Ritchie Mar C.
Ugsod
Instructor
Bohol Island State University- Main Campus, Tagbilaran City
First Semester, A.Y. 2020-2021
Course Description
This course deal with….
Course Unit: 7 Units
THE BRANCH CIRCUIT
Introduction
Electric Circuit refers to the complete path traversed by an electric current. In short, electric circuit is
the entire house wiring installation.
Branch Circuit is defined by the National Electrical Code (NEC) as : “the circuit conductors between
the final over current protective device and the outlets.” Meaning, the branch circuit is only the wiring
installed between the circuit over current protective device i.e. fuse or circuit breaker, and the outlets.
In practice however, it is a common knowledge that the branch circuit comprises the following:
1 .The source of voltage
2. The wiring and
3. The load
Overcurrent
Device
Load
Load/outlet
Wiring the
branch circuit
DIVISION OF ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT INTO ITS COMPONENT
ELECTRICAL LAYOUT AND ESTIMATE
Circuitry design varies according to the number of designers. However, good circuitry design is
based on the following consideration:
1. Flexibility of the circuit
2. Reliability and efficiency of service
3. Safety of the circuitry
4. Economy as to cost
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.
Efficiency Reliability and of Service means to have a continuous service and supply of power that
are all dependent on the wiring system.
Reliability of electric power in a facility is determined by two factors:
1. The utility
2. Building electric system
Safety means that independent service can be used in lieu of emergency equipment as backup for
normal services. For reliability of the circuitry, the following principles should be considered.
1. To provide double emergency power equipment at selected weak points in the system.
2. That the electrical service and the building distribution system must act together so that the
power can reach the desired point of service.
3. Critical loads within the facility must be pinpointed to determine the best way to serve them by
providing a reliable power either from the outside source, or by standby power package for them.
4. The system designed must readily detect any equipment failure and to be corrected automatically.
Economy refers to the initial cost as well as the operating costs. These two cost-factors stand in
inverse relationship to one another. Over design is as bad as under design. It is wasteful both on initial
and operating costs.
The Effect of Acquiring Low Cost Equipment
1. High energy cost
2. Higher maintenance cost
3. Shorter life
Energy Consideration is a complex one considering the following factors:
1. Energy laws and codes
2. Budget
3. Energy conservation technique
4. Energy control
Space Allocation – must consider the following:
1. Easy maintenance
2. Ventilation
3. Expandability
4. Centrality
5. Limitation of access
Protective device
Generally 15, 20
amps
Appliance Convenience
Outlet Outlet
Light outlet
General Purpose Branch Circuit
Branch Circuit - The branch Circuit is classified into:
1. General purpose branch circuit
2. Appliance branch circuit
3. Individual branch circuit
The National Electrical Code defines the different types of branch circuit as follows:
1. General purpose branch circuit supplies outlets for lighting and appliances, including
convenience receptacles.
2. Appliance branch circuit supplies outlets intended for feeding appliances. Fixed lighting
however, is not supplied.
Protective device
Generally 20
amps
A A A C.O
Appliance Branch Circuit
3. Individual branch circuit is designed to supply a single specific item.
Size required branch circuit
Single
Item
Individual Branch Circuit
Protection of the Branch Circuit
As a Rule, branch circuit should be protected from over current. Hence, an overall current
protective device shall be installed in all branch circuitries.
The function of the over-current protective device is to open the circuit (disconnect the line)
when the current rating capacity of the equipment being protected is exceeded. The circuit protected
device represents the source of voltage. It is always connected at its hot line end to the voltage source
and its load end to the circuit wiring. Apparently, it becomes the source of voltage.
