Aparis, Joseph Victor D BSCE-2B

Study Question
1. What are power generation, transmission, and distribution?
- Transmission and distribution refer to the different stages of carrying electricity over
poles and wires from generators to a home or a business. The primary distinction
between the two is the voltage level at which electricity moves in each stage.

3. What are the function and differences of switchboards and panelboards?

- Panelboards are typically flush mounted or surface mounted and are limited to a
maximum of 1,200 A incoming current (main). Switchboards are free-standing units that
are front connected and, like panelboards, require only front access. However,
switchboards can allow for both front and rear access if desired.

5. What is the difference between a step down and step-up transformer?

- A transformer that increases the voltage from primary to secondary (more secondary
winding turns than primary winding turns) is called a step-up transformer. Conversely, a
transformer designed to do just the opposite is called a step-down transformer.

7. What is fuse and where is it used in a building electrical system?

- A fuse(s) is needed in any electrical system (AC or DC). These protection devices
react to the amount of heat being produced by electricity passing through wires and/or
components. They are used so as to protect wires and components from the extreme
heat produced should there be an electrical overload or short circuit.

9. What is the difference between receptacle and plug in building an electrical system?
- The difference between a plug and receptacle is that plugs have prolonged connecting
pins which fit into a mating socket called a receptacle. A receptacle connector is
sometimes called a jack. A receptacle will have mounting features such as a flange with
holes.

11. What type of switching configuration is used to control a lighting installation from two
points? What types of switches are used and how are switches arrange in the circuit?
- In building wiring, multiway switching is the interconnection of two or more electrical
switches to control an electrical load from more than one location. A common
application is in lighting, where it allows the control of lamps from multiple locations, for
example in a hallway, stairwell, or large room. Type of switches are Mechanical
Switches. Single Pole Single Throw Switch (SPST) Single Pole Double Throw Switch
(SPDT) Double Pole Single Throw Switch (DPST) Double Pole Double Throw Switch
(DPDT) Push Button Switch.
13. What types of control configuration is used to control a lighting installation from four
points? What type of switches are used and how are switches arranged in circuit?
- Two three-way switches and two or more four-way switches are required to control
from four points. In this switching configuration, current flows through the switches, the
circuit is complete, and the lights are on.
15. What are types of specialty switches? -
•Single Pole Single Throw Switch (SPST)
•Single Pole Double Throw Switch (SPDT)
•Double Pole Single Throw Switch (DPST)
•Double Pole Double Throw Switch (DPDT)
•Push Button Switch.
•Toggle Switch.
•Limit Switch.
•Float Switches.

17. What are types of conductor insulation materials and where are they used in
building electrical systems?
•PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) - PVC is used in an enormous range of domestic and
industrial products, from raincoats and shower curtains to window frames and indoor
plumbing.
•PE (Polyethylene) - packaging film, trash and grocery bags, agricultural mulch, wire
and cable insulation, squeeze bottles, toys, and housewares.
•ECTFE. - designed to provide chemical resistance in heavy duty corrosion applications.
•PVDF. - excellent chemical resistance, abrasion resistance, flame resistance, and UV
stability.
•Nylon. - is used in an almost countless number of items: book bags, back packs, flak
jackets, wedding gowns and bridal veils, athletic shoes, ponchos, umbrellas, camera
cases, swimsuits, socks, gloves, hats, luggage, and much more.

19. What is a cord and where is it used in building electrical system?

- Electrical cables are extensively used in building wiring for lighting, power and control
circuits permanently installed in buildings. Since all the circuit conductors required can
be installed in a cable at one time, installation labor is saved compared to certain other
wiring methods.

21. What are power loss and voltage drop and how are they related?
- You can calculate the voltage drop by using any of several accepted voltage drops
formulas. Subtract the resulting number from the measured voltage decrease, and you
have voltage loss.

23. What factors is ampacity of a conductor based on?

- The ampacity for a conductor is based on physical and electrical properties of the
material and construction of the conductor and of its insulation, ambient temperature,
and environmental conditions adjacent to the conductor.
25. What is a busway and where is it used in building electrical system?
- is a prefabricated electrical distribution system consisting of bus bars in a protective
enclosure, including straight lengths, fittings, devices and accessories it can be found in
supermarket or any mall.
27. With regard to electric motor, what are LRA, RLA and FLA?
- Rated load amps (RLA), and full load amps (FLA) and lock rotor amps (LRA) ratings
on electric motors.
29. What does a motor service factor indicate?
- Motor Service Factor (SF) is the percentage of overloading the motor can handle for
short periods when operating normally within the correct voltage tolerances. This is
practical as it gives you some 'fudge' in estimating horsepower needs and actual
running horsepower requirements.
31. What is a variable frequency drive (VFD) and what is its advantage?
- Variable frequency drives (VFDs) can help even small organizations realize energy
savings. Cost and size of VFDs have decreased; performance has improved. Other
benefits of VFDs include less line disturbances, less maintenance, and longer motor life.

33. What is a GFCI, how does it function, and where is it used?

- A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) can help prevent electrocution. If a person's
body starts to receive a shock, the GFCI senses this and cuts off the power before
he/she can get injured. GFCIs are generally installed where electrical circuits may
accidentally come into contact with water.
35. What is a surge protection device (SPD), how does it function and where is it used?
- Surge Protective Devices (SPD) are used to protect the electrical installation, which
consists of the consumer unit, wiring and accessories, from electrical power surges
known as transient overvoltage’s.

37. What is lightning protection, how does it function and where is it used?
- A lightning protection system is designed to protect a structure from damage due to
lightning strikes by intercepting such strikes and safely passing their extremely high
currents to ground.

39. What is an inrush current limiter and where is it used?

- An inrush current limiter is a component used to limit inrush current to avoid gradual
damage to components and avoid blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers inrush
protection of the AC current in switching power supplies (SPS).
41. It is referred to in the trade by several names: power panel, load center, distribution
center or main power panel. Code refers to it by a single name. Identify this name
•Panelboard

Design Exercise
42. With respect to conductor insulation, interpret the following insulation designation

a. T - Thermoplastic insulation
b. N - Nylon jacketed
c. H - Heat resistant
c. HH - Extra heat resistant
d. W - Moisture resistant
44. With respect to cable, interpret the following designation

a. NM - Nonmetallic sheathed cable

b. ACTH - Armored cable with conductors having thermoplastic insulation
c. UF - Underground feeder
d. USE - Underground service entrance

46. A single-phase, three-wire panelboard must feed 30 circuits. From tables provided
in this chapter, identify the minimum frame size required.

•150 – 200 frame size required

48. A three-phase, four-wire panel board must feed 42 circuits. From tables provided in
this chapter, identify the minimum frame size required.

• 225 – 400 frame size required

50. From tables provided in this chapter, identify the NEMA designation for the following
wall mounted, grounding-type devices used in residence that are rated at 15A, 125 V,
and serve as a connection method for a two-pole, three-wire circuit:

a. Receptacle: 5-15R
b. Plug: 5-15P

52. From tables provided in this chapter, identify the NEMA designation for the following
grounding-type devices used for cloth dryers:

a. Receptacle: 14-30R
b. Plug: 14-30P

54. From tables provided in this chapter, identify the NEMA designation for the following
grounding-type devices used for copy machines and air conditioners requiring a 50 A,
125 V rating:

a. Receptacle: 5-50R
b. Plug: 5-50P

56. From tables provided in this chapter, identify the NEMA designation for the following
grounding-type devices requiring a 20 A, 250 V four-pole, four-wire, three-phase rating:

a. Receptacle: 18-60R
b. Plug: 18-60P