ENGINEERING UTILITIES 1

BASICS OF ELECTRICITY
Electrical Sources
- AC or Alternating-Current
o Alternators
o Grid Power
o Inverter
- DC or Direct-Current
o Batteries
o PV Module
o Rectifiers

AC and DC
- Alternative Current
o Polarity changes or no polarity
o There is a frequency.
- Direct Current
o Fixed Polarity

CURRENT
- To increase current, connect in parallel circuit
- flow of electrons between two points
- The symbol is I. The unit is A (ampere)
VOLTAGE
- degree of strength of electricity
- AC mainly uses 220V and Solar Home System
uses 12V
- The symbol is V. The unit is volt.
PARALLEL CIRCUITS
- Voltage is the same across any branch circuit
o Vtotal = V1 = V2 = Vn
- Total Current is the sum of currents
o I total = I1 + I2 + In
o 1/Rtotal = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3
- both ends of a component are connected
SERIES CIRCUITS
- Current is the same at all points
o I total = I1 = I2 = In
- The sum of the voltage drop across all the
elements is a series circuit must equal the
applied voltage
o Vtotal = V1 + V2 + V3
o Rtotal = R1 + R2 + R3
- only one end of each component is connected
BATTERIES
- Battery stores electricity, does NOT generate
electricity
- Maintenance is extremely difficult in reality
Series and Parallel
- Parallel connection sums Ah
- Series connection sums Voltage
- Total energy storage (Wh) is same
- Do NOT mix different type, model, age of
batteries
MEASURING TOOLS
Multimeter
- a device used to measure AC and DC voltage,
AC and DC current, and resistance in
electronics and electrical equipment.
- combines the functions of a voltmeter, ammeter,
and ohmmeter
Types of Multimeter
- Analog Multimeter
o measures values directly and
displays these values via a dial
o typically a moving pointer or needle
o Calibration is done manually by
adjusting the meter needle
- Digital Multimeter
o collects data at discrete times and
the display is usually through LCD
(liquid crystal display) or light-
emitting diode (LED)
o more accurate because you can see
the actual number instead of trying
to estimate it on a scale

Meter Leads
- Red meter lead is considered the positive
connection
- Black meter lead is connected to the common
port and considered the negative connection
- Probes handles used to hold tip on the tested
connection
- Tips Are at the end of the probe and provides a
connection point
(RED is POSITIVE, BLACK is NEGATIVE)
Display and Dial Settings
- Digital Display
o Shows measured value
- Panel Indicator
o Shows each function and setting
range to turn dial to
- Meter Dial
o Turn dial to change functions.
o Turn dial to OFF position after use
- Probe Connections
o Specific for each function
Continuity Test
- This mode is used to check if two points are
electrically connected. It is often used to verify
connectors.
Clamp Meter
- a tool that measures the electrical current
flowing through a device without having to cut
the wiring of the device being measured.
- The clamp surrounds the wire and uses its
magnetic field to determine the current
- It also have other functions, such as voltmeter,
ohmmeter and continuity test.
RESISTOR COLOR CODING
Resistor Color Code Mnemonics
- Big Beautiful Roses Occupy Your Garden But
Violet Grows Wild
- Gold – 5%, Silver – 10%, No Stripe – 25%
BRANCH CIRCUIT
- part of an electric circuit extending beyond the
last circuit breaker or fuse
- The branch circuits start at the breaker box and
extend to the electrical devices connected to
the service
General Purpose Branch Circuit
- 220~240 volts circuits used for supplying
lighting fixtures and receptacle outlets for most
small portable appliances
Appliance Branch Circuits
- 120 volts circuits used for supplying fixed
electric equipment such as refrigerators,
washers, and other large appliances and
electrical devices
- do not supply any lighting fixtures
Individual Branch Circuit
- Installed in permanent locations such as an
electric range, a clothes dryer, or an air
conditioner
- These circuits usually lead directly from the
distribution panel to the appliance and do not
serve any other electrical devices
- These circuits can be any amperage size
ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND DEVICES
Electric Conductors
- are substances or materials used to convey or
allow the flow of electric current
- allow free flow of electrons
- Materials: Silver, Copper, Aluminum, Iron, Lead,
Tin, Zinc, Platinum, Nickel, Brass
Insulators
- are substances or materials that resist the flow
of the current
- Materials: Rubber, Porcelain, Varnish, Glass,
Mica, Paper, Oil, Wax, Thermoplastic
Wires and Cables
Wires
- are those electrical conductors 8𝑚𝑚^2 (AWG
No. 8) and smaller in sizes.
Cables
- are those which are larger than the wires.
Wires and Cables are either:
- Stranded Wire – flexible, malleable, will not split
or sever
- Solid Wire – weather resistant, anti-corrosive,
low cost
Types of Electrical Wires and Cables
- Service Drop Cable - between the utility pole
and the consumer’s premises or building
- Main Feeder Wires - supply the power from the
service weatherhead to the building
- Panel Feed Wires - supply power to the main
distribution junction box
- Non-Metallic Sheathed Wires - for in-house
wiring
- Single Conductor Wire - most popular choice for
electrical layout inside a home, A single solid
wire provides better connections, but single
stranded wires are easier to route through
conduits
Electrical Conduit
- plastic or metal pipe where electrical wires are
running
- protects the cables and is used for unfinished
locations like attics, crawlspaces, basements,
and even surface-mounted outdoors
Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT)
o common example of an unbending
conduit
 o typically described as the “thin-wall”
conduit because it is thinner and
lightweight compared to RMC
Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC)
o stands for the rigid metal conduit
o heavyweight galvanized steel that is
installed using threaded fittings
o commonly outdoors to provide
further protection from damage
Intermediate Metal Conduit
o more likely a lighter-weight and
thinner version of RMC
o equally approved to be utilized for all
similar applications, just like RMC
o more common to use in construction
because it is much lighter and easy
to work into
o more economical alternative
Flexible Metal Conduit (FMC)
o also referred as “Greenfield”
o has a spiral construction that has
made it extremely flexible
o adaptable through walls and even
other structures
Liquid-tight Flexible Metal (LFMC)
o used with necessarily sealed fittings
and has a plastic coating
o used with outdoor equipment like air
conditioner units
Electrical Non-Metallic Tubing (ENT)
o flexible corrugated plastic-type of
tubing
o usually installed with glued plastic
fittings or snap-lock
o can be installed within concrete
block structures and can be initially
covered with concrete
o used for wiring enclosures in many
residential and office settings where
new wiring has been installed on the
outside of a wall
o can quickly and easily create an
organized and neat cable
anagement system.
Corner Duct
o ideal for residential use
o mimic the look of crown molding
o hide external wiring, but can be fit
into wall corners for a more discreet
look
Overfloor
o over the floor and protect cables and
wires from being tripped over or
unplugged.
o usually flatter and more low profile to
avoid creating an unnecessary
tripping hazard
Exterior Wire Guards
o for use outside
o commonly found at outdoor concerts
or festivals and cover and protect
the large cables that are run along
the ground
Flexible Wire Duct
o versatile wiring enclosure that can
be used in both industrial and
commercial applications
o flexible material can be secured both
horizontally and vertically, and its
flexible construction makes it easy to
use and install

Rigid PVC Conduit

o rigid polyvinyl chloride is quite like
plastic plumbing pipe and allowed to
corrosive environments
o installed using plastic fittings that are
directly glued in place
o can bend right after being heated
within a portable heater box
o can also be watertight because the
fittings and conduit tubing are glued
together
o Available in various wall thicknesses
o Commonly less costly
o Extremely lightweight, versatile, and
easy to install
o Works perfectly well both in
undergrounds and concrete

Cable Raceways
o provide a surface-mounted pathway
for wiring that completely encloses
the cables and protects them from
heat, dust, light and even moisture
o great tool for routing wiring and for
concealing cables that would
otherwise be exposed

Latching Raceways
o also known as surface raceways and
latching ducts
 III. Circuit Breakers
IV. Fuses
a. I, II, III
b. I, II
c. I, II, III, IV
d. II, III, IV
6. It is suspended from the ceiling; its lighting
method directs its lights down typically over
the table and kitchen desk.
a. Recessed Lighting
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT b. Pendant Lighting
1. In measuring voltage, the multimeter should c. Cove Lighting
be connected in series with the load/voltage d. Soffit Lighting
source. – FALSE 7. What is the switch in which the contact is for
2. ________ is a wire or a cord that provides a input and the remaining two are for output
path for current flow. – CONDUCTOR contacts?
3. In measuring current, the multimeter should a. Single-Way Switch
be connected in series with the load/voltage b. Single Pole Single Throw Switch
source. – TRUE c. Single Pole Double Throw Switch
4. _________ is a device that connects and d. Double Pole Single Throw Switch
disconnects the flow of electric current in a 8. It is the wiring device into which the
circuit. – SWITCH utilization equipment cord is plugged.
5. In a multimeter, Red test probe is for
a. Receptacles
positive probe connection. – TRUE
b. Utility Box
6. _________ is a material used to cover
c. Outlet
electric wires which may be made from
plastic, rubber, or asbestos. – INSULATOR d. Switch
7. In a multimeter, Red test probe is for COM 9. What is the voltage rating in the
probe connection. – FALSE, BLACK Philippines?
1. It is a device that can make or break the a. 120-240 Volts
electrical circuit. b. 220-240 Volts
c. 220-250 Volts
a. Button Switches
d. 230-250 Volts
b. Circuit Tripper
10. Two types of Service Entry.
c. Switches
I. Utility Head Service
d. Fuse
2. What are the components of an electrical II. Overhead Service
III. Underground Service
building system?
IV. Inline Service
I. Wiring and Raceways
II. Utilization of Equipment a. I, II, III, IV
b. I, II
III. Power-Handling Equipment
IV. Transformer c. II, III
d. II, III, IV
a. I, II, III
b. I, IV 11. It is a plastic or metal pipe where electrical
wires are running.
c. I, II, III, IV
d. II, III, IV a. Electrical Conduit
b. Electrical Raceway
3. Underwiring and raceways components,
what are the categories in line with it. c. Electrical Piping
I. Wiring and Raceways d. Electrical Ducting
12. What is the frequency of 240 volts in Davao
II. Utilization of Equipment
III. Power-Handling Equipment City?
a. 59
IV. Transformer
V. Piping b. 60
c. 61
a. I, II, III, V
b. I, II, III, IV d. 55
c. I, II, III 13. What is the frequency of 230 volts in Cebu
d. II, III, IV, V City?
4. Give two categories for utilization of a. 58
electrical equipment b. 62
I. Lighting and Switches c. 60
II. Controls and Wiring Devices d. 55
III. Transformer 14. What is the basis of the Electrical Engineer
IV. Circuit Breakers in costing for Electrical Costs of the
a. I, II, III, IV building?
b. I, II, III a. Total Appliances
c. I, II b. Total Motor Load
d. II, III, IV c. Total Power
5. Choose on the following choices under d. Total Floor Area
power-handling types of equipment? 15. What is the frequency of 220 volts in Tagum
I. Transformers City?
II. Large Switches
a. 63
b. 58
c. 60
d. 55