CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRICITY
1-1 ELECTRICITY
Electricity is a form of energy generated by friction, induction or chemical change; having
magnetic, chemical and radiant effect In short, electricity is electrons in motion It is considered
as one of the most important and useful discovery of man.
English physicist, William Gilbert who was accredited with the title Father of Electricity, due to
his published studies on The Electric Attraction and The Electric Force.
Electricity is a property of the basic particle of matter, which like an atom, consists of protons,
electrons and neutrons.
The electron is the negatively charged particle of an atom which is 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 of electricity that weighs about 1850 times as much as the electron.
The neutron is that particle which 15 not electrically charged and weighs slightly more than the
proton.

Theory:
1. That all matters are made up of molecules.
2. That the molecules are made up of atoms.
3. That the atom contains neutrons, electrons and protons.
4. That the neutron is neutral, hence neither positively not negatively charged.
5. That the electron of an atom of any substance could be transformed to another atom.

1-2 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Ions is the term applied to an atom or molecule which is not electrically balanced. It is an atom
or molecule which is electrically charged. This simply means that there is a loss or gain of one or
more electrons.
Volt or Voltage is the electrical pressure that causes the electrons to move through a conductor.
In short, voltage is the electromotive force.
Volt was named after Alessandro Volta an Italian scientist who found that electrons flow when
two different metals are connected by a wire and then dipped in a liquid that can conduct or
carry electrons.

Ampere, which was named after Andre M. Ampere, is the standard unit for measuring the
strength of an electric current.
Watt is the rate or measure of power used or consumed. The term is derived and named after
James Watt, a Scottish inventor.
Resistance is the opposition or friction to the flow of current. The term resistance is used in DC
electricity On the other hand, for AC electricity, the term used is impedance.
1-3 ELECTRIC CURRENT

Electric current is the flow or rate of flow of electric force in a conductor. A current will only flow
if a circuit is formed comprising a complete loop and contains all the required components such
as:
1. Source of voltage
2. A closed loop of wiring
3. An electric load
4. A means of opening and closing the circuit
Electric current is classified as:
1. Direct Current electricity (d-c)
2. Alternating Current electricity (a-c)
Direct Current electricity flows only in one direction. The flow is said to be from negative to
positive. The common source of a direct current is the dry cell or storage battery.
Alternating Current electricity constantly reverses its direction of flow: This type of electricity is
generated by machines called AC generators Alternating current is widely used due to its
unlimited number of applications and the following advantages:
1. It is easily produced
2. It is cheaper to maintain
3. It could be transformed into higher voltage
4. It is more efficient compared with the direct current

Once, a big controversy ensued between the proponents of the DC electricity, led by Thomas
Edison and the advocates of the AC electricity led by George Westinghouse. According to Edison, "The
AC is dangerous because it involves high voltage transmission line." On the other hand, the AC advocates
countered that, The AC alternation is just like a handsaw which cuts on the upstroke and the down
stroke, and The high voltage in the transmission line could be reduced to the desired voltage as it pass
the distribution line. "
Alternating Current or Voltage is a voltage or current that changes in strength according to a
sine curve. An alternating current reverses its polarity on each alternation and reverses its
direction of flow for each alternation.
The AC current goes through one positive loop and one negative loop to form one complete
cycle which is continuously repeated. The number of times this cycle of plus and minus loop occur per
second is called the frequency of AC expressed in cycles per second, actually referred to as hertz (hz)
named after H R. Hertz.
Just as in a hydraulic system, the amount of water flowing is proportional to the pressure and inversely
proportional to the friction. Similarly, in the electric circuit, the current is proportional to the voltage
and inversely proportional to the circuit resistance or load, thus:

1. The higher the voltage, the larger the current

2. The higher the resistance, the lower the current
This relationship is expressed by the following equation known as Ohms law:

I=
For AC electricity, the Ohms law is expressed as:

I=

1-4 COMPARISON OF THE AC AND DC ELECTRICITY

Under the principles of DC, power is the product of voltage and current, thus:
Watts = Volts x Amperes

Under the principle of the AC, the product of volts and amperes is equal to the quantity called
volt amperes (va) which is not the same as watts, thus:
Volt-amperes = Volts x Amperes

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:
Watts = Volts x Amperes x power factor
W = V I x pf

1-5 THE OHMS LAW

In 1926, George Simon Ohm, a German scientist, discovered the relationship between the
current, voltage and resistance, now referred to as the Ohms Law which states that the higher the
voltage, the larger the current and the higher the resistance, the lower the current. This relationship is
presented in the following equations known as the Ohms Law.
Ohms Law Formula:

I=

V = IR

I=


R =
1-6 SERIES AND PARALLEL CIRCUIT

A circuit component can be arranged in several ways but with the two fundamental types of
connections such as:
1. Series circuit
2. Parallel circuit
The Parallel Circuit. The parallel circuit is sometimes referred to as the multiple connections
where loads are placed across the same voltage, thus, constitute separate circuits.
1-7 VOLT TRANSFORMATION
Transformer is a simple static device, consisting of a magnetic core wherein primary and
secondary windings are made. The voltages are in direct proportion to the number if windings or
turns.

The input side is classified as primary and the outlet side is classified as secondary.

1-8 POWER AND ENERGY

Power and Energy is too frequently interchangeably used. Power is the technical term for the
common term work. In terms of power and time, thus:
Energy or work = Power x time

energy is synonymous with fuel, therefore, associated with work, thus, energy can be expressed
as gallons, liters, barrels or tans of oil, coal, kilowatt hours or consumed electricity and cost of
operation.
Power is the rate at which energy is used alternatively, the rate at which work is done.
W=I2R
1-9 VOLTAGE AND VOLTAGE DROP
series circuit, current is the same throughout and voltage differ.
parallel circuits, the voltage is the same and the current differ.
Voltage drop in wire = Carried current x Resistance of wire
The power loss in the wire can be calculated as the product of voltage and current, thus:
P = I x (I x R)
P = I2 R
Power loss is equal to the components resistance times the current squared.
CHAPTER 2
CONDUCTORS, INSULATORS AND OTHER WIRING ACCESSORIES
2-1 ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS AND INSULATORS
Electrical conductors are the materials that carries or allows the flow of electric current, while
on the other hand, insulators are those materials that resist the flow of electric current.
The following are some of the materials considered as good electrical conductors:
1. Silver
2. Copper
3. Aluminum
4. Nickel
5. Brass
6. Zinc
7. Platinum
8. Iron
9. Lead
10. Tin
On the other hand, enumerated below are some of the materials considered as good insulators, they
are:
1. Rubber
2. Porcelain
3. Varnish
4. Slate
5. Glass
6. Mica
7. Latex
8. Asbestos
9. Thermoplastic
10. Paper
11. Oils
12. Wax
13. Dry air
Resistance, as already mentioned is due to the friction between the flow of current and the
conductor or insulator
Factors which influence resistance of a conductor :
1. Composition of a Conductor. The mineral composition of a conductor is an essential factor
in determining a good conductor.
2. Length of a Conductor. The longer the wire, the bigger the resistance
3. Cross Sectional Area of the Conductor. The bigger the cross sectional area of the wire, the
lower its resistance.
4. Temperature. Metal offers high resistance to high temperature.
Conductor Insulators
Conductor insulator serves as a physical shield of the wire against heat, water, and others.
Insulation is rated by voltage say, from 300 to 15,000 volts. If insulation used is above its rating, it might
break down causing short circuit and arcing which may result to fire. Ordinary building wiring is usually
rated for 300 v. or 600 v.
The most common electrical conductors:
Wires are those electrical conductors which are 8 mm2 (AWG No. 8) or smaller,
AWG (American Wire Gauge)
Cables are those which are larger than the wires.
Wires and cables are either:
1. Stranded
2. Solid
Stranded wire consists of a group of wires twisted to form a metallic string.
Cord is the term given to an insulated stranded wire.
The word mil which is equal to 1/1000 inch, was used as the measurement of the diameter of a
round wire, and, the term circular wire was used to describe the cross sectional area of a round
 wire. Thus, if a wire had a diameter of 1 mil, it was understood to have a cross sectional area of
1 circular mil.

2-2 DIFFERENT TYPES OF CABLES

Armored Cable. This type of cable, the type AC is a fabricated assembly of insulated conductors
enclosed in flexible metal sheath. Armored cable is used both in exposed and concealed work.
Metal Clad Cable. Cable of the type MC is a fact my assembled cable of one or more conductors,
each individually insulated and enclosed in a metallic sheath of interlocking tape, or a smooth or
corrugated tube. This type IS used specifically for services feeders, branch circuits, either
exposed or concealed and for indoor or outdoor work.
Mineral Insulated Cable. This type of cable type MI is a factory assembly of one or more
conductors insulated with a highly compressed refractory mineral insulation and enclosed in a
liquid tight and ,gas tight continuous copper Sheath The type MI is used in dry, wet or
continuously moist location as service, feeders or branch circuits.
Nonmetallic Sheathed Cable. Types NM and NMC are factory assembled two or more insulated
conductors having a moisture resistant, flame retardant and nonmetallic material outer sheath.
These types are used specifically for one or two family dwellings not exceeding 3 storey
buildings.
Shielded Nonmetallic Sheathed Cable. This type of cable, the SNM type, is a factory assembled
two or more insulated conductors in an extruded core of moisture resistant and flame retardant
material covered within an overlapping spiral metal tape. This type is used in hazardous
locations and in cable trays or in raceways.
Service Entrance Cable is a single conductor or multi-conductor assembly provided with or
without an overall covering, primarily used for services and of the types SE and USE.
Underground Feeder and Branch Circuit Cable. This type of cable, the type UF, is a moisture
resistant cable used for ' underground, including direct burial in the ground, as feeder or branch
circuit.
Power and Control Tray Cable. This type TC cable is a factory assembled two or more insulated
Conductors with or without associated bare or covered grounding under a metallic sheath This is
used for installation in cable trays, raceways or where supported by a messenger wire.
Flat Cable Assemblies is an assembly of parallel conductors formed integrally With an insulating
material Web designed specifically for field installation in metal surface raceway Cables of this
types are the types FC.
Flat Conductor Cable. This type of cable, type FCC consist of three or more flat copper
conductor placed edge to edge separated and enclosed within an insulating assembly. This type
of cable 18 used for general purpose, appliance branch circuits and for individual branch circuits
specifically in hard, smooth, continuous floor surfaces, etc.
Medium Voltage Cables or MV Cables are single or multi-conductor solid dielectric insulated
cable rated at 2,001 or higher. They are used for power system up to 35,000 volts.
The MV cables are of different types and characteristics
1. Trade Name: Medium Voltage Solid Dielectric
2. Type Letter: MV-75; MV-85; MV-90
3. Max. operating Temp. 75oC; 85oC; Mv-90oC respectively
4. Application: Dry or wet locations, rated 2,001 volts or higher
5. Insulation: Thermoplastic or thermosetting
6. Outer covering: Jacket, Sheath or Armor
2-3 AMPACITIES OF ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS
Ampacity is defined as the ability of the conductor (electric wire) to carry current without
overheating. Conductors resistance to current flow not only generate heat but also contribute to
the voltage drop expressed as:
P = I x (I x R)
P = I2 R
Power loss is equal to the components resistance times the current squared.
2-4 RACEWAYS
Raceways are wiring accessories or channels designed for holding wires, cables or busbars
which are either made of metal or any insulating material. The common types of raceways in
household wirings are:
1. Conduits
2. Connectors
3. Others
Other types of Raceways:
Aside from the conduits and connectors, there are still other types and kinds of raceways.
Among these are:
1. Conduit couplings, elbows and other fittings
2. Conduit supports, such as clamps, hangers, etc.
3. Cable trays, cable bus, etc.
4. Metal raceways
5. Nonmetal raceways and others
2-5 CONDUITS
Conduit pipes or tubings are the most common electrical raceway. According to the type of
materials used, conduit maybe classified into:
1. Metallic such as steel pipes, etc.
2. Nonmetallic such as PVC and the like
According to its make, conduits maybe classified as:
1. Rigid Metal
2. Flexible metal
3. Rigid nonmetal
4. Flexible nonmetal
The purpose of electrical conduits are:
1. To provide a means for running wires from one point to another
2. To physically protect the wires
3. To provide a grounded enclosure
4. To protect the surroundings against the effects of fault in the wiring
5. To protect the wiring system from damage by the building and the occupant
6. To protect the building and the occupants from damage by electrical.
2-6 CONNECTORS

A connector is a metal sleeve usually made of copper that is slipped over and secured to the
butted ends of conductors in making a joint. It is also called splicing sleeve.

2-7 OUTLETS, RECEPTABLES AND OTHER WIRING DEVICES

An outlet is a point in the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization
equipment. In simple terms, an outlet is any point that supplies an electric load. Usually, an outlet
consists of a small metal or nonmetal box into which a raceways and/or cable ends.
The following are the different kinds of outlets.
1. Convenience outlet or attachment cap
2. Lighting outlet
3. Receptable outlet
A convenience outlet or attachment cap is a device which by insertion in a receptable
establishes connection between the conductor of the flexible cord and the conductors connected
permanently to the receptacle.
A lighting outlet is an outlet intended for direct connection to a lamp holder, a lighting fixture or
a pendant cord terminating in a lamp holder.
A receptacle outlet is an outlet where one or more receptacles are installed.
Aside from the outlets, there are also other wiring accessories, such as:
1. junction box
2. The pull boxn
3. Receptacles
4. Switches, etc.
A junction box is a box with a blank cover which serves the purpose of joining different runs of
raceways or cables, and provides sufficient space for connection and branching of the enclosed
circuit. It is a box for making taps.
A junction box is not an outlet. By definition, it does not supply current to a utilization device.
Do not allow your contractor to count wall switches and junction boxes as outlets. This is
important thing to clarify especially when payment is to be made based porn the number of
outlets.
A pull box on the other hand, is a box with a blank cover which is inserted in one or more runs
or raceways to facilitate pulling in the conductors. It may also serve to distribute the conductor.
 Receptacles are contact devices installed at the outlet forte connect1on of a Single attachment
plug.
Receptacles are included in the general classification of wiring devices. It includes all receptacles
and their matching cap (plugs) wall switches, small dimmers and outlet box, mounted lights.

Receptacle is defined by NEC as a contact device installed at the outlet, for the connection of a
single attachment plug. Any number of receptacles mounted together 1n one or more coupled
boxes is classified as one outlet. The lower the number of outlets the lower is the cost. A circuit
with 6 duplex receptacles individually mounted is normally more than twice the cost of the
same 6 receptacles installed in two outlet groups of three gang each Receptacles are described
and identified according to the poles of wires.
Mounting of receptacles:
1. Wall convenience receptacle vertically mounted between 30 to 45 cm. above finished floor.
2. In industrial areas, shops, workroom and the like, the mounting height is from 105 to 110
centimeters This is above the table height horizontally mounted so that the cords will not
hang on top of each other.
3. The GFI or GFCI (ground fault circuit interceptor) receptacle should be installed on location
where sensitivity to electric shock is high such as in wet areas.
4. Receptacles are installed in accordance with the NEC rules that no point in the room shall
be farther than 2.00 meters from a convenience outlet.
Switches are devices which serve to open or close the circuitry in an electric circuit.
Switches are classified as:
1. General use switch
2. General use snap switch
3. AC-DC general use switch
4. Isolating switch
5. Motor circuit switch
The general use switch is a switch intended for use in general distribution and branch circuit
which is rated in amperes. It is capable of interrupting the rated current at a rated voltage.
The general use snap switch is a form of general use switch usually installed in flush dcv1ce
boxes or an outlet box cover.
The isolating switch is a switch intended for isolating an electric circuit from the source of
power.
CHAPTER 3

BRANCH CIRCUIT
3-1 INTRODUCTION
Electric circuit is the complete path traversed by an electric current. In short, electric circuit is
the entire house wiring installation. On the other hand, Branch Circuit as defined by the National
Electrical Code (NEC) is " the circuit conductors between the final over current protective device
and the outlets which simply means that the branch circuit is only the wiring installed between
the circuit over current protective device, i.e.
Branch circuit comprises the following:
1. The sources of voltage
2. The wiring
3. The load
Circuitry design varies according to the number of designers. There are good, fair and poor
design. However, experience usually guides the design to a solution that suit best the job. A
good circuitry design is based on:
1. Flexibility
2. Reliability
3. Safety
4. Economy
5. Energy consideration
6. Space allocation
Flexibility of the circuit. Means that the installation can accommodate all probable pattern,
arrangements and location of the loads for expansion or future development.
Reliability and efficiency of service. To have a continuous service and supply of power
which are all dependent on the wiring system Reliability of electrical power in a facility is
determined by two considerations
a.) The utility service
b.) Building electrical system
Safety means that the design must be aw are that electricity is constantly an impending hazard
caused by misuse or abuse of equipment or by equipment failure.
Economic factor refers to the first cost and operating cost These two cost factors stand in
inverse relationship to one another. Over design however is as bad as underdesign it is wasteful
both on initial and operating cost.
Low cost equipment generally result to

a) High energy cost

b) Higher maintenance cost
a) Shorter life
Energy Consideration is a complex one, considering:
a) Energy laws and codes
b) Budget
c) Energy conservation technique
d) Energy control

Space Allocation -must consider the following:

a) Easy maintenance
b) Ventilation
c) Expandability
d) Centrality
 e) Limitation of acces

General Purpose Branch Circuit supplies outlets for lighting and appliances, including convenience
receptacles.

Appliance Branch Circuit supplies outlets intended for feeding appliances. Fixed lighting however, is not
supplied.

Individual Branch Circuit is designed to supply a single specific item.

3-2 CIRCUITING GUIDELINES

There are many ways of doing the circuitry but there is no optimum or perfect way of doing it.
There are certain guidelines promulgated by the National Electrical Code (NEC) for flexible, economical
and convenient layout, they are as follows:

1. The Code requires sufficient circuitry to supply residential load of 30 watts per square meter in
buildings excluding porches, garages and basements.
2. The requirements of 30 watts per square meter works out to 80 sq. m. per 20 amp. circuit (2,
400 w) or 60 sq. m. for 15 amp circuit (1,800 w)
3. Good practice suggests that a load should not exceed 1,600 watts for a 20 amp. circuit or 1200
w. for a 15 amp circuit, thus,
a. For a 15 amp circuit,- 1,200 w. max. load - 40 sq.m. maximum area.
b. For a 20 amp Circuit,- 1600 w. max. load 53 sq. m.maximum area.
4. The National Electrical Code requires a minimum of 20 , amp. appliance branch circuit to feed all
small appliance outlets in the kitchen, pantry, dining and family room.
5. The General Purpose Branch Circuits should be 20 amp. wired with No. 12 AWG being the
minimum size of conductor wires for a convenience outlet.
6. Circuit load on a 15 amp circuits should be limited to the values given on Table 3-2 (Branch
circuit requirements)
7. As specified by the National Electrical Code (NEC), plug outlets (convenience receptacles) must
be counted in computing the load if it is not included in the load for' general lighting circuit,
thus, for a 9 and 12 amperes loading on 15 amp and 20 amp circuits respectively, we have:
a) 15 amp. circuit 9/1.5 = 6 outlets
b) 20 amp. circuit 12/1.5 = 8 outlets
8. Convenience receptacles should be planned properly so that failure of a single circuit will not
deprive the entire area of power supply In terms of reliability of service, the circuit must be
alternate to provide each area part of different circuits.
9. All kitchen outlets must be fed from at least two of these circuits.
10. The NEC further stipulates that all receptacles are potential appliance outlet and at least two
circuits should be supplied to serve them.
11. Certain outlets in 'the; room should be designed as appliance outlet such as:
a. All kitchen receptacles
b. Dining room receptacles
 c. One in the living room
12. The NBC requires that at least one 20 amp. circuit supply the laundry outlets.
13. If air conditioner is anticipated, provide a separate circuit for this appliance.

Other Good Practices Circuiting Guidelines:

1. Lighting and receptacles should not be combined on a single circuit.

2. Do not connect all lighting in building on a single circuit.

3. Lighting and receptacles must contain parts of at least two circuits, thus, if a single line is out,

the entire area is not deprived of power.

4. Do not use combination switch and receptacles outlet.

5. Provide at least one receptacle in the bathroom and one outside the house. Both must be GFCI

(Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) type.

6. Provide switch controls for closet lights. Pull chain is a nuisance.

7. Convenience outlet though counted as part of the general lighting load should be limited to 6
convenience outlet on a 15 ampere circuit and 8 convenience outlet on a 20 ampere circuit
8. The NEC requires that at least one 20 ampere circuit supply shall be installed to the laundry
outlets.
9. Convenience outlet should be laid out in such a manner that no point on a wall is more than 2
00 m from an outlet. A ground type receptacles only should be used .

3-3 PROTECTION OF THE BRANCH CIRCUIT

As a rule, branch circuits must be protected from over current. Thus an over current protective
device must be installed in all branch Circuitries.

The function of an over current protective device 18 to open the circuit (disconnect the line)
when the current rating capacity of the equipment being protected is exceeded. The circuit protective
device represent the source of voltage. It is always connected at its hot line end to the voltage source
and at its load end to the circuit wiring, thus, it becomes the apparent source of voltage.

On a panel board on which the over current protective device is a part,the busbars become the
source, of voltage as we look upstream from the over current devices. The National Electrical Code
defines the branch circuit asthat portion of the circuit beyond the over current device.

There are two principal and different causes of over current, namely:
1. Overload in the equipment or conductors
2. Short circuit or ground fault.
 Both of these conditions result in excessive current flow in the circuit. The over current device
protect both the branch circuit and the load device against this excess current. However, regardless
whether the excess current is being caused by an equipment problem such as an overload or by a circuit
problem such as an unintentional ground, the protective device has but one purpose to interrupt the
line in case of excess current flow in the circuit.

When the over current protective device senses an excessive current flow, it automatically
opens the circuit (cut the line) to prevent the excess current from creating dam ages to the circuit or I
the equipment It therefore act in the same: manner as a mechanical system to relieve excess pressure
just like the over current device opens to release excess current. The action of the over current
protective device 15 called clearing since it clears the circuit of the overload or the fault.

The over current protective devices are installed 1n circuits to protect the following:
1. The wiring
2. The transformer
3. The lights
4. Appliances and other equipments

As provided in the National Electrical Code: (Art.4.5.1.3) protection of Conductors. "Conductors

shall be protected against over current in accordance with their ampacities...

By definition, over current is any current in excess of the rated capacity of the equipment or the
rated ampacity of the conductor. It is clear that both the equipment and the wire installation must be
protected from over current Electrical equipments have its rated capacities, likewise, the electrical
conductor or wire of a circuit has its allowable ampacity and that any load in excess of its rated capacity
or ampacity will result to damages of the circuit or equipment.

Application of over current protection is also governed by the following rules:

1. The over current protection devices shall be installed on the line or supply side of the
equipment being protected.
2. Over current protective devices shall be placed in all ungrounded conductors of the protected
circuit.
3. All equipment shall be protected in accordance with its current carrying capacity.
4. Over current protective devices should be readily accessible, protected from physical damage
and away from easily ignited materials.
5. Conductors size should not be reduced in a circuit or tap unless the smallest wire is protected by
the circuit over current devices.
3-4 FUSE, CIRCUIT BREAKER AND PANEL BOARD
The fuse is an over current protective device with a circuit opening fusible element which opens
(break) when there is an over current in the circuit. Fuse is considered as the simplest and the most
common circuit protective device used in most house wiring installations.
Generally, fuse consists of a fusible link or wire of low melting temperature classified into two types:

1. The cartridge type which is enclosed in an insulating fiber tube, and

2. The plug fuse type enclosed in a porcelain cap.

The Circuit Breaker is an over current protective device deSIgned to function as a switch. Basically, a
circuit breaker is .5 equipped With an automatic tripping device to protect the branch circuit from
overload and ground fault Circuit breaker can be manually tripped so that in many cases it also act as
the circuit switch.

Tripping refers to the cutting-off or disconnection of the supply of current.

The advantages of the Circuit Breaker over the Fuse:

1. The circuit breaker act as a switch aside from its being an over current protective device.
2. When there is over current, the circuit breaker trips(cut) automatically and after correcting the
fault, it becomes readily available for switch on. Unlike the fuse which has ' to be discarded and
replaced after it is busted.
3. Circuit breaker can be multiple pole and can be installed with 1,2 or 3 poles which will
simultaneously protect and switch one to three lines The fuse on the other hand, is a single pole
put into a single wire and can protect only a single electric line.
4. Circuit breaker position is easier to detect. It is either closed, tripped or open right at the handle
5. The, fuse on the other hand, is not easily detected because the melted fusible element is inside
the fuse casing.
6. Circuit breaker can be manually tripped so that in many 1 cases it also acts as the circuit switch .

The advantages of the Fuse over the Circuit Breaker

Despite the disadvantages of the fuse over the circuit breaker, fuse has also some advantages
over the circuit breaker, namely:

1. One major advantage of the fuse over the circuit breaker is Reliability and Stability. The fuse can
stay on its position for years and act when called on to act as designed.
2. The cost of the fuse is very much lower than that of the circuit breaker.
3. Circuit breakers have several moving parts which require maintenance and periodic testing to be
in good condition.
The Panelboard 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" This includes buses, automatic over current
protective devices with or without switches for the control of light, heat or power circuits, Panel
board is designed for mounting in a cabinet or cutout box installed in or against a wall or
partition accessible only from the front.

Panelboard is commonly known as panels or electrical panels. Electrical panel 18 simply the box
wherein the protective devices are grouped from which they are fed If the devices are fuses, it is called
fuse panel and if the devices are circuit breakers, it is called breaker panel Fuses and breaker
 Basically, a panel consists of a set of electrical busbar where the circuit protective devices are
connected. A single phase, 3 wire panel is fed with two hot lines and a neutral, connected to the two
lines buses and the neutral bus,respectively. A three phase panel has additional hot line and bus which
varies in:

a) Ampere ratings of the buses

b) Type of protective devices installed

Regardless if the panel is flush or surface mounted type, it is described in the following manner:

House panel- circuit breaker type surface mounting

120/140 v., 150 amp. main
100/80 amp. 2 pole main circuit breaker
Branch breakers all 80 amp. frame
10-20 amp single pole 2-30 amp 2 poIe
1-20 amp SP, GFI
There are as many different formats of panel schedules as there are technologists and everyone
believes that his work is the best, thus, it will be called schedule of choice.
The principles applied in installing the panel board are:

1. The approach should be accessible and convenient.

2. The panel board must be centrally located to shorten the home wiring runs.
3. It must be installed near the load center, as in most cases panel board is installed near the
kitchen and the laundry where heavy loads are expected. Generally there are numerous and
different formats of panel schedule depending upon the choice and design of the technologist.
4. To limit the voltage drop on a branch circuit the panel board should be located 1n such a
manner that no circuit (Wiring connections) exceeds 35 meters long.
5. In the event that a circuit more than 35 meters long could not be avoided No. 10 AWG wire
should be used for runs up to 50 meters long and No 8 AWG wire for longer circuits.
Other features of the over current protective devices:

1. The over current protective device is always upstream of the equipment being protected that is
electrically ahead of the load.
2. Current flow downstream, therefore, to cut off excess current, the protective device must be
placed ahead of the protected items.
3. In the case of branch Circuit the over current protective device is in the electrical panel that
supplies the branch circuit. The panel is the source of current.
4. The upstream side of any protective device is called Line side. The downstream side is called the
Load Side.
Switchboard and Switchgear are free standing assemblies of switches, fuses and circuit breakers
which normally provide switching and feeder protection to a number of circuits connected to a
main source. It serves to distribute with adequate large amount of power into a smaller
packages
3-5 LAMP CONTROL AND THE MASTER SWITCH
Lamps are controlled by switches from a certain location under the following manner

3-6 EMERGENCY ELECTRIC SUPPLY SYSTEM

The National Electrical Code requires an entirely separate emergency standby electric supply
system on commercial and industrial establishments. The concept of the emergency standby system is
to replace normal power to selected or entire loads within the building in case of utility power outage.
The emergency standby system includes all devices, wirings, raceways and other electrical equipment
including the emergency source to supply electric power to the entire or selected loads These loads
include egress light such as stairs, doors, exit and lobby lights Signal equipment such as public address
and fire alarm must remain functioning during the emergency and 036 or more elevators as required by
the Code.

The emergency electrical supply system could be arranged as follows:

1. Battery Supplied
a) Storage batteries connected to a converter to activate immediately in case of power outage
and then supply current to the emergency lights.
b) Where all emergency loads could be supplied with a direct current (dc), the following
arrangement could be used:
c) If alternating current (ac) is required, the arrangement in Figure 3-20 could be adopted
d) When the emergency equipment is totally separated from the nominal equipment and is
normally de-energized, the following arrangement could be utilized.
2. Current supply by generators

Where emergency loads are large enough that batteries would not be economically feasible and
where 8 to 15 second starting time is tolerable, a generator set is employed.

a) A single transfer which serves the normal power and transfer to the generator in case of power
failure
b) Protecting the entire emergency power system by adopting a smaller transfer switches to
reduce the chance of a single equipment failure faulting.
3. Two separate electric services

The national electrical code allows the use of two separate electric services, one for normal and
the other for emergency source provided that they are independent coming from different utility
transformers or feeders entering the building at different points and directions using separate service
drops or laterials.