EU 11: ENGINEERING UTILITIES 1

(3 Units Lecture)

ENGR. JONEL OLIVA

Subject Instructor
BLOCK 2: MONDAY (1:00PM-4:00PM)
BLOCK 1: TUESDAY (1:00PM-4:00PM)
BUILDING ELECTRICAL
MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
POWER GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION
Power Station – A power station is a large industrial facility where electrical energy is
generated by converting mechanical, chemical, or nuclear energy into electricity using a
prime mover, an electric generator, and associated control and auxiliary equipment.
ELECTRICAL FUNDAMENTALS FOR BUILDING APPLICATIONS
BUILDING ELECTRICAL SERVICE EQUIPMENT
Building electrical service equipment includes:
• Service entrance conductor
• Service entrance
• Service disconnect
• Switchboards or panelboards
• Building transformer (if applicable)
ELECTRICAL FUNDAMENTALS FOR BUILDING APPLICATIONS
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.
ELECTRICAL FUNDAMENTALS FOR BUILDING APPLICATIONS
SERVICE ENTRANCE CONDUCTORS
ELECTRICAL FUNDAMENTALS FOR BUILDING APPLICATIONS
SERVICE ENTRANCE CONDUCTORS
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
SERVICE ENTRANCE AND SERVICE EQUIPMENT
Service Entrance – The service entrance is the point where the utility-supplied
conductors enter the building and connect to the building’s electrical system, excluding
the utility-owned metering equipment.

Service Entrance Equipment – Service entrance equipment consists of the devices that
receive the service entrance conductors and provide metering, main disconnection, and
overcurrent protection for the building.

Service Disconnect – The service disconnect is a required part of the service entrance
equipment that allows the entire electrical supply to the building to be safely switched
off.
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
SERVICE ENTRANCE AND SERVICE EQUIPMENT
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
SWITCHBOARDS AND PANELBOARDS
Switchboard – it is a large cabinet or assembly of metal cabinets in which is connected
disconnecting switches, overcorrect 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.

Panelboard – 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.
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
SWITCHBOARDS AND PANELBOARDS
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
BUILDING TRANSFORMERS
Transformers – are electrical devices used to change voltage levels of electrical power to
make it suitable for distribution and utilization within buildings.
In building applications, transformers are primarily used to step down utility supply
voltage to levels required by lighting, receptacles, equipment, and mechanical systems.
Transformers are rated in kVA (kilovolt-amperes), which represents their maximum load-
carrying capacity, independent of power factor.
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
BUILDING TRANSFORMERS
Common Building Transformer Sizes
In building and facility applications, commonly used transformer ratings include:
• Small loads / residential / light commercial:
3 kVA, 6 kVA, 9 kVA, 15 kVA, 25 kVA
• Commercial buildings / small facilities:
30 kVA, 37.5 kVA, 45 kVA, 50 kVA, 75 kVA, 112.5 kVA
• Large commercial / institutional buildings:
150 kVA, 225 kVA, 300 kVA, 500 kVA
• Industrial / high-demand facilities:
750 kVA, 1000 kVA, 1500 kVA and above
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
BUILDING TRANSFORMERS
Step-down transformers reduces voltage from the primary side to the secondary side
and increases current accordingly.
• Utility distribution near buildings
• Inside buildings (electrical rooms)
• Equipment and lighting systems

Step-up increases voltage from the primary side to the secondary side and reduces
current accordingly.
• Power plants and substations (for transmission)
• Long-distance power delivery systems
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
OVERCURRENT PROTECTION
Overcurrent protection is the method used to protect electrical conductors and
equipment from damage caused by excessive current, which may result from overloads
or short circuits.
Excessive current can lead to overheating, insulation failure, and fire hazards if not
properly controlled.
This protection is achieved using overcurrent protection devices (OCPDs) that
automatically interrupt the circuit when the current exceeds safe limits.

The most common overcurrent protection devices used in buildings are:

• Fuses
• Circuit Breakers
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
CIRCUIT BREAKERS
A circuit breaker is an automatically operated switch that opens the circuit during an
overcurrent condition and can be reset after the fault is cleared.

Circuit Symbol
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
FUSE
A fuse is a protective device that contains a metal element designed to melt and open
the circuit when current exceeds a safe value.
Circuit Symbol
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
STANDARD AMPERE RATINGS
The standard ampere ratings for fuses and inverse time circuit breaker based on the
Philippine Electrical Code

15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250, 300,
350, 400, 450, 500, 600, 700, 800, 1000, 1200, 1600, 2000, 2500, 3000, 4000, 5000, and
6000 amperes
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
UTILIZATION EQUIPMENT AND DEVICES
Utilization equipment refers to electrical or electronic machines and instruments that
consume electrical energy to perform a useful function, such as lighting, heating,
cooling, motion, or mechanical work. (Lamps and luminaires, Air-conditioning units,
Motors and pumps, Heating equipment)

Electric Appliance is a type of utilization equipment intended for end-use applications,

typically associated with household or commercial functions such as cooking, cleaning,
cooling, or heating. (Refrigerators, Washing machines, electric stoves)

Electrical Device is a component of an electrical system that controls, distributes, or

carries electrical energy, but does not consume it to perform work. (switches,
receptacles, relays, disconnects)
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
OUTLETS, RECEPTACLES, AND PLUGS
Outlet – is a point in a branch circuit where electrical power is made available for use.

Receptacle – is a female electrical device installed at an outlet that provides slots or

contacts for the insertion of a plug.

Plug – is a male connector attached to the cord of an appliance or equipment, designed

to be inserted into a receptacle to obtain electrical power.
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
SWITCHES
Switch – A switch is an electrical device installed in a circuit to
intentionally open, close, or change the path of electric
current, allowing safe control of lighting and other electrical
loads.

Different types of Switches

1. Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST)
2. Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT)
3. Double Pole, Single Throw (DPST)
4. Double Pole, Double Throw (DPDT)
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
Switches Description Symbol

Single pole, A basic on/off switch that controls one circuit. It has one
SPST single input and one output, meaning it can either allow current to
throw flow (on) or break the connection (off).

A switch with one input but two outputs. It allows you to

Single pole, switch between two different circuits. It can connect the
SPDT double input to either output, depending on the switch position.
throw

Double A switch that controls two circuits simultaneously. It has two

DPST pole, single inputs and two outputs, and it can either allow or block
throw current in both circuits at the same time.

A more advanced version of the SPDT switch. It has two

Double inputs and two outputs, with each input able to connect to
pole, one of two outputs. This allows it to control two circuits with
DPDT
double the ability to switch between two states for each circuit.
throw
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
LAMP CONTROL
SPST (single pole single throw) switch –
An SPST switch is used to control a single
lamp or group of lamps from one location. It
has two terminals: one for line (hot) and one
for load.
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
LAMP CONTROL
SPST (single pole single throw) switch –
An SPST switch is used to control a single
lamp or group of lamps from one location. It
has two terminals: one for line (hot) and one
for load.
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
LAMP CONTROL
SPDT (single pole double throw) switch –commonly called a three-way
switch, is used to control a single lamp from two different locations. It has
three terminals: one common and two traveler terminals.
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
LAMP CONTROL
SPDT (single pole double
throw) switch –commonly
called a three-way switch, is
used to control a single lamp
from two different locations.
It has three terminals: one
common and two traveler
terminals.
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
LAMP CONTROL
Four-way switch – used together with two three-way switches to control a single lamp
from three or more locations.
Example Configurations
3 locations → two 3-way switches + one 4-way switch
4 locations → two 3-way switches + two 4-way switches
5 locations → two 3-way switches + three 4-way switches
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
LAMP CONTROL
Four-way switch
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
DISCONNECT
Disconnect (Safety Power Switch) – a mechanical
switching device used to completely isolate a circuit
or equipment from the power supply for safety
during maintenance, repair, or emergency
conditions. Disconnects may be fused or non-fused.

Types
Fused Disconnect – provides isolation and
overcurrent protection
Non-Fused Disconnect – provides isolation only;
protection is provided elsewhere
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
COMPARISON OF DISCONNECT AND PROTECTION DEVICES
1. Service Disconnect – main breaker/ main fused switch. It combines disconnecting
means and overcurrent protection.

2. Overcurrent Protection – Automatic protection. It protects wires, equipment,

panels.

3. Equipment Disconnect (Safety Switch) – installed near the equipment for

maintenance safety
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS
An electrical conductor is any material that allows electrical current to flow. In buildings,
conductors are typically copper or aluminum and may be solid or stranded, bare or
insulated.

Common Types in Buildings

Solid conductor – single solid wire
Stranded conductor – multiple small wires twisted together
Bus bar – solid metal bar used to distribute power inside equipment
Cable – two or more conductors bundled together with an outer sheath
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
BUILDING WIRES INSULATION
Thermoplastic – is a type of wire insulation that softens when heated. (THHN, THW)
Typical Applications
Indoor branch circuits
Dry locations
Wiring inside conduit or raceways

Thermoset – insulation does not melt when heated and has better heat and moisture
resistance. (RHW, RHW-2, RHH)
Typical Applications
Damp or wet locations
Outdoor or underground installations
Areas exposed to higher temperatures
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
WIRE CODING AND IDENTIFICATION
Wire insulation markings identify the size, voltage rating, and insulation type.

12 AWG – wire size

600V – maximum voltage rating
T – thermoplastic insulation
HH – high heat resistance
N – nylon jacket
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
ENCLOSURE
Enclosures – are protective housings made of metal (such as steel, galvanized steel, or
aluminum) or nonmetallic materials (such as PVC or other plastics). They are designed
to protect electrical conductors, connections, controls, and equipment from physical
damage, dust, moisture, corrosion, and accidental contact. Enclosures also help prevent
electrical shock and reduce the risk of fire.

Examples:
• Electrical boxes
• Electrical cabinets
• Panelboards
• Motor control enclosures
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
ENCLOSURE
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
ELECTRICAL BOXES
Electrical boxes – is a small type of enclosure used in branch-circuit wiring to contain
conductor connections, support electrical devices, or provide access for wiring.
Electrical boxes are commonly installed in walls, ceilings, or floors and may be made of
metal or nonmetallic materials.
Device boxes – is an electrical box used to mount electrical devices such as switches,
receptacles, or dimmers while safely enclosing wiring connections.
Junction boxes – is an electrical box used only to enclose wire splices or conductor
terminations and does not support electrical devices. An example is a ceiling-mounted
junction box used to join lighting conductors before they run to multiple fixtures.
Pull box – is an electrical box installed in a raceway system to allow conductors to be
pulled, fed, or replaced more easily. Pull boxes typically contain no splices or devices
and are used in long conduit runs or where there are multiple bends.
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
ENCLOSURE
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
CONDUCTOR AMPACITY
Conductor’s Ampacity – Ampacity is the maximum current a conductor can carry
continuously without overheating or damaging its insulation.

Factors affecting ampacity

a. Wire size (AWG)
b. Conductor material
c. Insulation type
d. Number of conductors bundled together
e. Ambient temperature and exposure
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
CONDUIT AND RACEWAYS
Raceway – is an enclosed channel designed to hold, route, and protect electrical wires or
cables from mechanical damage and environmental exposure.
Common types
• Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT) – is commonly used for indoor wiring that is exposed,
such as in utility rooms, parking areas, and other locations where the conduit is visible
and requires mechanical protection.
• Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC) – is a heavy-duty metal raceway used where maximum
physical protection is required, especially in outdoor and service entrance installations.
• Rigid Nonmetallic Conduit (Polyvinyl Chloride Conduit – PVC) – is a plastic raceway used
for concealed wiring and underground installations due to its corrosion resistance and
ease of installation.
• Flexible Conduit – s used for short connections to electrical equipment where
movement, vibration, or alignment adjustment is expected.
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
CONDUIT AND RACEWAYS
Raceway – is an enclosed channel designed to hold, route, and protect electrical wires or
cables from mechanical damage and environmental exposure.
Common types
• Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT) – is commonly used for indoor wiring that is exposed,
such as in utility rooms, parking areas, and other locations where the conduit is visible
and requires mechanical protection.
• Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC) – is a heavy-duty metal raceway used where maximum
physical protection is required, especially in outdoor and service entrance installations.
• Rigid Nonmetallic Conduit (Polyvinyl Chloride Conduit – PVC) – is a plastic raceway used
for concealed wiring and underground installations due to its corrosion resistance and
ease of installation.
• Flexible Conduit – s used for short connections to electrical equipment where
movement, vibration, or alignment adjustment is expected.
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
CONDUIT AND RACEWAYS
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
CONDUIT AND RACEWAYS
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
BUSWAYS AND WIREWAYS
Busway – is a factory-assembled metal
enclosure containing bus bars, used to
distribute large amounts of electrical power
in commercial or industrial buildings.

Wireway (Wire Gutter) – is a metal or

nonmetallic trough used to enclose and
protect multiple conductors, mainly for
organization and routing in commercial
installations.
BUILDING ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
MOTOR LOAD
A motor load (electric motor load) is a load in which an electric motor is the primary
component and draws high starting and operating current. Some motor loads require a
dedicated circuit breaker, depending on their size and application.
Some Motor Loads That Require a Dedicated Breaker
• Air-conditioning units (ACU)
• Pumps
• HVAC
• Elevator or lift motors (small buildings, where applicable)

Other loads commonly provided with dedicated breakers

• Refrigerators and freezers
• Washing machine
• dishwasher