1

Introduction to Electricity
Electricity Figure 1. Structure of an Atom

From the early years, electricity serves as a

tool for human in numerous inventions from
simple tools and necessities for the early
human beings to the development of
industrialization and communication systems.
Thus, also paved a way to the newest
technological inventions in the present era.
According to Fajardo (2000), he defined
Note: Electron is negative charge of
electricity as a versatile form of energy electrical, proton as the positive
generated by friction, induction or chemical charge of electricity and neutron
change, having magnetic, chemical and which is not electrically charged.
radiant effect. In simple terms, it is essentially
an electron in motion.
Figure 2. Factors Affecting
It is the science of dealing with the physical Resistance
phenomena arising from the existence and
interaction of electric charges.

Electricity is present in any organic or

inorganic substance, which concludes that
electricity is always present.
In the book “Electrical Layout and Estimate”,
Fajardo (2000) defined the following terms;
Ion is a charged atom or molecule which not
electrically balanced. On the other hand, Volt
or Voltage also called electromotive force, is Note: This figure shows different
factors affecting the resistance. The
the electrical pressure that causes the
figure shows that the longer the wire,
electrons to move through a conductor (wire).
of constant area and material, the
Ampere is the standard unit used in higher the resistance than the
measuring the strength of an electric current. shorter wire. Next, the cross-
Watt is the rate or measure of power used or sectional area of a wire suggests
that the thicker the wire, the different
consumed. Circuit refers to the wire
resistance it offers compared to a
installations that supply current to light and thinner wire. Furthermore,
convenient outlets. Resistance is the friction composition of the conductor or
or opposition to the flow of current by wires insulator offer higher resistance than
and transformers. others. Lastly, the temperature in
metal provides high resistance to
high temperature (heat).
Source: Direct Current (DC) Electric
Circuits by R. Casao
 2

Electric Current
By definition, the rate of flow of electromotive The Ohm’s Law formula:
force in a conductor is called the electric 𝑽
current. In order a current to flow, a circuit I= 𝑹
should be formed comprising a complete loop
Where:
and contains all the following required
components such as source of voltage, a I = Current flow (amperes)
closed loop of wiring, an electric load, and a
means of opening and closing the circuit. V = Electromotive force (volts)

Electric current is classified as Direct R = Resistance (Ohms)

Current (DC) or Alternating Current (AC).
With DC electricity, the flow is in one direction
and said to be from negative to positive.
Meanwhile, AC electricity constantly reverses To find the:
it direction of flow which universally accepted
*Voltage electrical pressure ..........V= IR
because of its unlimited number of
𝑽
applications. * Current (Ampere)……………...... I =
𝑹

In electricity, the flow of current in a circuit is *Resistance

also impeded or resisted by the wire, (ohms)…………………......….…. R =
𝑽
𝑰
transformer and other devices. This is called
*Power………………………… P = V x I
Impedance or Resistance in a direct current
DC circuit both expressed in the unit of
measure called Ohms.

In AC Electricity, Ohm’s Law

AC and DC Electricity
is expressed as:
Under the principles of DC Electricity. Power 𝑽
I=
is the product of voltage and Current. 𝒁

Watts = Volts x Amperes Where:

Under the principle of AC Electricity, the I = current

product of volts and amperes is equal to the V = voltage
quantity called volt-ampere (v.a.) which is not
the same as watts. Thus; Z = Impedance

Volt Amperes = Volts x Amperes *The unit of current is the ampere

To convert volt-ampere to watts or power, a (Amp. Or a.)

power factor (pf) is introduced. And to get
power in an AC circuit, we have the following
formula:
Watts = Volts x Amperes x power factor
W = V x I x pf
 3

The Ohm’s Law

Discovered by George Simon Ohm, he Figure 3. Series and Parallel
found the relationship between the Current, Circuit
Voltage and Resistance which states that:
“The higher the voltage, the larger the
current, and the higher the resistance, the
lower the current”
Examining the Ohm’s Law, it will be noted that
current is inversely proportional to the
resistance. Thus, as resistance decreases,
current increases.

Note: The figure shows how the

Series and Parallel Circuit components are arranged in series
In electricity, a circuit component can be and parallel circuit. In series circuit,
same amount of current flows
arranged in several ways but with two
through all the components placed
fundamental types of connections, namely:
in it. In Parallel Circuit, components
1. Series Circuit are placed in parallel with each other
2. Parallel Circuit due to which the circuit splits the
current flow.
In Series Connection, a single path exists for
current flow, that is, the elements are
arranged in a series one after the other with Figure 4
no branches.
The Parallel Circuit referred to as multiple
connections where loads are placed across
the same voltage constituting a separate
circuit. The fundamental principle under this
type of circuitry is that, “loads in parallel are
additive for current, and that each has the
same voltage imposed.”
Examining further the Ohm’s Law, current is
inversely proportional to the resistance. As
resistance increases, current decreases.
When current rises instantly to a very high
level, the condition will constitute a short Note: Figure 4 shows that if a 120
AC will be connected to the left side
circuit. Hence, it is mandatory for a circuit to
containing 100 turns, 240 volts
be protected by fuse or circuit breaker that
would be on the right side containing
automatically open and disable the line in 200 turns.
case of fault or short circuit.
Source: Electrical Layout and
Estimate
 4

Volt Transformation
Transformer is a simple static device Power in Electric Circuit
consisting of magnetic core wherein the
The power input (in watt) to any
primary and secondary windings are made. electrical device having a resistance
The voltage is directly proportional to the R with the current I is expressed in
number of windings or turns (Fajardo, the following equations:
2020).
Watt = 𝑰𝟐 x R
The Input side is classified as the Primary
By Ohm’s law:
while the Output side is classified as the
Secondary. Under this condition, the V=IR
transformer is said to be 120/240 volts step
up transformer with 120 primary and 250 volts Since W = 𝑰𝟐 R
secondary. In short, transformers are W = VI
reversible.
Where: W is in watts
Power and Energy
R is in Ohms
Power is defined as the rate at which energy
is used or alternatively; the rate at which work I in Amperes
is done. Power implies continuity, that is, V in Volts
the use of energy at particular rate over a
given span of time. The concept of power
involves time at the rate at which work is Table 1. Wire Size and Amper
done. Thus, multiply power by time gives Capacity
energy.
Energy, in electrical terms is synonymous Wire Size No. Amperes
AWG
with Fuel. In technical terms, energy is
expressed in units of BTU (calories), foot
14 15
pound (joules) or kilowatt hour. 12 20
10 30
Power in Electric Unit 8 40
6 55
The measuring unit of electric power is the 4 70
Watt, it is a measure of power consumed. 2 95
0 125
00 145
Voltage and Voltage Drop 000 165

Comparatively, in a Series Circuit - Current

is the same throughout but voltage differs. In
a Parallel Circuit, the Voltage is the same, Note: Table 1 suggests that the capacity
of the circuitry increases as the wire
but the current differs.
number decreases. The ratings of the
One principle worth notetaking is; “The sum wires apply only to copper wire be it
solid or stranded types. Thus, Aluminum
of the voltage drops around a circuit is
wires is not recommended for circuitry
equal to the supply voltage” which is
or house wiring.
essential in a series circuit. On a parallel
Source: Electrical Layout and Estimate
 5

circuit, each item has the same voltage Table 2. Load Limits in Watts
across it, which constitute a circuit by itself.
The voltage drops on wire carrying current is: Circuit Capacity Load Limits in
In Amperes watts
Voltage drops in wire = carried current x
resistance of wire

The power loss in the wire conductor can be 15 18000

calculated as the product of the voltage and 20 2400
30 3600
the current. It is equal to the components
resistance times the current squared. Source: Electrical Layout and Estimate
P = I x (I= I X R); P = 𝑰𝟐 R Figure 5. Good Electric
Conductors and Insulators

Conductors and Wiring Accessories

Electric Conductors are substances or
materials used to convey or allow the flow of
electric current. Insulators on the other hand,
are substances or materials that resist the
flow of electric current. Note: Good conductors are those
substances with extremely low
Wires and Cables resistance to current flow.

Wires are those electrical conductors 8𝑚𝑚2

(AWG No. 8) and smaller in sizes. Cables on
the other hand, are those which are larger
than the wires. Wires and Cables are either:
1) Stranded Wire
2) Solid Wire Note: Good insulators are those with
extremely high resistance to current
flow and moderate resistance to load
register
Ampacity of Electrical Conductors
Figure 6. Stranded and Solid Wire
Ampacity is defined as the ability of the wire
or conductor to carry current without
overheating.
According to Fajardo (2000), he stated that
“Conductor size and rating shall have
sufficient ampacity to carry load. They
shall have adequate mechanical strength Note: The figures show the difference
and shall not be less than the rating of the between a solid and stranded wire. Solid
wire is durable, weather resistant, lower
branch circuit and not less than the attenuation and should not be flexed;
maximum load to be served” Strander wire on the other hand, has
higher attenuation, flexible and
malleable
 6

Derating of Conductors Ampacity – the full Source: Solid Wires, Stranded Wires,
amount of allowable capacity, is reduced to a And Their Key Differences
certain percentage due to environmental (satmaximum.com)
condition it is exposed of and the number of Figure 7. Type of AC Flexible
wires placed inside the conduit. Armored Cable (BX)

Raceways are channels or wiring

accessories so designed for holding wires,
cables or busbars that are either made of
metal, plastic or any insulating mediums.
Common types of raceways for households
wiring installations are: Note: The figure show the parts of AC
Armored Flexible Armored Cable. It is
1. The conduits fabricated assembly of insulated
2. The connectors and other accessories conductors enclosed in flexible metal
sheath used both on exposed and
Conduit pipe is the most common electrical concealed work.
raceways used in all types of construction.
Figure 8. Mineral Insulated Cable
With respect to the materials used, conduit
may be classified into:
1. Metallic such as steel pipes,
aluminum, etc.
2. Non-metallic such as plastic

Connector is a metal sleeve usually made of

copper that is slipped over and secured to the Note: The figure shows parts of a
butted ends of conductors in making a joint. Mineral Insulated Cable which is factory
assembly of one or more conductors
Outlet and Receptacles insulated with highly compressed
refractory mineral insulation enclosed in
An outlet is a point in the writing system at a liquid and gas tight continuous copper
which current is taken to supply utilization sheath.
equipment. An outlet usually consists of a
small metal or non-metal box into which a Figure 9. Non-Metallic Sheathed
raceway and or cable ends. Cable (NM)

Different kinds of outlet

Convenience outlet or attachment cap is a
device that by insertion into a receptacle
establishes connection between the Note: The figure shows a Non-Metallic
conductor of the flexible cord and the Sheathed Cable, a factory assembly of
conductors connected permanently to the two or more insulated conductors
having a moisture resistance, flame
receptacle. retardant and non-metallic material
outer sheath.
 7

Lighting outlet is an outlet intended for direct Figure 10. Service Entrance Cable
connection to a lamp holder, lighting fixture or
a pendant cord and terminating in a lamp
holder.
Receptacle Outlet is an outlet where one or
more receptacles are installed.
Furthermore, Receptacle is defined by the
National Electrical Code as:
Note: The figure is a single or multi-
“A contact device installed at the outlet for conductor assembly provided with or
the connection of a single attachment without an overall covering primarily
used for service wire
plug.”
Table 3. Current carrying capacity
derating factors
Switch Number of
Conductors in a Derating Factor
A switch is a device that open or closed the Raceway
circuitry in an electric circuit. Switches are 4 to 6 0.80
classified into: 7 to 24 0.70
25 to 42 0.60
1. General use switch 43 and above 0.50
2. General use snap switch
3. AC general use snap switch
Note: The current rating of wire in a free
4. AC-DC general use switch air environment is higher than those
5. Isolating switch placed inside the conduit. Concomitant
6. Motor circuit switch with this, if the ambient temperature is
above 30 deg C, the allowable ampacity
will be reduced by the factors given in
The General use switch is intended of use in Table 3.
general distribution and branch circuit rated in Source: Electrical Layout and Estimate
amperes. It is capable of interrupting the rated
current at a rated voltage. Figure 11. Various Convenience
Outlet with Symbols
The General use snap switch is a form of
general use switch installed in a flush device
box or an outlet box cover.
The Isolating switch is a switch intended for
isolating an electric circuit from the source of
power.

Note: The figures show the various

convenience outlets used together with
its equivalent floorplan symbol
 8

The Branch Circuit

Electric Circuit refers to the complete path Figure 12. Division of Electrical
traversed by an electric current. In short, Circuit into its Component
electric circuit is the entire house wiring
installation.
Branch Circuit is defined by the National
Electrical Code (NEC) as: “the circuit
conductors between the final over current
protective device and the outlets.”
Meaning, the branch circuit is only the wiring Note: This figure shows the common
installed between the circuit over current branch circuit which comprises of;
protective i.e., fuse or circuit breaker and the source of voltage, wiring and load.
outlets.
Source: Electrical Layout and Estimate
In Figure 4, it shows the common knowledge
that the branch circuit comprises in actual
practice. Figure 13. Appliance Branch
Circuit

Circuitry design varies according to the

number of designers. However, good circuitry
design is based on the following
considerations:
1. Flexibility of the circuit
2. Reliability and efficiency of service Note: This figure shows the
3. Safety of the circuitry Appliance Branch Circuit which
4. Economy as to cost supplies outlets intended for feeding
5. Energy consideration appliances. Fixed lighting however,
6. Space allocation is not supplied.

Branch Circuit – the branch circuit is Figure 14. Individual Branch

classified into: Circuit

1. General purpose branch circuit

which supplies outlets for lighting and
appliances, including convenience
receptacles.
2. Appliance branch circuit
3. Individual branch circuit
Note: This figure shows the
Individual Branch Circuit which is
designed to supply a single specific
item.
 9

Circuiting Guidelines
In circuitry, there are certain rules and Table 4. Branch Circuit Capacity –
guidelines promulgated by the National Electric Heat
Electrical Code (NEC) for flexibility and
convenient way of installing a circuitry.
1. The Code requires sufficient circuitry to
supply residential load of 30 watts per
square meter in buildings excluding
porches, garages and basements.
2. The requirement of 30 watts per square Note: The table shows the branch
meter is up to 80 sq.m. for a 20 circuit capacity in terms of electric
amperes circuit or 60 sq.m. for 15 heat.
amperes circuit.
Source: Electrical Layout and Estimate
3. Good practice suggests that the load
should not exceed 1,600 watts for a 20
amperes circuit and 1,200 watts for a 15
Table 5. Branch Circuit
amperes circuit. Requirements
4. The Code requires a minimum of 20
amperes appliance branch circuit to
feel all small appliance outlets in the
kitchen, pantry, dining and family room.
5. The general-purpose branch circuit,
shall be rated at 20 amperes circuit,
wired with No. 12 AWG being the
minimum size of conductor wire
required for all convenience outlet.
6. Circuit load on a 15-ampere circuit shall
be limited to the values given in table Note: The table shows the branch
circuit requirement
and table
7. Plug outlets or convenience Source: Electrical Layout and Estimate
receptacles shall be counted in
computing the load if it is not included
in the load for general lighting circuit. To Figure 15. Fuse Rating and
find the number of outlets for 9 and 12 Construction
amperes loading on a 15 and 10
amperes circuit respectively, we have:
9
A) For 15-amp circuit: 1.5 = 6 outlets
12
B) For 20-amp circuit: 1.5 = 8 outlets
8. Convenience receptacles should be
planned properly, so that in case of
failure by any one of the circuitries, the
entire area will not be deprived of power
supply. In terms of reliability of service,
each area should be provided
alternately with different circuits. Source: Electrical Layout and Estimate
 10

9. All kitchen outlets should be fed from at

least two of these circuits.
Figure 16. Standard Type of
10. The Code further stipulated that; “all
Fuse
receptacles are potential appliance
outlet and at least two circuits shall be
supplied to serve them”.
11. Certain outlets in the room should be
designed as appliance other like:
a) All kitchen receptacles
b) Dining room receptacles
c) One in the living room
12. The Code requires that, “at least one 20
amperes circuit supply the laundry
outlets.”
13. If air conditioner is anticipated, provide
a separate circuit for this particular
appliance.

Note: The fuse is a single pole, installed

Protection of the Branch Circuit on a single wire that could only protect a
single electric line.
As a Rule, branch circuit should be protected
Source: Electrical Layout and Estimate
from over current. Hence, an over all current
protective devices shall be installed in all
branch circuitries.
Figure 17. Pannel Board
The Panel Board wherein the over current
protective device is apart, of the busbars
become the source of voltage as we look
upstream from the over current device.
Causes of Over Current
1. Overload in the equipment or
conductors
2. Shot circuit or ground fault
Both were the results of excessive current
flow in the circuit. The primary function of the
over-current devices is to protect the branch
circuit and the load device against excessive
current supply. However, regardless whether
the excess current is being caused by an
equipment problem of overloading, or by a
circuit problem such as un-intentional ground
Note: This figure shows different parts of
fault, the protective devices has but one a panel board.
purpose – to interrupt the line, in case
Source: Electrical Layout and Estimate
there is an excess current flow in the
circuit.
 11

On the protection of Conductions, the

National Electrical Code provides that: Table 6. Wire Gauge for Copper Wire
“Conductors shall be protected against Circuit
over current in accordance with their
capacities.”

Fuse, Breaker and Panel Board

Fuse is defined as; an overall current
protective device with a circuit opening fusible
element which open (break) when there is an
over current in the circuit. It consists of fusible
link or wire that easily melt at low temperature Note: This table presents the
requirement of wire gauge for copper
classified into two types:
wire circuits.

Source: National Electric Code

1. The Cartridge type which is enclosed
in an insulating fiber tube
2. The Plug Fuse enclosed in a porcelain
cap. Figure 18. Typical Schematic
Circuit Breaker is an over-current protective Diagram of a Panel Board
device designed to function as a switch.
Basically, a circuit is equipped with an
automatic tripping device to protect the
branch circuit from overload and ground fault.
Circuit Breaker can be manually tripped, so
that, in many cases it also acts as circuit
switch.
Advantages of Circuit Breaker Over the
Fuse
The circuit breaker act as switch aside from
its being an over-current protective device. It
trips off automatically and after correcting the
fault, it is again readily available for switch on
Note: 3 Phase 4-Wire Panel
unlike the fuse that has to be discarded.
Circuit breaker can be multiple poles installed 10-SP, 2-2SP, 2-3P
with 1,2 or 3 poles which will simultaneously Circuit Breaker
protect and switch one to three lines. The
circuit breaker can be manually tripped so that Source: Electrical Layout and Estimate
in many cases, it also acts as a circuit.
 12

Advantages of Fuse over the Circuit Figure 19. Single Diagram of

Breaker Switchboard

One major advantage of the fuse is its

reliability and stability. The cost of the fuse is
very much lower compared to that of the
circuit breaker.
The Panel Board
The panel board is defined by the National
Electrical Code as “A single panel or group
panel limits designed for assembly in the Note: This figure shows the single
diagram of switchboard representing 3-
form of a single panel.” It is designed for phase circuit.
mounting in a cabinet or cutout box installed
in or against a wall or partition accessible only Source: Electrical Layout and Estimate
to the front.
The Switchboard and Switchgear are free Figure 20. Single Diagram of
standing assemblies of switches, fuses and Switchboard
circuit breakers that provide switching and
feeder protection to a number of circuits
connected to the main source.

Emergency Electric Supply

On the National Electrical Code, the concept
of the emergency standby system is to Note: The figure shows a single transfer
switch which serves the normal power
replace normal power supply to selected or
transfer to the generator in case of
entire loads within the building in case of utility power failure
power outage.
Source: Electrical Layout and Estimate
The emergency standby source of electricity
Figure 21. Single Diagram of
includes all devices, wiring raceways and
Switchboard
other electrical equipment ready to supply
electric power to the entire establishment or
to a selected load.

Current Supply by Generator

Where emergency loads are large enough
that batteries could not be economically
feasible, and where 8 to 15 seconds starting Note: The entire emergency power
system should be protected by adopting
time is tolerable, a generator set is employed.
a smaller transfer switching device to
reduce the chance of a single
equipment failure faulting.

Source: Electrical Layout and Estimate