Electric Materials

Fittings and Accessories

1. Electrical tape (Different colors)

 Black – Insulation Low voltage, phase A
 Red - Low voltage, phase B
 Blue- Low voltage, phase C
 Brown- High voltage, phase A
 Orange- High voltage, phase B
 Yellow- High voltage, phase C
 Green- Earth ground
 Green with yellow stripe- Isolated ground
 White- Low voltage, neutral
 Grey- High voltage, neutral
2. Utility box (Plastic, Metal/ Sizes)
 Electrical boxes are critical components of your home's electrical system. But for many DIYers, the
wide variety of boxes is bewildering. There are plastic and metal boxes; "new work" and "old work"
boxes; round, square, and octagonal boxes; and boxes with load ratings for ceiling fans and
heavy light fixtures. All of the most commonly used boxes for home wiring projects are available at
home centers and large hardware stores.

 Metal and Plastic Electrical Boxes

Most electrical boxes are either metal or plastic. If you are using metal conduit to run wiring to the
electrical box, then a metal box is required—to anchor the conduit and because the conduit and metal
box system itself may be used to ground the system. If you are using non-metallic cable, such as
Type NM-B (non-metallic sheathed cable), then you can use either plastic boxes or metal boxes, as
long as the cable is secured to the box with an appropriate cable clamp.
Modern wiring systems with NM-B cable usually include a ground wire inside the cable,
so the box is not part of the grounding system (however, metal boxes must be connected
to the system ground, usually with a short length of wire called a pigtail).

 Round Pan Electrical Box

Round pan, or "pancake," boxes typically are only 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch deep. They are
used most commonly for ceiling- or wall-mounted light fixtures that weigh no more than
50 pounds. Some types of specially rated metal pan boxes may be used for mounting
ceiling fans, but not all pan boxes may be used for this purpose.

 Octagon and Round Electrical box

Octagon and standard-size round boxes range from 1 1/2 to 2 1/8 inches deep and are the standard
box for ceiling- or wall-mounted light fixtures weighing up to 50 pounds. They provide much more
room for wiring than shallow round pan boxes and can be used as junction boxes.

Metal boxes are suitable for surface-mounted installations using metal conduit. Round plastic boxes
often have "ears" for fastening to the wall or ceiling surface in existing or "old work" applications.
These allow you to secure the box to the drywall (or other surface material) rather than cutting a
large hole in the drywall to fasten the box to the framing.

 Ceiling Fan-Rated Electrical box

 Ceiling fan boxes come in several different types and sizes, including 1/2-inch-deep "pancake"
versions and standard 2-1/8-inch-deep boxes. They are usually round but may be octagonal.

Note: Must be Ceiling fan boxes must be UL-listed for ceiling fan mounting and marked “For Use
With Ceiling Fans.” Do not use standard boxes for installing ceiling fans. Ceiling fan boxes require
special fastening to withstand the dynamic loading of a rotating fan.

Most ceiling fan boxes are rated for fans or light fixtures weighing up to 75 pounds, depending on
the installation method. Boxes can be mounted directly (with four screws) to a ceiling joist or wood
blocking, or they can attach to adjustable braces spanning between ceiling joists.

 4-Inch Square Box

Square boxes come in standard depths of 1 1/4 to 2 1/8 inches, but their square corners give them
additional interior space, providing maximum volume for multiple conductors and connectors. For
this reason, 4-inch square boxes often are used to run multiple conductors in two or more directions.
They are also commonly used as junction boxes and can also be installed in ceilings or walls for
supporting lighting fixtures or housing switches or receptacles.

3. Junction box (Plastic, Metal/ Sizes)

An electrical junction box is an enclosure housing electrical connections, to protect the
connections and provide a safety barrier.

 Steel: You should use steel boxes indoors so they do not rust from the outside elements. Steel is
suitable for NM cable. Since steel is a conductor, you’ll need to ground it.
 Polycarbonate: UL listed and meeting at least NEMA 4x and IP65 requirements,
our polycarbonate enclosures are designed for outdoor applications.
 Aluminum: If you opt for a die cast aluminum enclosure, you’ll need to choose one that contains
a gasket in order for it to be waterproof (and appropriate for outdoor use).
 Standard Residential Boxes
 Metal and Plastic Junction Boxes
 Round pan Junction Box
 Octagon and Round Junction Box

4. Square box (Plastic, Metal/ Sizes)

Square boxes come in standard depths of 1 1/4 to 2 1/8 inches, but their square corners conductors and
connectors. For this reason, 4-inch square boxes often are used to run multiple conductors in two or more
directions. They are also commonly used as junction boxes and can also be installed in ceilings or walls for
supporting lighting fixtures or housing switches or receptacles. Give them additional interior space, providing
maximum volume for multiple
5. C clamp (Plastic, Metal/ Sizes)

 A C-clamp or G-clamp is a type of clamp device typically used to hold a wood or metal
work piece, and often used in, but are not limited to, carpentry and welding. Often believed that
these clamps are called "C" clamps because of their C-shaped frame, or also often called C-clamps
or G-clamps[1] because including the screw part they are shaped like a lowercase letter g, but in
fact they were originally called a carriage makers clamp, or Carriage Clamp.
6. U clamp (Plastic, Metal/ Sizes)

 A clamp is a device that holds two things firmly together. 2. verb. When you clamp
one thing to another, you fasten the two things together with a clamp. Somebody forgot to bring
along the U-bolts to clamp the microphones to the pole.
 Clamps are versatile tools that serve to temporarily hold work securely in place. They are used for
many applications including carpentry, woodworking, furniture making, welding, construction and
metal working.
7. Set screw adapter (sizes)
 A set screw is a type of screw generally used to secure an object within or against another object,
normally not using a nut (see bolts compared with screws). The most common examples are
securing a pulley or gear to a shaft. Set screws are usually headless (also called blind), meaning
that the screw is fully threaded and has no head projecting past the major diameter of the screw
thread. If a set screw has a head, the thread will extend all the way to the head (whereas
a bolt might have an unthreaded shank between the head and thread). A grub set screw (known in
the US as a “blind” screw) is almost always driven with an internal-wrenching drive, such as a hex
socket (Allen), star (Torx), square socket (Robertson), or slot. The set screw passes through a
threaded hole in the outer object and is tightened against the inner object to prevent it from
moving relative to the outer object. It exerts compressional or clamping force through the bottom
tip that projects through the hole.

8. Male adapter (Plastic, Metal/ Sizes)

 A
male connector is a connector attached to a wire, cable, or piece of hardware, having one or more
exposed, unshielded electrical terminal s, and constructed in such a way that it can be inserted
snugly into a receptacle ( female connector ) to ensure a reliable physical and
electrical connection . This type of connector is also known as a plug. A male connector can be
recognized by the fact that, when it is disconnected or removed, the unshielded electrical prongs
are plainly visible.
 The reality is that there are no double end male plugs available on the market because they are
dangerous. ... When you need another string, plug the female end into the male that you have and
go on from there. You will end up with a male end to plug in to the wall or extension cord.
 9. Lock nut (Plastic, Metal/ Sizes)

 A locknut, also known as

a lock nut, locking nut, prevailing torque
nut,[1] stiff nut[1] or elastic stop nut,[2] is
a nut that resists loosening under vibrations and
torque. Elastic stop nuts and prevailing torque
nuts are of the particular type where some
portion of the nut deforms elastically to provide
a locking action.[2] The first type used fiber
instead of nylon and was invented in 1931.[3]
 Locknuts, jam nuts, lock washers, and thread-
locking fluid are ways to prevent vibration from
loosening a bolted joint
10. Wire nut

 Blue Wire-Nut Good choice for ballast wire connections.

 Orange Wire-Nut Commonly used with light or fan fixtures for connection to switch wire(s).

 Yellow Wing-Nut Commonly used to connect 2 #14 or 2 #12 wires.

 Tan Twister Commonly used to connect 2 to 3 #14 or #12 wires.

 Red Wing-Nut Commonly used to connect 3 to 4 #14 or #12 wires, or 3 #10.

Data Phone Wire Butt Splice Connectors

Data and phone wires are very small in diameter at 22 to 24 AWG. These wires are used for telephone, computer
data, and garage door opener wiring and are to be used for low voltage only. Butt splice connectors are used to
connect two or more wires together.

The image to the right is a data and butt splice connector that can connect up to three wires. These wires are stripped
(or not, see instructions) and inserted into the connectors. A pliers or crimper can be used to squeeze the top and
bottom of the connector together to make the connections.

The image to the right is of garage door opener wiring connected with telephone wire butt splice connector.

 Twist-on wire connectors are a type of electrical connector used to fasten two
or more low-voltage (or extra-low-voltage) electrical conductors. They are widely used in North
America in residential, commercial and industrial building power wiring.
 Twist-on connectors are also known as wire nuts, wire connectors, cone connectors, or thimble
connectors. One trade name for such connectors, Marrette,is derived from the name of their
 inventor (see History) and, in Canada, this type of connector is often referred to as a marrette
regardless of the actual brand of the product.

 Push-in Wire Connectors

It is very easy to connect wires into push-in connectors, but are a major pain to disconnect. They
should only be used in light fixtures. Light fixtures use 18 AWG wires which are easy to remove
from these connectors by pulling and twisting the wires.

 Never use push-in connectors in an electrical junction box. If the wires in a junction box with
push-in connectors need to be modified, the wires in these connectors will probably need to
be cut and connected back with wire nuts.

11. Meter base

 It's very important to understand an essential fact about your connection to the TEC electrical grid.
... The meter is round and typically enclosed in clear plastic or glass. The meter base is typically a
rectangular metal box mounted on the outside of your home or place of business.
12. Kilowatt hour meter
 Is the electric meter that measures the amount of electrical energy in kWh that was consumed in
the house. The kWh meter has a counter display that counts units of kilowatt-hour (kWh). The
energy consumption is calculated by calculating the difference of the counter's reading in the
specified period.
13. Entrance cap

 A weatherhead, also called a weathercap, service head, serviceentrance cap, or

gooseneck (slang) is a weatherproof service drop entry point where overhead power or telephone
wires enter a building, or where wires transition between overhead and underground cables.

14. Solvent cement - A joint made in thermoplastic (usually polyvinylchloride or PVC) piping by the use of
a solvent or solvent cement, which forms a continuous bond between the mating surfaces.

Switch and Outlets

1. Single switch (types, series)

 The switch is an electrical device that is used to break or make an electrical circuit manually or
automatically. The working principle of switch depends on ON/ OFF mechanism. Various
electrical or electronic circuits use switches to control or trigger the owl circuit.

Types of Switches

The types of switches are classified into four types namely:

 SPST (Single Pole Single throw) - A Single Pole Double Throw toggle switch connects
a common terminal to one or the other of two terminals. It is always connected to one or the other. The two
outside terminals are never connected by the switch.
  SPDT (single pole double throw) - switch is a switch that only has a single input and can
connect to and switch between 2 outputs. This means it has one input terminal and
two output terminals. A Single Pole Double Throw switch can serve a variety of functions in a
circuit.

 DPST (double pole, single throw) - is a switch that has 2 inputs and 2 outputs; each input
has 1 corresponding output. Each of the terminals of a double pole single switch can either be in the
on position (closed) or in the off position (open)

 DPDT (double pole double throw) - Adding another pole to the SPDT creates a
double-pole, double-throw (DPDT) switch. Basically two SPDT switches, which can control two
separate circuits, but are always switched together by a single actuator. DPDTs should have six
terminals. A DPDT circuit symbol, and a 6-terminal DPDT rocker switch

2. Two gang (types, series)

 will control a single lighting circuit, and with a 2 gang switch you can control two lighting circuits

 Two gangs are 4-9/16" wide.

3. Three gang (types, series)

 Is used where three or more switches control one light and used in conjunction with two way
light switches to achieve this. It is effectively three single gang intermediate switches on one face
plate.
 Three gangs are 6-3/8" wide
4. 3 way switch
 Are used to control lights with two switches. These switches do not have an on/off position like
single pole switches. It is important to understand how these are wired before attempting to
troubleshoot or replace.
5. 4 way switch

 Are used to control lights with three or more switches. A 3-way switch is used on each end with
one or more 4-way switches in between the two 3-way switches. They do not have an on/off
position like single pole switches. It is important to understand how these switches are wired
before attempting to troubleshoot or replace. Below is a conventional wiring diagram for a 4-way
switch configuration.


6. Dimmer switch
 Are used to control lighting level and can save energy. Dimmers work by
limiting the voltage that goes to a lighting load. Dimmers work very well
with incandescent bulbs because of a wide dimming range.

7. Doorbell switch
 A single-pole, single-throw (SPST) pushbutton switch momentarily closes the doorbell circuit.
One terminal of this button is wired to a terminal on a transformer. A doorbell transformer steps
down the 120 or 240-volt AC electrical power to a lower voltage, typically 10 to 20 volts
8. Tumbler type
 A small two-position or three-position switch operated by an arm-and-
spring mechanism. Tumbler switches are mainly usedfor switching the control circuits
 (less frequently, the power
supply circuits) of electrical apparatus, instruments, and devicesand electronic apparatus. They are
usually mounted on control panels, switchboards, or consoles. The maximum permissiblevoltage f
or a tumbler switch is 380 volts, and the maximum current is 3 amperes.
9. One gang universal outlet
 will control a single lighting circuit
10. Universal outlet
 Is designed to accept a broad range of worldwide consumer AC plugs in one single unit, therefore
removing complexity and the number of onboard power sockets required.

11. Universal outlet with ground

 Is designed to accept a broad range of worldwide consumer AC plugs in one single unit, therefore
removing complexity and the number of onboard power sockets required.

12. Flat Pin type outlet (w/ ground)

 Is the type of outlet that can only receive flat pin Inlet.
13. Tandem outlet
 Is being use if you need to have an outlet with 2 different uses for example aircon out with regular
outlet.
14. GFCT outlet (ground-fault circuit interrupter)
 The GFCI type of outlet constantly monitors electricity flowing in a circuit, to sense any loss of
current.
 GFCI outlets exist to protect people from electrical shock — it is completely different from a
house fuse. The idea behind a fuse is to protect a structure from an electrical fire. If the hot wire
were to accidentally touch the neutral wire for some reason (say, because a mouse chews through
the insulation, or someone drives a nail through the wire while hanging a picture, or the vacuum
cleaner sucks up an outlet cord and cuts it), an incredible amount of current will flow through the
circuit and start heating it up like one of the coils in a toaster. The fuse heats up faster than the
wire and burns out before the wire can start a fire. Catastrophe averted.
15. S.P.O
 Is an outlet used for purposes other than ordinary lighting and power, usually fused
separately. Most commonly used for rangers or clothes dryers

Electrical conduits

1. PVC conduits (Sizes) - polymerizing vinyl chloride. The properties depend on the added plasticizer. The
flexible forms are used in hosepipes, insulation, shoes, garments, etc
2. IMC (Sizes)- Intermediate metal conduit (IMC) is a steel tubing heavier than EMT but lighter than RMC.
It may be threaded. Electrical metallic tubing (EMT), sometimes called thin-wall, is commonly used
instead of galvanized rigid conduit (GRC), as it is less costly and lighter than GRC.

3. EMT (Sizes) - Intermediate metal conduit (IMC) is a steel tubing heavier than EMT but lighter than RMC.
It may be threaded. Electrical metallic tubing (EMT), sometimes called thin-wall, is commonly used
instead of galvanized rigid conduit (GRC), as it is less costly and lighter than GRC.
4. RSC (Sizes) – Rigid Steel Conduit. Product Introduction: ... Electroline Rigid Steel Conduit (RSC) is zinc
coated both inside and outside with hot dip galvanizing in such a way that metal-to-metal contact and
galvanic protection against corrosion are provided.

5. Plastic moldings-

Wires and cables

1. Sizes (AWG to mm2)

2. Wire lettering (THN, THW, TW, etc.)

 Understanding electrical wire lettering will help you decide which type wire is best for
the installation that you are using. There are many different types of insulation used for
residential use. Some of the most commonly used are THHN, THWN, THW and XHHN.
THWN is flame-retardant and heat resistant. Its insulation can be used in dry, and damp
locations. This is not to be used in wet locations however. THHN wire is commonly used
in conduit installations in residential and commercial installations. Due to its nylon
insulation, it is smaller and is more flexible than the more rigid plastic coated wire.
THWN is flame retardant, heat resistant, moisture resistant, gasoline resistant, and oil
resistant. It can be used in dry, damp, or wet locations. This cable is often used in
underground conduit feeds that will be subject to moisture and other liquids.
THW is heat resistant, flame retardant, and moisture resistant. It can be used for dry,
damp, and wet locations. It too can be used for underground feeds that are subject to
moisture.
XHHN is used for service entrance and is designated type SE cable.
 So exactly what do the letters on the wire mean? Her’s a breakdown to help make some
sense of the lettering.
The “T” stands for thermoplastic insulated cable.
A single “H” means the wire is heat resistant.
“HH” means that the wire is heat resistant and can withstand a higher temperature. This
wire can withstand heat up to 194 degrees Fahrenheit.
A “W” means that the wire is approved for damp and wet locations. This wire is also
suitable for dry locations.
The “X” means the cable is made of a synthetic polymer that is flame-retardant.
The “N” is for the nylon coating that covers the wire insulation.

3. Types of wires (NM, Solid, Stranded)

Electrical boxes

1. Pull box

 A metal box with a blank cover

that is installed in an accessible place in a run of

conduit to facilitate the pulling in of wires or

cables.

2. Lighting panel board

 An electric panel containing fuses or circuit breakers used to protect branch

circuits serving lighting fixtures. 2. A panel for switching or controlling lights and lighting
circuits.
3. NEMA 3R (Other NEMA)

 Enclosures are typically used in outdoor applications for

wiring and junction boxes. This style of enclosure. provides protection against falling rain, sleet,
snow, and external ice formation. Indoors they protect against dripping water. This style of
enclosure does not have a gasketed sealing surface
4. Wire gutter

 Metallic Auxiliary Gutter. A sheet metal enclosure used to

supplement wiring spaces at meter centers, distribution centers, switchboards,
and similar points of wiring systems. The enclosure has hinged or removable
covers for housing and protecting electrical wires, cable, and busbars.

5. Safety switch box

 an electric switch completely enclosed in a metal box with an external control

handle and so designed that the box cannot be opened while the switch is closed and
the switch cannot be closed while the box is open
6. Manual transfer switch

 A transfer switch is an electrical switch that switches a load between two sources.
Some transfer switches are manual, in that an operator effects the transfer by throwing a switch,
while others are automatic and trigger when they sense one of the sources has lost or gained power
7. Miniature panel board

 A miniature circuit breaker (MCB) automatically switches off

electrical circuit during an abnormal condition of the network means in overload condition as well
as faulty condition. Nowadays we use an MCB in low voltage electrical network instead of a fuse.

Circuit breakers

1. Cartridge fuse
  Are used to protect motors and branch circuits where higher amps or volt rating are
required. They are available in a wide variety of sizes, the purpose of fuse have no time delay and
protect fuse panels, appliances and branch circuits.
2. Knife blade fuse

 Is a cartridge fuse having a metal blade at each end of cylindrical tube for
making contact with the fuse within.
3. MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker)

 It is used for up to 100amps in the motor feeders.

4. RCCB ( Residual Current Circuit Breaker)

 A residual. Current device (RCD) is an electric wiring device that disconnects a

circuit whenever it detects that the electric current is not balanced between the phase (Hot)
conductor
5. Surge protector

 Is an electrical device that is used to protect equipment against power surges and
voltage spikes while blocking voltage over a safe threshold (approximately 120V)
6. MCCB (Moulded case Circuit Breaker)

 It is used for 25oAmps to 800Amps in the motor feeders.

7. Plug-in circuit breaker

 A safety device that stops the flow of current in an electrical circuit when there is a
fault. Co compare to fuse noun (Safety part) electrical components & circuitry
8. Bold-on circuit breaker
  Is an automatically operated electrical switch designed to protect an electrical
circuit from damage caused by excess current from an overload or short circuit. Its basic function
is to interrupt the current flow after a fault is detected.
9. Arc fault circuit interrupter

 Is a circuit breaker that breaks the circuit it protects to prevent electrical fires. An
AFCI selectively distinguishes between a harmless arc, and a potentially dangerous arc.
10. Safety breakers

 Is an automatically operated electrical switch designed to protect an electrical

circuit from damage caused by excess current from an overload or short circuit. Its basic function
is to interrupt current flow after a fault is detected. Unlike a fuse, which operates once and then
must be replaced, a circuit breaker can be reset (either manually or automatically) to resume
normal operation
11. DIN rail type mini safety breaker w/ outlet

Lights/ bulb

1. Florescent lamp

 Is a low-pressure mercury-vapor gas-discharge lamp that uses fluorescence to

produce visible light. An electric current in the gas excites mercury vapor, which produces short-
wave ultraviolet light that then causes a phosphor coating on the inside of the lamp to glow. A
fluorescent lamp converts electrical energy into useful light much more efficiently
than incandescent lamps. The typical luminous efficacy of fluorescent lighting systems is 50–100
lumens per watt, several times the efficacy of incandescent bulbs with comparable light output.
2. Spiral compact fluorescent lamp
  A compact fluorescent lamp (CFL), also called compact fluorescent light, energy-
saving light, and compact fluorescent tube, is a fluorescent lamp designed to replace
an incandescent light bulb; some types fit into light fixtures designed for incandescent bulbs. The
lamps use a tube which is curved or folded to fit into the space of an incandescent bulb, and a
compact electronic ballast in the base of the lamp.
3. U shape compact florescent lamp

 CFLs typically have a rated service life of 6000–15,000 hours, whereas

standard incandescent lamps have a service life of 750 or 1000 hours.[22][23][24] However, the
actual lifetime of any lamp depends on many factors, including operating voltage,
manufacturing defects, exposure to voltage spikes, mechanical shock, frequency of cycling on
and off, lamp orientation, and ambient operating temperature, among other factors.
4. Daylight LED

 An LED lamp or LED light bulb is an electric light for use in light
fixtures that produces light using one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs). LED lamps have a
lifespan many times longer than equivalent incandescent lamps, and are significantly
more efficient than most fluorescent lamps,[1][2][3] with some LED chips able to emit up to 303
lumens per watt (as claimed by Cree and some other LED manufacturers).[4]However, LED lamps
require an electronic LED driver circuit when operated from mains power lines, and losses from
this circuit mean the efficiency of the lamp is lower than the efficiency of the LED chips it uses.
The most efficient commercially available LED lamps have efficiencies of 200 lumens per watt
(Lm/W).