18.

5 CONDUCTORS

WIRE
• May be made of copper or aluminum metal, both of which conducts electricity, but copper is a
much better conductor than aluminum and a safer option. When electricity flows from one
point to another through something such as an electrical wire, it is called conductivity

• It is a common electrical conductor. Most conductors used in building applications are

classified according to a wire gauge standard and on the cross-sectional area of the units
called circular mils.

• A mil is equal to 1/1000 inch, so one circular

mil (cmil) is equal to the cross-sectional area
of a 0.001 in diameter circle.
ALUMINUN COPPER
METAL METAL

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• Small and Medium gauge

electrical conductors are
categorized by AWG.
• The AWG gauge number is
inversely proportional to the
cross-section diameter of the
wire.
• AWG gauges range from no.
36 AWG through no. 0000
AWG.
• A smaller number identifies a
thicker wire.

• Electrical conductors are either solid or stranded.

• Solid conductors are a single solid length of conductor
called a wire.
• Stranded conductors consist of smaller wire strands.

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BUSES
• A bus, sometimes called a bus bar, is an electrical conductor that serves as a
common connection for two or more electrical circuits.
• Solid bars typically used for power distribution.
• Commonly found in panel boards, switchboards, and other power distribution
equipment.

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CONDUCTOR
MATERIALS

• In physics and electrical engineering, a conductor is an object or type of material that allows the
flow of charge (electrical current) in one or more directions. Materials made of metal are
common electrical conductors.

• Silver is the best electrical conductor material because it has the least resistance of common
materials. The same as Gold.
• Copper and Aluminum conductors are used in building conductor (wiring) installations as a
compromise between good conductivity and economy.

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CONDUCTOR INSULATION
• It is a process by which a conductor surrounded by insulation to prevent current leakage
or short circuits. Also known as insulated wire.

• The insulation limits the flow of current between the different conductors and between

the conductors to ground. It is therefore very important that the insulation has the opposite
transfer properties of the conductor.

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CABLE

• May be made of copper or aluminum metal, both of which conducts electricity, but copper is a
much better conductor than aluminum and a safer option. When electricity flows from one
point to another through something such as an electrical wire, it is called conductivity.

• It contains more than one conductor bundled together in a factory assembly of wires.
• An outer sheathing encases and protects the conductor, simplifying installation of multiple wiring.

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• Types of sheathed cables include the following:

• Nonmetallic-sheathed Cable – is
classified as type NM or NMC. NM is
used in dry, indoor applications.

• Underground Feeder Cable – are flame

retardant and moisture, fungus and
corrosion resistant.

• Underground Feeder Cable – are

flame retardant and moisture, fungus
and corrosion resistant.

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• Types of sheathed cables include the following:

• Service Entrance Cable – suitable for

exposed above-grade conditions.

• Armored Cable – this cable contains 2 to 4

copper conductors. Armored cables are used
in applications where cables will be exposed
to mechanical or environmental damage under
normal operating conditions. These
applications include power circuits in
industrial plants, commercial buildings,
processing plants and central and substation
utility applications.

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• Types of sheathed cables include the following:

• Metal-clad cables (MC) – is similar to

armored cable except it is not limited to
the number sizes of conductors it can
carry.

• Flat Conductor Cable (FCC) – It is designed

to rest between the topside of a smooth
continuous subfloor and carpet squares.

• Thermostat Cable – is used in

applications with voltages less than
30V, such as wiring to doorbells,
chimes and, thermostats.

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CORDS
• Cords are made of stranded conductors within a flexible insulated sheathing materials.
• They are designed for flexibility and bending.
• They are used on power tools, large stationary equipment, or detachable computer power cords.

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CONCEALED KNOB-AND-TUBE
WIRING

• It consists of an old style wiring technique using insulated conductors strung between glass or porcelain knobs
and tubes.
• K&T wiring is installed in walls or ceilings so it is concealed from view when finish materials such as plaster
is applied.
• A form of K&T wiring is still used to provide temporary lighting at the construction site, at roadside stands,
and at carnival tents.

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CONDUCTOR POWER LOSS

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CONDUCTOR POWER LOSS

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CONDUCTOR POWER LOSS

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CONDUCTOR POWER LOSS

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