Building Utilities 2: Electrical Reviewer (Bulleted with
Definitions)
1. Basic Electrical Concepts
• Voltage (V): The electrical potential difference between two points; the 'push' that moves charges
through a conductor. Measured in volts (V).
• Current (I): The flow of electric charge in a circuit. Measured in amperes (A).
• Resistance (R): The opposition to the flow of current in a material. Measured in ohms (Ω).
• Power (P): The rate at which electrical energy is consumed or produced. Formula: P = VI.
Measured in watts (W).
• Ohm’s Law: Fundamental law stating that Voltage (V) = Current (I) × Resistance (R).
• Alternating Current (AC): Electric current that changes direction periodically; common in household
and building supply.
• Direct Current (DC): Electric current that flows only in one direction; common in batteries and
electronics.
• Series Circuit: A circuit with only one path for current; if one device fails, all stop working.
• Parallel Circuit: A circuit with multiple paths; if one device fails, others continue working.
2. Basic Electrical Materials
• Conductors: Materials (like copper and aluminum) that allow current to flow easily.
• Insulators: Materials (like rubber, plastic, porcelain) that resist current flow, used for safety.
• Switches: Devices used to manually open or close circuits, controlling current flow.
• Circuit Breakers: Automatically-operated switches that protect circuits from overload or short
circuits by cutting power.
• Fuses: Protective devices that melt and disconnect the circuit when current exceeds safe limits.
• Lighting Fixtures: Devices that hold and power lamps to provide illumination (e.g., incandescent,
fluorescent, LED).
• Convenience Outlets: Electrical receptacles that allow appliances to be plugged in for power
supply.
• Transformers: Devices that change voltage levels, either stepping-up (increasing) or stepping-down
(decreasing) voltage.
• Conduits & Raceways: Tubes or channels (PVC, steel) that protect and route electrical wiring in a
building.
3. Electrical Systems
• Power Supply: The source of electricity, either from an electric utility company or a generator.
• Service Entrance: The point where electrical power enters a building, usually connected to the main
utility line.
• Panel Board: A distribution board containing breakers or fuses that control and protect circuits.
• Branch Circuits: Subdivisions of electrical wiring that supply power to specific outlets, lights, or
equipment.
• Lighting System: Includes general (overall illumination), task (focused work lighting), and
emergency lighting (used during outages).
• Power System: Supplies electricity to outlets, appliances, and building equipment such as HVAC.
• Communication Systems: Electrical systems for information transfer (telephone, internet, intercom,
data lines).
• Safety Systems: Special systems for protection such as fire alarms, exit signs, emergency lighting.
• Grounding: A safety method of connecting electrical systems to the earth to prevent shocks and
stabilize voltage.