COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
CIVIL ENGINEERING
ENGINEERING UTILITIES 1
MODULE 1
COMMON ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING TERMINOLOGIES
I. INTRODUCTION
Electrical engineering is one of the major disciplines that support civil engineering
projects. Modern infrastructure such as residential buildings, commercial
establishments, bridges, highways, water supply systems, airports, railways, and
industrial facilities all require electrical systems to function safely and efficiently.
Although civil engineers primarily focus on structural design and construction, they
regularly collaborate with electrical engineers during the planning, design,
construction, and maintenance of engineering projects.
A basic understanding of electrical engineering terminologies enables civil engineering
students to interpret electrical plans, communicate effectively with multidisciplinary
teams, understand electrical requirements in buildings, and ensure that civil works are
properly coordinated with electrical installations. Knowledge of these fundamental
concepts also helps civil engineers appreciate the operation of electrical utilities such
as lighting systems, elevators, pumps, generators, and emergency power systems.
This module introduces the fundamental concepts of electrical engineering by defining
common electrical engineering terminologies that are frequently encountered in
engineering practice. Understanding these terms provides the foundation for more
advanced topics in Engineering Utilities and building services.
II. LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this module, students should be able to:
1. Define common electrical engineering terminologies.
2. Identify the symbols and SI units of basic electrical quantities.
3. Differentiate fundamental electrical concepts and their functions.
4. Explain the practical significance of electrical terminologies in civil
engineering.
5. Apply electrical engineering terminologies correctly in engineering discussions.
6. Recognize the importance of electrical engineering fundamentals in the
planning and construction of civil engineering projects.
III. LECTURE
1.1 Introduction to Electrical Engineering
Definition of Electrical Engineering
Electrical Engineering is the branch of engineering concerned with the study, design,
development, installation, operation, and maintenance of electrical systems,
equipment, and devices that generate, transmit, distribute, and utilize electrical
energy.
Scope of Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineering covers various fields including:
• Power generation and distribution
• Electrical machines
• Building electrical systems
• Lighting systems
• Communication systems
• Electronics
• Instrumentation and control
• Renewable energy systems
Importance to Civil Engineering
Civil engineering projects require reliable electrical systems for lighting, water
pumping, elevators, ventilation, traffic control, communication, and safety systems.
Civil engineers work closely with electrical engineers to ensure that structural and
electrical components are properly integrated into buildings and infrastructure.
Applications in Buildings and Infrastructure
Electrical engineering principles are applied in:
• Residential buildings
• Commercial buildings
• Hospitals
• Schools
• Industrial plants
• Highways and street lighting
• Airports
• Railways
• Water supply and pumping stations
• Wastewater treatment facilities
1.2 Common Electrical Engineering Terminologies
A. Basic Electrical Concepts
Civil Engineering
Terminology Definition Symbol SI Unit
Application
A form of energy
Powers lighting, elevators,
resulting from the
Electricity — — pumps, and electrical
movement of electric
equipment in buildings.
charges.
A physical property of Basis of electrical current
Electric Coulomb
matter responsible for Q flowing through building
Charge (C)
electrical forces. wiring.
The accumulation of Observed during handling
Static electric charges on of electronic equipment
— —
Electricity the surface of an and sensitive instruments
object. on construction sites.
Continuous
Used to operate electrical
Current movement of electric
— — appliances, lighting, and
Electricity charges through a
motors in buildings.
conductor.
A negatively charged
Electrons move through
subatomic particle
Electron e⁻ — electrical wiring supplying
responsible for
power to infrastructure.
electric current.
A positively charged
Helps explain atomic
particle found inside
Proton p⁺ — structure and electrical
the nucleus of an
charge.
atom.
A neutral particle
Contributes to atomic
Neutron located inside an n⁰ —
stability.
atom's nucleus.
Civil Engineering
Terminology Definition Symbol SI Unit
Application
The smallest unit of
Forms the materials used
an element consisting
Atom — — in electrical conductors
of electrons, protons,
and insulators.
and neutrons.
An atom that has
Important in batteries,
gained or lost
Ion — — electrochemical reactions,
electrons, giving it an
and corrosion studies.
electrical charge.
B. Electrical Quantities
Civil Engineering
Terminology Definition Symbol SI Unit
Application
The electrical
Building electrical
pressure that
systems commonly
Voltage causes current to V Volt (V)
operate at 220 V or
flow through a
230 V.
circuit.
The rate of flow of
Determines the size
Electric Current electric charge
I Ampere (A) of electrical wires and
(Amperage) through a
protective devices.
conductor.
The opposition Used in selecting
offered by a electrical cables and
Resistance R Ohm (Ω)
material to the flow minimizing energy
of electric current. losses.
The ability of a
High conductance
material to allow
Conductance G Siemens (S) materials improve
electric current to
electrical efficiency.
flow.
A material's ability Copper wiring is
Siemens per
Conductivity to conduct σ selected because of
meter (S/m)
electricity. its high conductivity.
Civil Engineering
Terminology Definition Symbol SI Unit
Application
The inherent
property of a Used in grounding
Ohm-meter
Resistivity material that ρ system design and
(Ω·m)
opposes electric material selection.
current.
The rate at which
Determines electrical
electrical energy is
Electric Power P Watt (W) demand for buildings
consumed or
and equipment.
produced.
Used in computing
The total electrical Joule (J) or
Electrical electricity
work done over E kilowatt-
Energy consumption and
time. hour (kWh)
utility bills.
The difference in
Drives current from
Potential electric potential
V Volt (V) the source to
Difference between two points
electrical loads.
in a circuit.
The energy supplied Produced by batteries
Electromotive by a source to move E or and generators
Volt (V)
Force (EMF) electric charges in a EMF supplying electrical
circuit. systems.
Summary
Electrical engineering is an essential discipline that supports the planning,
construction, and operation of civil engineering projects. Understanding basic electrical
concepts and terminologies allows civil engineers to communicate effectively with
electrical professionals, interpret electrical plans, and appreciate the operation of
building utilities and infrastructure systems. Mastery of these foundational concepts
prepares students for more advanced topics in Engineering Utilities, including electrical
circuits, building electrical systems, and power distribution.
Activity 1: Building Observation
Instructions: Visit a residential or commercial building and identify five (5) electrical
components or systems (e.g., lighting, outlets, electrical panel, generator, or water
pump). Describe the purpose of each component and identify at least one electrical
terminology discussed in this module that relates to it.
V. REFERENCES
• Del Toro, V. (2017). Electrical Engineering Fundamentals. Pearson Education.
• Floyd, T. L. (2023). Principles of Electric Circuits (11th ed.). Pearson.
• Glover, J. D., Overbye, T. J., & Sarma, M. S. (2022). Power System Analysis
and Design (7th ed.). Cengage Learning.
• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). IEEE Standards
Collection.
• Philippine Electrical Code (PEC), Latest Edition.
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). National Electrical Code (NEC).
Prepared by:
ENGR. JAY-AR D. CALDERON