ARC 101

BUILDING UTILITIES 2 –
ELECTRICAL, ELECTRONICS, AND
ME C H A N I C A L S Y S T E MS

P R E PA R E D B Y : A R . J.I.S.B
“Energy can neither be created
nor destroyed – only converted
from one form of energy to
another.”

- JULIUS ROBERT MAYER

Electrical systems, also named circuits or networks, are designed as combinations of mainly three
fundamental components:
a.) resistor, b.) capacitor, and c.) inductor. They are correspondingly defined by
resistance, capacitance, and inductance—generally considered to be lumped parameter properties.

In addition to these primary electrical components in electronics, we also discuss the amp in this
chapter. The voltage or current sources, which produce the electron motion in an electrical circuit, are
the counterparts of forces or moments in mechanical systems.

PRIMARY ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IN ELECTRONICS

a.) FIX RESISTOR b.) NON POLORIZED CAPACITOR c.) FIX INDUCTOR

FIX RESISTOR SYMBOL NON POLARIZED CAPACITOR SYMBOL FIX INDUTOR

SYMBOL
2. Sources of energy
This article provides information on the following six methods of
producing electricity.

1. Friction: (Frictional energy) Energy produced by rubbing two material

together.

2. Heat: (Thermal energy) Energy produced by heating the junction where two
unlike metals are joined.

3. Light: (Photovoltaic energy)Energy produced by light being absorbed by

photoelectric cells.

4. Chemical: (Chemical energy) Energy produced by chemical reaction in a

voltaic cell.

5. Pressure: (Piezoelectric energy) Energy produced by compressing or

decompressing specific crystals.

6. Magnetism: (Electromagnetic energy) Energy produced in a conductor that

cuts or is cut by magnetic lines of force.
Electrical units
3. Electrical terms
Electrical systems have a lot of parts. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to understand what
your electrician is explaining to you. As a homeowner, the more you understand about your electrical
system, the better you will understand where your potential problems and risks are. This will also
save you and your electrician time. Here is a list of some of the key terms and definitions when it
comes to electricity.

AC – Alternating current (AC power) is the typical type of power used in all homes and buildings. Amps
– Amp or Ampere is the measurement of the electricity that is similar to “flow” in a water pipe. Most
residential homes have 100-200 amps for their service. Every device that uses electricity uses a
certain number of amps.

CFL – Compact fluorescent light bulbs are more efficient than incandescent, and are a good option in
most applications. They are not as efficient as LED lights, and do not dim as easily as LED lights.
CFL bulbs will most likely phase out over time and be replaced by LED bulbs.

Circuit – An electrical circuit consists of 1 set of wires running from the electrical breaker, to the
devices in the circuit, and back to the panel. All circuits are rated by the voltage (120 volts/ 240
volts) and the current (15 amps/ 30 amps).

DC – Direct Current (DC) is the type of power used in cars, electronics, and many other applications.

Fixture – Fixtures are typically a reference to the structure that holds the light bulb.

Ground – Excess electrical current needs to have a place to go to avoid causing electrical shock or a
fire hazard. Grounding refers to the method of sending the excess electrical current to the Earth, or
ground.
Home Run – A home run is an electricians term for the dedicated wire ran from the first device on a circuit, to
the main panel.

LED – LED lights have been used for a long time in small electronics, but now are used more and more for
general lighting. LED lights are the most efficient, longest lasting types of lights available. Installing LED
lights will save money on your energy bill, and typically last 5-10 years. They are more expensive up front,
but will pay off over time.

Meter – An electric meter is the device (often installed on the side of your home) used by the power company
that measures the amount of power used by the occupants in the home. Electricians typically use this term when
working on a meter base enclosure.

Meter Base – This is the electrical box that has the electrical components for the main electrical service to
the home or building. A meter enclosure typically includes a meter, extra and connections for the power
company. This is also the location where the main grounding system is installed.

Neutral -The neutral wire in an electrical system is the wire that is connected to the main grounding system of
a home or building. If a system loses a “neutral” it is possible to get fluctuating voltage and it can damage
lights or appliances.

Panel – An electrical panel is the distribution panel for all the electrical circuits in the home. It typically
includes all of the branch circuits and breakers needed for the home or business.

Splice – Splice is an electricians term for connecting multiple wires together in a single location. There are
multiple ways to complete an electrical splice, but it always should be completed by a licensed electrician.

Volts – Volts or voltage, is a measurement of electricity that is similar to “pressure” in a water pipe. Most
residential homes have 240 volts and 120 volt electric systems.