ELECTRIC CIRCUIT
OREN CIRCUIT
When one or two phase conductors opened causing excessive unbalance current and requires immediate interruption of
the circuit.
ELECTRICAL LOAD
There are only two main types of electric systems used around the world, with varying physical connections:
100-127 volt, at 60 hertz frequency (in general: North and Central Americas, Western Japan)
220-240 volt, at 50 hertz frequency (in general: the rest of the world, with some exceptions)
POWER STATION
• It is an industrial facility that houses the prime mover, electric generator and auxiliaries for conversion of
mechanical energy, chemical energy and/or nuclear energy into electrical energy
• It is a facility or system for the generation of electrical power
ELECTRIC CIRCUIT
There are 5 Main Types of Electric Circuit
1. Close Circuit- An electric circuit is a "closed circuit" if it contains a complete path between the positive and
negative terminals of its power source.
2. Open Circuit-
3. Short Circuit-When a phase conductor touch another phase conductor and / or the ground causing excessive
current and requires immediate interruption of the circuit.
4. Series Circuit-Each device is connected in a manner such that there is only one pathway by which charge can
traverse the external circuit. Each charge passing through the loop of the external circuit will pass through each
resistor in consecutive fashion.
5. Parallel Circuit- Has two or more paths for current to flow through. Voltage is the same across ach component of
the parallel circuit. The sum of the currents through each path is equal to the Total current that flows from the
source.
NOTE:
Philippines standard voltage is 220 Volts and the frequency is 60 Hz.
You can use your electric appliances in the Philippines, if the standard voltage in your country in between 220 V-240 V (as
is in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa
ELECTRIC CIRCUIT
-A path for transmitting electric current.
-Includes a device that gives energy to the charged particles constituting the current, such as a battery or a generator;
devices that use current, such as lamps, electric motors, or computers; and the connecting wires or transmission lines.
ELECTRICAL LOAD
-An electrical lead is an electrical component or portion of a circuit that consumes (active) electric power.
-This is opposed to a power source, such as a battery or generator, which produces power
-In electric power circuits examples of loads are appliances and lights.
BUILDING
A roofed structure that stand alone or that is cut off from adjoining structures by fire walls with all openings therein
protected by approved fire doors.
SERVICE ENTRANCE
Service Disconnect
It is a required part of the service entrance equipment that allows electrical service from the utility company to be
switched off so that power is disconnected to the building installation. It is a set of fuses or a circuit breaker that protects
the service entrance conductors
Service point
The point of connection between the facilities of the serving utility and the premises wiring.
Service Entrance
-It includes the components that connect the utility-supplied wiring (the service lateral or service drop) to the service
disconnect, excluding the utility's metering equipment.
SERVICE ENTRANCE CONDUCTORS
Service Entrance Conductors
- Conductors that carry power from the transformer through a metering device to the building's Service disconnects.
These may be overhead or underground.
Service Drop
-Overhead wires extend from a pole-mounted distribution transformer to the building's service entrance. Overhead
service entrance conductors extending from pole-mounted transformers.
Service Lateral
underground (buried) service entrance conductors.
Service Entrance Equipment
Receives the service entrance conductors. The service equipment includes a method a measuring power (metering
equipment), a method of cutting off power (main disconnect or switch gear), and overcurrent protection devices (circuit
breakers or fuses that protect the service entrance conductors.
OVERCURRENT PROTECTION
Circuit breakers
It is a device designed to open (or trip) and close a circuit by non-automatic means and to open the circuit automatically
on a predetermined overcurrent without damaged to itself when properly applied within its rating.
DWELLING UNIT
A single unit, providing complete and independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent
provisions for living, sleeping, cooking, and Sanitation.
TYPES OF DWELLING UNIT:
• Dwelling, One-Family- A building that consists solely of only one dwelling unit.
• Dwelling, Two-Family- A building that consists of solely of two dwelling unit.
• Dwelling, Multifamily- A building that contains three or more. Dwelling units.
BRANCH CIRCUITS
Branch Circuit, Individual.
A branch circuit that supplies only one utilization equipment.
NOTE:
Utilization Equipment.-Equipment that utilizes electric energy for electronic, electromechanical, chemical, heating,
lighting, or similar purposes.
Branch Circuit, Multiwire.
-A branch circuit that consists of two or more ungrounded conductors that have a voltage between them, and a
grounded conductor that has equal voltage between it and each. ungrounded conductor of the circuit and that is
connected to the neutral or grounded conductor of the system.
BRANCH CIRCUITS
The circuit conductors between the final overcurrent device protecting the circuit and the outlet(s).
Branch Circuit, Appliance.
A branch circuit that supplies energy to one or more outlets to which appliances are to be connected and that has no
permanently connected luminaires (lighting fixtures) that are not a part of an appliance.
Branch Circuit, General Purpose.
-A branch circuit that supplies two or more receptacles or outlets for lighting and appliances
Transformers
-A step-down transformer steps down the voltage applied to it.
- A step-up transformer steps up the voltage applied to it.
-Step-down transformers are typically used in buildings to reduce building system voltages to useable levels.
-are used in transmitting and distributing power form the power plant to a substation The operation of a large
commercial installation depends on power distribution that, in tum, depends on transformers used to change voltage,
current, and phase of electrical power nearby and within a building.
Building Transformers are rated in kVA.
Typical sizes used in buildings include:
3, 6, 9, 15, 25, 30, 37.5, 45, 50, 75, 112.5, 150, 225, 300, 500, 700, 1000, 1500 kVA, and larger.
OVERCURRENT PROTECTION
General classification of fuses
1. Cartridge Fuse - it is enclosed in insulating tube.
2. Plug Fuse - it is enclosed in porcelain or rubber commonly used in various electrical appliances.
3. Fuse Wire - opened wire of low melting point commonly used in the safety power switch.
4. Non-time delay fuse - holds five times its rating for ½ to 2 seconds (not ideal to loads which requires more than 2
seconds accelerate.
Dual-element time delay fuse - holds five times the rating for 20 seconds.
SWITCH BOARDS & PANEL BOARDS
Switch Boards
It is a large cabinet or assembly of metal cabinets in which is connected disconnecting switches, overcurrent protection
devices (fuses or circuit breakers), other protective devices, and instruments designed to divide large amounts of
electrical current into smaller amounts of current used by electrical equipment.
UTILIZATION EQPT & DEVICES
Utilization eqpt. -it is a broad category of electrical or electronic machine or instrument designed to perform a specific
mechanical, chemical, heating, or lighting function through the use of electrical energy.
Electric appliance - it is an end-use piece of utilization eqpt. Designed to perform a specific function such as cooking,
cleaning, cooling or heating.
Electrical Device - It is a component in an electrical system that is designed to carry but not use electricity such as
switches, receptacles and relays.
OVERCURRENT PROTECTION
OCP Device Ratings
OPD'S have two current ratings: overcurrent and amperes interrupting current.
• Overcurrent Rating - is the highest current it can carry continuously without exceeding a specific temperature
limit (e.g., without overheating)
• Interrupting Capacity - it is the current that a fuse is able to interrupt without being destroyed or causing an
electric arc with unacceptable duration.
Fuse
It is an overcurrent protective device with a circuit-opening fusible part that is heated and severed by the passage of
overcurrent through it.
BUILDING ELECTRICAL SERVICE EQUIPMENT
Building electrical service equipment includes the following:
1. Service Entrance Conductors
SERVICE ENTRANCE CONDUCTORS
Service Entrance Conductors
- Conductors that carry power from the transformer through a metering device to the building's Service
disconnects. These may be overhead or underground.
Service Drop
-Overhead wires extend from a pole-mounted distribution transformer to the building's service entrance.
Overhead service entrance conductors extending from pole-mounted transformers.
Service Lateral
underground (buried) service entrance conductors.
Service Entrance Equipment
Receives the service entrance conductors. The service equipment includes a method a measuring power
(metering equipment), a method of cutting off power (main disconnect or switch gear), and overcurrent
protection devices (circuit breakers or fuses that protect the service entrance conductors.
2. Service Entrance
SERVICE ENTRANCE CONDUCTORS
Service Entrance Conductors
- Conductors that carry power from the transformer through a metering device to the building's Service
disconnects. These may be overhead or underground.
Service Drop
-Overhead wires extend from a pole-mounted distribution transformer to the building's service entrance.
Overhead service entrance conductors extending from pole-mounted transformers.
Service Lateral-underground (buried) service entrance conductors.
Service Entrance Equipment- Receives the service entrance conductors. The service equipment includes a
method a measuring power (metering equipment), a method of cutting off power (main disconnect or switch
gear), and overcurrent protection devices (circuit breakers or fuses that protect the service entrance conductors.
3. Switch Boards - It is a large cabinet or assembly of metal cabinets in which is connected disconnecting switches,
overcurrent protection devices (fuses or circuit breakers), other protective devices, and instruments designed to
divide large amounts of electrical current into smaller amounts of current used by electrical equipment.
4. Panel Boards -- it is one or more metal cabinets that serve as a single unit, including buses, automatic
overcurrent protection devices (fuses or circuit breakers). It is equipped with or without switches for the control
of light, heat, and power circuits.
5. Building Transformer
BRANCH CIRCUITS
BRANCH CIRCUITS ARE DIVIDED INTO FOUR CATEGORIES:
1. Branch Circuit Appliance
2. Branch Circuit General Purpose
3. Branch Circuit Individual
4. Branch Circuit Multiwire
SYSTEM VOLTAGES
The principle voltages available in a building are called the system voltages. Medium and High Voltage Systems carry
Voltages above 600 V may be used in special cases such as the 2400/4160 V Three-Phase system found in industrial and
commercial installations such as for large signages, sports lighting in stadiums, and services for large manufacturing
plants and skyscrapers.
CIRCUIT WIRING
• Ungrounded Conductor - Any current carrying conductor in an AC system or commonly known as the hot or live
conductor.
• Neutral Conductor -the conductor connected to the neutral point of a system that is intended to carry current
under normal conditions.
• Grounding Conductor (EGC) - The conductive path(s) that provides a ground-fault current path and connects
normally non-current-carrying metal of equipment together and to the system grounded conductor or to the
grounding electrode conductor, or both.
NOMINAL VOLTAGE
A nominal value assigned to a circuit or system for the purpose of conveniently, designating ifs voltage class (e.g.,
120/240 volts, 480Y/277 volts, 600 volts). The actual voltage at which a circuit operates can vary from the nominal within
a range that permits satisfactory operation of equipment
FPN: See ANSI C84. 1-1995, Voltage Ratings for Electric Power Systems and Equipment (60Hz).
The FPN refers to a North American Standard ANSI C84.1. This standard defines several voltages classes.
3 SYSTEM VOLTAGE CLASSES
• Extra High Voltage (EHV) - A class of nominal system voltages greater than 230 kV but less than 1000 kV.
• Ultra-High Voltage (UHV) - A class of nominal system voltages equal to or greater 1000 kV.
SYSTEM, UTILIZATION AND MAXIMUM VOLTAGES
• Maximum Voltages -the amount of voltage it can safely withstand without damage.
Difference between utilization voltage and system voltage:
• Service voltage is measured at the point of delivery, while utilization voltage is measured at the terminals of the
utilizing equipment.
SYSTEM AND CIRCUIT GROUNDING
• System grounding (Earthing) - is a fundamental and essential part of an electrical system. Despite not being a
visible element, the earthing system is vital for the safety of people and equipment, as it protects against
dangerous potential differences that may result in personal and material losses.
• Equipment grounding -is achieved in an electrical system when one of the conductive wires serving as part of
the circuit is intentionally given as a direct path to earth.
ELECTRICAL CODES, LICENSES AND PERMITS
Electrical Code
Design of an electrical system involves applying the standards written into the building code. An electrical code specifies
the minimum provisions necessary for protecting people and property from the improper use of electricity and electrical
equipment. It applies to both the manufacture and installation of electrical equipment.
ELECTRICAL CODES, LICENSES AND PERMITS
Philippine Electrical Code
The Philippine Electrical Code is used nationally as the basis for safeguarding persons, buildings, and its contents from
hazards that may arise from the use of electricity. This Code contains provisions which is necessary for safety and thus is
used as basis for the legal enforcement in the installation of electrical system design in the country.
ELECTRICAL CODES, LICENSES AND PERMITS
• Licensing
Most municipalities have ordinances (local laws) that require that any person who wishes to engage in the
business of installing electrical systems must be licensed (usually by the state or province).
• Permits
Most municipalities require that a permit be issued before any electrical installations may be made on a project.
• Electrical construction drawings
Show the lay-out and design of an electrical installation.
DETAILED DESIGN
• Preparations
With the architectural layout and their drawings, the development of the initial electrical design starts. A preliminary
arrangement of the electrical plan requirements helps in the determination of the number of drawing sets to be
prepared to avoid overcrowding in the electrical plan. Considering the size of this building, the entire electrical plan
requirements can be accommodated in two (2) sets of size 500 mm x 760 mm sheets, without overcrowding the
electrical plan.
ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS
The following construction drawings and details are generally required:
a) Complete plans and specifications of all electrical work
b) by Labeling criteria of all electrical equipment
c) Lighting floor plan(s) including electrical circuits indicating conduit and wiring sizes.
ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS
The following construction drawings and details are generally required:
d) Exit sign/means of egress lighting location and power supply
e) Panelboard schedule
f) Lighting fixture schedule
g) Symbol schedule and diagrams
SYSTEM AND CIRCUIT GROUNDING
Double Insulation - is the additional insulation barrier added to an electrical device to protest the user from electrical
shock in the event the fundamental functional electrical insulation system should ever fail.
REVIEW OF THE DESIGN REQUIREMENT
• Title Block
This is a standard strip of 40mm height at the bottom of the sheet and contains the following:
a) Name and location of installation or project
b) Name, signature and address of owner/manager/operator
c) Name, signature and seal of Professional Electrical Engineer together with his PRC license number and validity,
Professional Tax Receipt Number and Tax Identification Number
• Electrical Layout
The electrical layout is similar to the architectural layout except that the electrical layout contains the interconnection of
the service drop/lateral, service entrance, service equipment, feeder, subfeeder, load center, panelboards, branch circuit,
and nomenclature of occupancies
ELECTRICAL DESIGN OF A SINGLE STOREY, AND SINGLE OCCUPANCY RESIDENTIAL BUILDING
• Design Processes
In most cases, the electrical design starts from an architectural layout and other drawings, such as the drawing
shown in Figure 1.
• Legend or Symbol
These help in understanding the electrical plan. The recommended symbols are shown in Appendix A of the Philippine
Electrical Code Part 1 2009. However, other symbols can be used, especially the local symbols which are easily
understood in the area.
• General Notes and/or Specifications
These are general requirements showing the following:
Type and rating of main disconnecting means, overcurrent protection, and branch circuit wiring.
Clearance and mounting height of service equipment, electric meter, panel board and devices.
These are general requirements showing the following:
a) Nature of electrical service, including number of phases, number of wires, voltage and frequency.
b) Type of wiring
c) Special equipment to be installed, including rating and classification of services or duty cycle.
d) Methods of grounding
• Location Plan
The location plan will guide the electrical design engineers, inspectors from the office of the local building official,
inspectors from the local electric utility. prospective bidders, and other persons who have interests in the project,
• Single Line or Riser Diagram
This shows a comprehensive interconnection, size, and rating of the service drop/lateral, service entrance, service
equipment, feeder, subfeeders, load centers. and panelboard. This is necessary in the computation of short circuit
current and voltage drops.
• Schedules of Loads
This is a load tabulation which indicates the following:
a) Branch circuit for each load or combination of loads
b) Rating of each load and the corresponding computations
c) Source of electric power and rating of service equipment protective device and disconnect
d) Number of phases, type and the size of wiring
e) Service entrance, feeder, subfeeder, etc.
SYSTEM, UTILIZATION AND MAXIMUM VOLTAGES
• System Voltages - is the target voltage entering or available voltage at the service equipment.
• Utilization Voltages - the voltage level employed by the utility's customer for connection to lighting fixtures,
motors, heaters, or other electrically operated equipment other than power transformers. It means a nominal
voltage of 600 volts or less.
COMMON BUILDING SYSTEM VOLTAGES
120 VOLT, ALTERNATING CURRENT, SINGLE-PHASE, TWO-WIRE SYSTEM (120 V AC PHASE-2W)
120/240 VOLT, ALTERNATING CURRENT, SINGLE-PHASE, THREE-WIRE SYSTEM (120/240 V AC, 1PHASE-3W)
208 Y/120 VOLT, ALTERNATING CURRENT, THREE-PHASE, FOUR-WIRE SYSTEM (208 Y/120 V AC, 3PHASE-4W)\
ELECTRICAL DESIGN OF A SINGLE STOREY, AND SINGLE OCCUPANCY RESIDENTIAL BUILDING
General
Although the electrical design of a low-rise residential building is already a project design subject in most colleges, it is
discussed here because the design processes, criteria, methods, requirements of the owners, architect, utility, and others
are almost similar to the electrical design of a high-rise condominium building.
BRANCH CIRCUITS
Branch Circuit No. 1: Lighting Loads
Branch Circuit No. 2: Small Appliance Loads
Branch Circuit No. 3: Small Appliance Loads
Branch Circuit No. 4 : Small Appliance Loads
Branch Circuit No. 5: Laundry Loads
Branch Circuit No. 6: 10 kW Electric Range
Branch Circuit No. 7:5 kW Clothes Dryer
Branch Circuit Nej 8:% HP Air-Conditioning Unit
Branch Circuit No. 9: HP Air-Conditioning Unit
Branch Circuit No. 10: 1.5 HP Air-Conditioning Unit
COMPUTATION OF LOADS FOR A TYPICAL RESIDENTIAL UNIT
General Lighting Load and Convenience Receptacle
(Branch Circuit No.1)
Typical Residential Unit at 150 sq. m.
Load = 150 sq. m x 24 VA/sq. m = 3 600 volt-amperes
Load Current = 3, 600/230 = 15.65 Amperes
Use 2-2.0 mm² copper TW, branch circuit conductors.
Refer to Table 3.10.1.16 for ampacities of insulated conductors.
-Use 15 mm diameter rigid PVC conduit. Refer to Table C10 for sizes of conduit.
Provide one(1) 20 A branch circuit. Refer to section 2.40.1.6 for standard ampere trip ratings of circuit breakers
DESIGN EXAMPLE
-A single family dwelling unit has a floor area of 150 sq. m. exclusive of unoccupied basement and open porches. It has
three 20 A small appliance branch circuits, one 20 A laundry circuit, a 10 kW electric range, a 5 kW clothes dryer and two
½ HP and one 1.5 HP air conditioning units
