessories
Conduit
Conduit pipe is the most common electrical
raceways used in all types of construction.
With respect to the type of material used,
conduit may be classified into:
1. Metallic such as steel pipes, aluminum,
etc.
2. Non-metallic such as plastic.
The purpose of Electrical Conduits
are:
1. To provide a means for the running wires from
one point to another.
2. To physically protect the wires.
3. To provide a grounded enclosure.
4. To protect the surrounding against the effect of
fault in the wiring.
5. To protect the wiring system from the damage
by building and the occupants.
6. To protect the building and the occupants from
damage by the electric system.
Connector
Connector is a metal sleeve usually made of
copper that is slipped over and secured to
the butted ends of conductors in making
joint. It is sometimes called splicing sleeve.
Other Types of Raceways

Aside from the conduits and connectors; there are

other type Of raceways such as:
1. Conduit coupling, elbows and other fittings.
2. Conduit such as clamps, hanger, etc.
3. Cable trays, bus,. etc.
4. Metal raceways.
5. Nonmetal raceways and other.
Outlet and Receptacles
An outlet is a point in the wiring system at
which current is taken to supply utilization
equipment. In a simple term, an outlet is any
point that supplies an electrical load.

Different kinds of outlet

1. Convenience outlet or attachment cap
2. Lighting outlet
3. Receptacles outlet
A Convenience outlet or attachment
cap is a device that by insertion into a
receptacle establishes connection
between the conductor of the
flexible cord and the conductors
connected permanently to the
receptacle.
Wall Outlet. The common Wall
Outlet is called Convenience
Outlet. And to call it wall plug is
not correct. A plug is another
name for the attachment cap on
the wire coming from a device
such or appliances.
Lighting Outlet is an outlet intended for direct
connection to a lamp holder, lighting fixture, or a
pendant cord, terminating in a lamp holder.
Receptacle Outlet is an outlet where one or more
receptacle installed.

Aside from the outlets, there is also other wiring

accessories such as:
1. Junction Box
2. Receptacles
3. The pull box
4. Switches
Junction Box is not an outlet. By definition,
it does not supply current to utilization
device. Do not allow your electrical
contractor to count wall switches and
junction boxes as outlets. This is an
important thing to clarify specially when
payment is to be made from a contract
based on the number of outlets.
Junction box
An Outlet on the other refers only to the box itself
it does not include the items. The receptacle is not
an electrical load but rather an extension of the
box wiring. The outlet is separate from the load
device even if it is included as part of the device.

The Pull Box is a box with a blank cover that is

inserted in one or more runs or raceways to
facilitate pulling-in the conductors. It may also
serve to distribute the conductors.
Receptacles are contact device installed at the
outlet for the connection of a single attachment
plug. Receptacles are included in the general
classification of wiring devices· It includes all
receptacles and their mounting cap (plug), wall
switches small dimmers, and outlet box
mounted lights.
Switch
A switch is a device that open or closed the
circuitry in an electric circuit.
Switches are Classified into:

1.General use switch

2.General use snap Switch
3.AC general use snap switch
4.AC·DC general use switch
5.Isolating switch
6.Motor circuit switch
The General use switch is intended for use in the
general and branch circuit rated in amperes. It is
capable of interrupting the rated current at a rated
voltage.

The General use snap switch a form of general use

switch installed in flush device boxes or an outlet
box cover.

The Isolating switch is a switch intended for

isolating circuit from the source of power ..
The Branch Circuit
It is defined by the National Electrical Code
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 circuit 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:
1. The source of Voltage
2. The wiring and
3. The load
Branch Circuit is classified into

1. General purpose branch circuit.

2. Appliance branch circuit.
3. Individual branch circuit.
The National Electrical Code defines the different
types of branch circuit as follows:

1. General purpose branch circuit supplies outlets for lighting

and appliances; including receptacles.
2. Appliance branch circuit supplies outlets intended for
feeding appliances. Fixed lighting however, is not supplied.
3. Individual branch circuit is designed to supply a single
specific item.
CIRCUITING GUIDELINES
OTHER GOOD PRACTICES IN CIRCUITING
OTHER GOOD PRACTICES IN CIRCUITING
PROTECTION OF THE BRANCH
CIRCUIT
As a Rule, branch circuit should be
protected from over current. Hence, an
over all current protective devices shall
be installed in all branch circuitries.
CAUSES OF OVER CURRENT
There are two principal causes of over
current:
1. Overload in the equipment or conductors.
2. Short circuit or ground fault.
FUSE, BREAKER AND PANEL BOARD
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.
PANEL BOARD AND FUSE
Circuit Breaker
The Circuit Breaker is an over current
protective device designed to function as a
switch
Advantages of circuit breaker over
the Fuse
1. The circuit breaker act as switch aside from its being an over current
protective device
2. Unlike that has to be discarded after it was busted due to an over current
flow, the circuit breaker trips off automatically and after correcting the
fault, it s again readily available for switch on.
3. Circuit breaker can be multiple pole installed with 1, 2 or 3 poles which
will simultaneously protect and switch on to three lines. The fuse on the
other hand, is a single pole, installed on a single wire that could only
protect a single electric line.
4. The circuit breaker position is easier to detect. It could be closed, tripped,
or open right at the handle. On the contrary, the busted fuse could not be
detected easily because the melted fusible element is inside the fuse
casing.
5. The circuit breaker can be manually tripped so that in many cases, it also
acts as the circuit switch.
Advantages of the Fuse over the
Circuit Breaker
1. One major advantage of the fuse over the
circuit breaker is its reliability and stability.
The fuse can stay on to act as designed.
2. The cost of the fuse is very much lower
compared to that of the circuit breaker.
3. Circuit breakers has several moving parts
which requires maintenance and periodic
testing to be in good condition at all time.
Panel Board

The Panel Board is defined by the

National Electrical Code as “ A single panel
or group panel limits designed for
assembly in the form of a single panel.”
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.
Principles Applied in Installing Panel
Board
1. The approach shall be accessible and more convenient.
2. The panel board is centrally located to shorten the home
wiring runs.
3. It must be installed near the load centre, as in most
cases panel boards are mounted near the kitchen and
the laundry where heavy duty loads are expected.
4. To limit voltage drop in such a manner that no circuit
(wiring connections) exceed 35 meters long.
5. In the event that a circuit more than 35 meters long
cannot be avoided, No. 10 AWG wire shall be used for
runs up to 50 meters long and No 8 AWG wire for longer
circuits.
a) Panel board with 100cm high or less
should be located 135cm. From the floor to
the center line of the box
b) Panel board with
boxes over 100cm
high should be
located 75 cm from
the floor to the
bottom of the box,
except that the
highest branch
circuit unit should
not be more than
195cm from the
floor.
c) If necessary, the box
maybe lowered to a
distance not less than 45
cm. from the floor to the
bottom of the box.
However, where a
maximum height of
195cm above the floor
to the upper circuit or
minimum distance of 45
cm. above the floor
cannot be done, the
panel should be divided
into two sections
If two or more boxes
are adjacent on the
same wall, they
should be installed
with the horizontal
center line of each
box equidistance of
the higher box
controlling the boxes
should be installed
with a minimum
spacing of 10cm
apart
SYMBOL LIST
 CHAPTER 4
ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT IN
BUILDING
SERVICE ENTRANCE
The Service Entrance is defined as that
portion of the supply conductors which
extends from the street main duct or
transformer to the service or switchboard of
the building supply. The National Electrical
Code (NEC) defined service entrance as:”
The conductor and equipment for
delivering energy from the electricity
supply system to the wiring system f the
premises served.”
Service Entrance is either:

1. Overhead Service
2. Underground Service
Overhead Service Entrance
Is the common type of service wire installed
by electric power supply companies for
industrial, commercial, and residential
houses. A service drop wire, is connected
from the nearest utility pole to the building
service entrance point and enter the
building through the weather head, down to
the electric power meter.
Underground Service Entrance
Consist of a raceway (conduit) extending
from the building to the property line where
it is tapped to the main. The cable
recommended for underground service
entrance is the USE type (Underground
Service Entrance ) cable.
Electric Service Metering
Electric Meter is generally installed outside
the building at the property line wall, or
electric post for ready access to the meter
reader, making it more difficult to tamper or
to install jumpers.
Circuit Safe Load
Branch Circuit is the technical term for the
House Wiring Installation.

House wiring varies in sizes depending upon

the kind of load it is to serve.

Load refers to the electricity drawn or

consumed by fixtures, appliances, equipment
etc.
ELECTRICAL SYMBOLS, CONFIGURATIONS
AND FIGURES FOR ELECTRICAL PLANS,
CIRCUITS AND MISCELLANEOUS