M ECHANI CAL AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

3. ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

3.1 CONDUCTORS – are materials which

allow the free flow of electrons through
them. Metals generally have the least
resistance in the flow of electric current.
The best conductors are precious metals,
such as silver, gold and platinum. Copper
and aluminum are the most commonly
used materials for conductors. However,
since aluminum forms an oxide layer
which is poorly conductive, aluminum is
restricted to small wires while copper is
preferred in all conductor types.

3.1.1 TYPES OF CONDUCTORS: Conductors are of three (3) types:

1. Wires – are single insulated conductors No. 8 AWG (American Wire Gauge or
smaller; for the English System, it is the B & S Gauge or Browne and Sharpe Gauge. The
smallest size of wire permitted is No. 14.

2. Cable – are single insulated conductors No. 6 AWG or larger; or they may be several
conductors of any size assembled into a single unit.

Wires and cables are either solid or stranded. A stranded wire consists of a group of wires
twisted to form a metallic string. A cord is an insulated stranded wire, such as the cord of a
flat iron.

3. Bus Bars – large conductors which are not circular in cross section and usually found
only to supply the main switch boards.

3.1.2 CONDUCTOR SIZES – AWG/MCM STANDARD

All conductor sizes from No. 18 (or AWG 1) to No. 10 (AWG No. 0000, also designated 4/0)
are expressed in AWG. Beyond AWG No. 4/0, a different designation, MCM (or thousand
circular mil) is used. In this designation, the smallest MCM size is 250 MCM or ½”  and
the biggest is 500 MCM.

A circular MIL is an artificial area measurement, representing the square of the cable
diameter (diam2) when the diameter is expressed in mils (thousands of an inch). Thus a
solid conductor ½ inch in diameter is 500 mils in diameter, or 250,000 circular mils in area,
(500)2 or 250 MCM; thus;
CM/1000 = diam2 = (500)2/1000 = 250,000/1000 = 250 MCM
In the metric system, conductor sizes are given simply as the diameter in millimeters (mm).

3.1.3 CONDUCTOR AMPACITY

Conductor current carrying capacity or ampacity is the maximum operating temperature that
its insulation can stand continuously. Heat is generated as a result of the current flowing
and the conductor resistance. When conductors are placed in an enclosed conduit, the heat
generated is not as easily dissipated as it would be if the conductor were free in the air.
Thus, the current rating of a conductor in free air is much higher than that for the same were
it in a conduit.

3.1.4 TYPES OF CABLES

1. Armored Cable (Type AC) – a fabricated assembly of

insulated conductors enclosed in flexible metal sheath. The
most common type of AC run without raceways is the NEC type
flexible armored cable known by the trade name BX.

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2. Metal Clad Cable (Type MC) – a factory assembled

cable of one or more conductors each individually insulated
and enclosed in a metallic sheath of interlocking tape of a
smooth or corrugated tube.

3. Mineral Insulated Cable (Type MI) – a factory

assembled conductor/s insulated with a highly
compressed refractory mineral insulation enclosed in a
liquid and gas tight continuous copper sheath. To
maintain its integrity, terminations are made with
compression rings, glands and sealing compounds.

4. Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable (Type NM or NMC) – also known by the trade name
ROMEX, is a factory assembly of two or more
insulated conductors having a moisture resistant,
flame retardant, and non-metallic material outer
sheath. For Type NMC, the jacket is additionally
corrosion resistant. Since it is non-metallic, it is
easier to handle but more vulnerable to physical
damage and therefore limited in use to small buildings.

5. Shielded Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable (Type SNM)

– a factory assembly of two or more insulated
conductors in an extruded core of moisture resistant
and flame retardant material covered within an
overlapping spiral metal tape.

6. Underground Feeder and Branch Circuit Cable (Type UF) – a moisture resistant cable
used for underground connections including direct burial in the ground as feeder or branch
circuit.

7. Service Entrance Cable (Type SE or USE) – a single or multi-conductor assembly

provided with or without an overall covering primarily used for service wire.

8. Power and Control Tray Cable (Type TC) – a factory assembled two or more insulated
conductors with or without associated bare or covered grounding under a metallic sheath
and is used for installation in cable trays, raceways, or where supported by wire.

9. Flat Cable Assemblies (Type FC) – an assembly of parallel conductors formed integrally
with an insulating material web designed specially for field installation in square structural
channels.

10. Flat Conductor Cable (Type FCC) – consists of three or more

flat copper conductors placed edge to edge separated and enclosed
within a insulating assembly. This type fo cable is used for
appliance or individual branch circuits installed inside floor surfaces.

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11. Medium Voltage4 Cable (MV) – a single or multi-conductor solid dielectric insulated
cable rated at 2,000 to 35,000 volts. Trade name is Medium Voltage Solid Dielectric.

3.2 INSULATORS – are materials which prevent the flow of electrons through them.
Glass, mica, rubber, oil, porcelain, and certain synthetics such as phenolic
compounds exhibit this insulating property and are therefore used to insulate electric
conductors. Common examples are rubber and plastic wire coverings, porcelain lamp
sockets and oil immersed switches.

Insulation is rated by voltage, for example, 300 V, 600 V, 1000 V, 3000 V,

5000 V and 15000 V. If insulation is used above its recommended voltage
rating, it may break down causing short circuits and arcing with the possibility
of fire starting. Ordinary building wiring is usually rated for 300 V and 600 V.

In general there are the unjacketed and the jacketed types. The unjacketed
conductors are those which consist of a copper conductor covered with
insulation T (thermoplastic) or TW (Moisture-resistant Thermoplastic). The
jacketed ones are the THHN (Heat-resistant thermoplastic) and the THWN
(Moisture and heat-resistant thermoplastic) both of which have a nylon jacket
designated as N. The common types of insulation are:

3.2.1 TYPES OF INSULATORS:

General Wiring
Trade name Type Maximum Application
Letter Operating Provisions
Temperature
Moisture-& heat-resistant RHW 75O C Dry and wet
rubber 167O F Locations
Thermoplastic T 60O C Dry locations
140O F
Moisture-resistant TW 60O C Dry and wet
thermoplastic 140O F Locations
Heat-resistant thermoplastic THHN 90O C Dry locations
194O F
Moisture-& heat-resistant THW 75O C Dry and wet
thermoplastic 167O F Locations
Moisture-& heat-resistant THWN 75O C Dry and wet
thermoplastic 167O F Locations
Moisture-& heat resistant XHHW 90O C Dry locations
cross-linked thermosetting 194O F
polyethelene
75O C Wet locations
167O C
Silicone-asbestos SA 90O C Dry locations
194O F
Asbestos and Varnished AVA 110O C Dry locations
Cambric 230O F only

3.3 CONDUITS – are circular raceways used to enclose wires and cables and are of
metal or plastic (PVC).

3.3.1 PURPOSE OF CONDUITS

1. To protect the enclosed conductors from mechanical injury and chemical damage.
2. To protect people from shock hazards by providing a grounded enclosure.
3. To provide a system ground path.
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4. To protect the surroundings against fire hazard as a result of overheating or short

circuiting of the enclosed conductors.
5. To support the conductors.

3.3.2 TYPES OF STEEL CONDUITS – There are three types of steel conduits that
differ basically in their wall thicknesses, these are:

1. Heavy-wall steel conduits called “Rigid Steel

Conduits” or RSC with an approximate thickness of
0.117 mm.
2. “Intermediate Metal Conduit” or IMC with thickness
of 0.071 mm.
3. Thin-wall steel conduits named “Electric Metal
Tubing” or EMT.

RSCs and IMCs use the same fitting, called condulets, and are threaded alike at the joints.
EMTs are not threaded but use set screw and pressure fitting and are not recommended for
embedding in concrete nor permitted in hazardous areas. IMCs yield a larger inside
diameter (ID) for easier wire pulling and is lighter than the RSC.

Standard length of steel conduits is 3 M or 10 ft.

When steel conduits are installed in direct contact with the earth, it is advisable to use the
hot-dip galvanized type and to coat the joints with asphaltum.

3.4 RACEWAYS – are channels or wiring accessories so designed for holding wires,
cables and busbars that are either made of metal, plastic, or any insulating medium.

1. FLOOR RACEWAYS
a.) underfloor raceways
b.) cellular metal floor raceways
c.) cellular concrete floor raceways (precast)

2. CEILING RACEWAYS
a.) Header ducts (wireways)
b.) Distribution ducts (laterals)

3.5 OUTLETS and RECEPTACLES – An outlet is a point in the wiring

system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment. It
refers only to the box. A receptacle is the wiring device1 in which the
utilization equipment (appliance) cord is plugged into.

1
Wiring Device – includes all devices that are normally installed in wall outlets boxes, including receptacles, switches,
dimmers, pilot light, attachment plugs and wall plates..

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3.5.1 KINDS OF OUTLETS

1. Convenience Outlet or Attachment Cap - the complete set-up
which establishes connection between the conductor of the flexible
cord and the conductors connected permanently to the receptacle.
The common wall outlet is a convenience outlet.
2. Lighting Outlet – is an outlet intended for direct connection to a
lamp holder, lighting fixture, or pendant cord terminating in a lamp
holder.
3. Receptacle Outlet – is an outlet where one
or more receptacles are installed.

3.5.2 RECEPTACLES2 - are contact

devices installed at the outlet for the
connection of a single attachment plug. It
includes all receptacles and their matching
cap (plug), wall switches, small dimmers, and outlet box-mounted lamps.

3.6 SWITCHES – are devices for making, breaking, or changing

conditions in an electrical circuit under the conditions of load
which they are rated. Switches are rated according to current
and voltage, duty, poles and throw, fusibility and enclosure.
Switches may be classified as follows:

3.6.1 TYPE OF SWITCH – ACCORDING TO VOLTAGE

Switches are rated as 250V, 600V, or 5KV as required.

3.6.2 TYPE OF SWITCH – ACCORDING TO INTENSITY OF USE

1. Normal Duty (ND) – intended for normal use in light and power circuits as in general-
purpose switches.
2. Heavy Duty (HD) – intended for frequent interrupting.
3. Light Duty (LD) –intended to connect the loads occasionally, such as service switches.

3.6.3 TYPE OF SWITCH - ACCORDING TO TYPE OF SERVICE

1. Service Switch – intended to disconnect all the electric service in the building except
emergency equipment. This may comprise one to six properly rated switches that are
assembled into a switchboard.
2. Power Switches –
a) General –purpose switches – are intended for use in general distribution and branch
circuits.
b) Disconnecting or isolating switches – are intended for disconnecting or isolating
circuits; used for circuits rated at more than 600 volts.
3. Wiring Switches – include all the relatively small switches that are employed in interior
wiring installations for the control of branch circuits, individual lamps or appliances.
a) General–purpose switches – are single-pole or double-pole switches for the general
purpose use of connecting or cutting-off circuits for the control of lamps or other loads
from a single point.
b) Three-way switches – are used where it is desired to control lamps from two different
points, as in a stairwell.
c) Four-way switches – are used in conjunction with two 3-wire switches where it is
desired to control lamps from three or more desired points.
d) Electrolier or multi-circuit switches – are used for the control of lights in multi-lamp
fixtures so that one lamp or set of lamps may be turned on alone or in combination
with other lamps.

2
Receptacle – A contact device installed at the outlet for the connection of a single attachment plug. (NEC)
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e) Momentary contact switches – are used where it is desired to connect or cut-off a

circuit for only a short duration. The switch is provided with a spring so that it will return
to its original position as soon as the handle or button is released.
f) Dimmer switches – a rheostat3 or similar device for regulating the intensity of an
electric light without appreciably affecting spatial distribution. Also called a dimmer.

Wiring switches may either be the flush type, surface type or the pendant type.

3.6.4 TYPE OF SWITCH - ACCORDING TO OPERATION MECHANISM

Wiring switches may also be classified according to the operating mechanism as:

1. Rotary switch
2. Push-button switch
3. Toggle or tumbler switch

3.6.5 TYPE OF SWITCH - ACCORDING TO NUMBER OF POLES AND THROWS

1. Poles – that part of the switch which is used for making or breaking of a connection and
which is electrically insulated from other contact making or breaking parts. Switches are
available in 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 pole construction.
2. Throws - a single throw switch is one which will make a closed circuit only when the
switch is thrown in one position. A double throw switch will make a closed circuit when
thrown in either of two positions. Double throw switches are often used to transfer a load
from one source to another as for example from normal to emergency supply or from one
feeder to an alternate.

3.6.6 SPECIAL SWITCHES

1. Time Controlled Switches – This device comprises a precision low speed miniature drive
motor (timer) to which some type of electric contact-making device is connected.
2. Remote Control (RC) Switches – A contactor4, or more specifically, a
relay5, that latches after being operated wireless from a distance.
3. Air Switch – a switch in which the interruption of a circuit occurs in air.
4. Knife Switch – a form of air switch in which a hinged copper blade is
placed between two contact clips.
5. Float Switch – a switch controlled by a conductor floating in a liquid.
6. Mercury Switch – an especially quiet switch that opens and closes an
electric circuit by shifting a sealed glass tube of mercury so as to uncover or cover the
contacts.
7. Key Switch – a switch operated only by inserting a key or a card. Also called a card
switch.
8. Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) – This device, an essential part of an emergency or
standby service, is basically a double throw switch, generally 3-pole, so arranged that on
failure of normal power, emergency service is automatically supplied.

3
Rheostat – a resistor for regulating a current by means of variable resistances.
4
Contactor – is a switch device. Instead of handle-operated, movable blade and a fixed grip, a contactor uses two
contact blocks of silver coated copper, which are forced together to make or break a circuit. The common wall light
switch is a small mechanically-operated contactor.
5
Relay - is a small electrically- operated contactor.

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3.7 WALL PLATES OR FACEPLATES6

These are coverings for switches and wall outlets usually made of metal or of phenollic
compound (Bakelite). Wall plates are single gang, two-gang and three-gang.

3.8 OVER-CURRENT CIRCUIT PROTECTIVE DEVICES – are devices whose sole purpose
is to protect insulation, wiring, switches and other apparatus from overheating or burning, due
to overloads, to faults or to short circuits, by automatically cutting off the circuit. The two most
common devices used are the fuse and the circuit breaker. While panel boards and
switchboards or switchgears compose an assembly of fuses or circuit breakers.

3.8.1 FUSE7 – is a device consisting of an alloy link of wire

with a low melting temperature which is inserted in the
circuit, in such a way, that all current which passes through
the circuit, must also pass through this metal. Any current
which would be dangerous to the circuit melts this fuse,
opens the circuit at this point and thus protects the rest of
the components from the effects of the current. The cause
of the large current may then be removed and a new fuse inserted in place of the broken
one.

TYPES OF FUSES –

1. Plug Fuse – type enclosed in a porcelain cap used in circuits not exceeding 125 volts.
Current rating is from 10 – 30 amperes.
2. Cartridge Fuse – type enclosed in an insulating fiber tube.
a) Cartridge type with ferrule contacts - 250 to 600 volts; current rating of from 5 – 60
amperes.
b) Cartridge type with knife blade contacts – 250 to 600 volts; current rating from 70 to
600 amperes.
c) Cartridge type with bolted knife blade contacts – 600 volts; current ratings fro 800 to
6000 amperes.

3. Open Link Fuse – This consists of a wire or strip of easily melted metal. It has the
disadvantage of disrupting violently when a short circuit occurs. It is allowed only on sizes
smaller than 600 amps and must be placed in a cabinet.

Fuses may also be classified as “one-time use” and “renewable”. The renewable fuse may
be disassembled and a new fuse link inserted to replace the one within.

The general rule is that a wire rated to carry a definite number of amperes should be
protected by a fuse of lower or similar rating.

6
Faceplate – a protective plate surrounding an electric outlet or light switch.
7
Fuse – an overall current protective device with a circuit opening fusible element which breaks when there is an over
current in the circuit.
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STANDARD TYPE OF FUSES

A. Nonrenewable plug fuse
B. Nonrenewable knife blade fuse
C. Nonrenewable dual element time delay ferrule cartridge fuses
D. Nonrenewable high interrupting capacity current limiting fuse (dual element)
E. Nonrenewable miniature fuse

3.8.2 CIRCUIT BREAKERS8– is an over-current protective device designed to function

as a switch, or it can be manually tripped and thus act as a circuit switch. It breaks a
circuit with an automatic tripping9 device without injury to itself. It is not self-destructive on
operation, as the fuse is, and it can be reset after tripping by merely operating its handle.

TRIPPING

Most circuit breakers are equipped with both thermal and magnetic trips.

1. Thermal Trip – similar in action to a thermostat10. Heat generated by excessive

current causes an element to move and trip the latching mechanic of the breaker thus
opening the breaker contacts and thereby the circuit.
2. Magnetic Trip – comprises a coil with a movable core.
On short circuits, magnetic forces actuate the core which trips
the circuit breaker latch.

3.8.3 GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTERS (GFCI

or GFI) – is an over current protective device that will provide
ground fault protection as well as function as an ordinary
circuit breaker.

3.8.4 GUIDELINES FOR THE USE OF OVERCURRENT DEVICES

1. Overcurrent devices must be placed on the line side11 (or supply side) of the equipment
being protected.
2. Overcurrent devices must be placed in all ungrounded conductors of the protected circuit.
3. All equipment should be protected in accordance with their respective current-carrying
capacity.

8
Circuit Breaker – a switch that automatically interrupts an electric circuit to prevent excess current from damaging
apparatus in the circuit or from causing a fire.
9
Trip or tripping – refers to the cutting-off or disconnection of the current electric supply.
10
Thermostat – an instrument which responds to the changes in temperature and consists of sensitive elements which
expands and contracts according to the degree of heat. The movement may make or break an electric current or may
close and open a small port in a compressed air line.
11
Line Side – refers to the upstream side of a load or device; or it refers to where the current will come from. The
downstream side of the device is called the “Load Side”.
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3.8.5 PANELBOARDS – popularly known as “panel” or “electrical panel”, it is simply the

box wherein the protective devises are housed from which the circuits and busbars
terminate. If the devises are of fuses, it is called a “Fuse Panel” and if the devices are
circuit breakers, it is called a “Breaker Panel”. It is rare that fuses and breakers are
housed in the same box, except that a Breaker Panel may sometimes have a main switch
and a fuse for overall protection of the panel .

There are many formats of panel schedule (or specifications layout of the panel) and this is
called the “Schedule of Choice”.

TYPES OF PANELBOARDS –

Panelboards are classified according to use as either:

1. Lighting Panelboards (LP)

2. Power or Motor Panelboards (PP)
3. Distribution Panelboards (DP)

They may be further classified as “Flush Type” or “Surface Type”.

PANELBOARD LOCATION

1. A 1 M high or less panelboard should be located 1.35M from the

floor to its centerline.
2. A panelboard over 1 M high should be located 75 cm from the
floor to the bottom of the box, except that the highest branch circuit
connection should not be more than 1.95 M from the floor.
3. If necessary the 75 cm can be lowered to 45 cm with the same
restrictions as in No. 2. If these requirements cannot be followed,
the panel should be divided into two sections.
4. If two or more panels are adjacent on the same wall, the
centerlines of each box should be equidistant. In addition, panel
boxes should be installed with a minimum spacing of 10 cm apart.

3.8.6 SWITCHBOARDS – are free standing assemblies of

switches, fuses, and/or circuit breakers whose function normally
is to provide switching and feeder protection to a number of circuits connected to a main
source.

TYPES OF SWITCHBOARDS

1. Live Front – all the current carrying parts of the switching equipment are mounted on the
exposed face or front of the panel.
2. Dead Front – all live parts are installed behind the panel, the
operator controls the switches, breakers and other devices by
means of insulated handles extending through holes in the
front face.

3.8.7 UNIT SUBSTATIONS – (Transfer Load Centers) an

assembly of primary switch-fuse-breaker, step-down
transformer, meters, controls, busbars and secondary
switchboard. It is used to supply power from a primary
voltage line to any large facility.

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WIRING SYSTEMS

3.1 WIRING METHODS

3.1.1 KNOB AND TUBE WIRING – an obsolete wiring system

consisting of single insulated conductors secured to and
supported on porcelain knobs and tubes. When wires run
through walls, they are inserted into a nonmetallic fire-resistant
tubing called a loom.

3.1.2 RIGID METAL CONDUIT WIRING – is the best

and most expensive among the usual type of wiring. Its advantages are:
1. it is fireproof;
2. moisture proof;
3. it is mechanically strong so that nails cannot be driven through it and it is not readily
deformed by blows;
4. it resists the normal action of cement when embedded in
concrete or masonry.

In order to provide access to the conduits, for installing the

necessary wires and making connections to them, they are
interrupted at frequent intervals by sheet metal boxes with
knockout12 holes. These boxes are called pull boxes, connection
or outlet boxes, or junction boxes. The most common sizes are
the 4” square and 4” octagonal boxes used for fixtures, junction
and devices and the 4” x 2-1/2” box used where splicing is not
required.
In running branch circuits from the panel board to local lamp or plug outlets, 3 or 4 circuits
(6 to 8 wires) may be run in one large conduit to a given pull box, then branch off into
smaller conduits to the final outlet points. It is not good practice to have more than 8
conductors in a given circuit.
Recommended conduit size depends upon the number and diameter of the wires drawn
inside the conduit. The number and radius of bends in the conduit, as well as the total
length affects the degree of abrasion to insulation when the wire is inserted and pulled out.
There should not be more than 2 – 90 deg. or 3 - 45 deg bends in any continuous run.
Long, straight pulls may be made through as much as 150 – 250 ft (50 – 83 mts) of
continuous 10 ft. conduits joined by couplings without bends.
For exposed conduit work, a large variety of conduit fittings are available. These fittings are
called condulets. And depending on the size, to connect wires or cables, they are either
permanently spliced or joined together by means of a connector13.

Rigid Non-Metallic Conduit – A separate classification for rigid conduits are those that are
of such materials as fiber, asbestos-cement, soapstone, rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC),and
high density polyethylene.

12
Knockout – a panel in a casing or box that can readily be removed, as by punching, hammering, or cutting, to provide
an opening into the interior.
13
Connector – any of various devices for joining two or more conductors bundled together, without a permanent splice,
and inserting them into a small clip-like tube tightened with a screw.
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3.1.3 FLEXIBLE METAL CONDUIT WIRING – Its installation is much easier and
quicker than that of rigid metal conduits. Unlike the rigid conduits which come in short
lengths of 10 ft. (3 M), flexible metal conduit wiring comes in length of 25 ft – 250 ft (8 M –
83 M) depending on the size of the conduit. The conduit is easily fixed with pipe straps or
clamps when turns are required and requires no elbow fittings.

Liquid-tight Flexible Metal Conduit – same construction as the flexible conduit, except
that it is covered with a liquid-tight jacket. The trade name “Sealtite” refers to this product.

3.1.4 ARMORED CABLE WIRING (BX WIRING) – consists

of rubber or thermoplastic covered wire protected from injury to a
certain extent from dampness by one or two layers of flexible
steel armor. It is different from flexible metal conduit wiring, in
that the BX wires and their flexible armor are installed as a unit
such that the wires cannot be removed from the armor without
destroying the armor.
3.1.5 SURFACE METAL RACEWAY WIRING – the wires are
supported on a thin sheet steel casing. The raceway is installed
exposed, being mounted on the walls or ceiling. Metal raceways must be continuous from
outlet to outlet or junction box, designed especially for use with metal raceways.

3.1.6 FLAT CABLE ASSEMBLIES – a field installed rigidly

mounted square structural channel (1 – 5/8” standard)
designed to carry 2 to 4 conductors (No. 10 AWG) and will
act as light duty (branch circuit) plug-in busways14.

3.1.7 LIGHTING TRACK – a factory-assembled channel with

conductors for one to four circuits permanently
installed in the track that will act as light duty
(branch circuit) plug-in busways. It is the factory-
assembled version of a flat cable assembly.

3.1.8 CABLE TRAY … OPEN RACEWAY – is a

continuous open support for approved cables. When
used as a general wiring system, the cables must be
self-protected, jacketed types, type TC.

3.1.9 FLOOR RACEWAYS – The NEC recognizes

three types of floor raceways:

1. Underfloor Ducts (UF) installed beneath or flush with the floor and are available in two
basic designs – the single level, where system components such as the feeder ducts, the
distribution ducts, the junction boxes and the floor outlets are on the same level; and the
two-level system, where the feeder and distribution ducts are on different levels thus
eliminating the necessity for complex junction boxes. These underfloor ducts usually
requires a triple duct system for power, telephone and signal cabling.

2. Cellular Metal Floor Raceway – Found usually in office landscaping, it is an integrated

structural/electrical system in a cellular metal floor.

3. Precast Cellular Concrete – made of concrete cells15 fed from header ducts, which are
normally installed in concrete fill above the hollow core structural slab or fed from the ceiling
void below. The cells can be used for air distribution and for piping.

14
Busway – a rigid metal housing for a group of buses insulated from each other and the enclosure. Also called a “bus
duct”.
15
Cell – a single, enclosed, tubular space in a floor made of precast cellular concrete slabs, the direction of the cell
being parallel to the direction of the floor member.
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3.1.10 CEILING RACEWAY SYSTEMS – under-the-ceiling

raceways composed of header ducts and distribution ducts
separate for power and telephone cabling. They permit very rapid
changes in layouts at low cost and are therefore particularly
desirable in stores where frequent display transformations
necessitate corresponding electrical facility adjustments.

3.1.11 PRE-WIRED CEILING DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS – are ceiling raceways

that are pre-wired in the factory and plugged in where required.

3.2 WIRING DESIGN

House Wiring Installation has been addressed by the NEC under the following specific
provisions:

1. Wiring shall be of types RHW, T, THW, TW, THWN and XHHW.

2. On a 15 amp circuit, a single appliance shall not draw a maximum of 12 amp; on 20 amp
circuit, a maximum of 16 amp appliance and on a 30 amp circuit, a single appliance draw
shall not exceed 24 amperes.
3. If a branch circuit is combined with lighting or portable appliances, any fixed appliance
shall not be allowed to draw more than 7.5 amp on a 15 amp circuit and 10 amp on a 20
amp circuit.
4. A heavy lamp holder shall be rated not less than 750 watts.
5. A 30, 40 and 50 amp circuit shall not be used for fixed lighting in residences.
6. For appliances used continuously for long periods of time (ie. motors, pumps and air-
conditioners), their actual loads shall be computed not to exceed 80% of the fuse rating.
7. A continuous type load shall be considered at 125% of the actual load in all load
calculations.
8. A single receptacle on an individual branch circuit shall have a rating of not less than the
circuit.
9. Receptacles feeding portable and or steady appliances shall be limited to loads 80% of
their rating, that is:
▪ 12 amp for a 15 amp receptacle
▪ 16 amp for a 20 amp receptacle
▪ 24 amp for a 30 amp receptacle
10. The number of outlets in a circuit shall be limited to:
▪ 6 outlets on a 15 amp circuit
▪ 8 outlets on a 20 amp circuit

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 M ECHANI CAL AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

3.3 WIRING SYMBOLS

FEEDER L LAMP HOLDER PUSH BUTTON

BRANCH CIRCUIT-CEILING/WALL
PS LAMP HOLDER WITH PULL BELL
SWITCH
BRANCH CIRCUIT-FLOOR
C CLOCK OUTLET
3&4 WIRES CIRCUIT NO. BUZZER
MARK INDICATES 2 WIRES D DROP CORD OUTLET
CH CHIME
CROSSING WIRES FAN OUTLET
F
ANNUNCIATOR
CONNECTING WIRES
R RADIO OUTLET
LIGHTING
PANEL
LIGHTING OUTLET CEILING FLOOR OUTLET
POWER PANEL

DUPLEX CONVENIENCE OUTLET FUSE

RECESSED CEILING OUTLET
DASH INDICATES SHAPE OF CONVENIENCE OUTLET
WATT-HOUR
FIXTURE SPLIT-WIRED WH
METER
WEATHER PROOF OUTLET
WP T TRANSFORMER
LIGHTING OUTLET WALL OUTLET AND SWITCH
S
J JUNCTION BOX
RANGE OUTLET
R
FLUORESCENT LAMP SPECIAL PURPOSE OUTLET GROUND

REFRIGERATOR OUTLET
ref

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