Module 1: Building Electrical Systems

Topic 3: Electrical Systems in Buildings

An electrical system, within the context of a building, is a network of conductors and

equipment designed to carry, distribute, and convert electrical power safely from the point
of delivery or generation to the various loads around the building that consume the
electrical energy.

Basics of Electricity Distribution

 Earthing (or grounding) systems and bonding

 Electric wiring
 Industrial installations
 Lighting controls
 Light sources, Lamps, Lighting design
 Telecommunication installations

The basics of electrical installations are:

 Lighting – providing illumination both inside and outside of the buildings.

 Exhaust fans – providing ventilation both inside and outside of the buildings.
 Use of portable and non-portable electrical machines or appliances and their
wiring network, including sub-main wiring, cable, overhead lines, etc. including
control panels and switches.

Transmission and Distribution

Transmission lines, transformers, substations, and other equipment have voltages 100
kV (or 100,000 Volts) and above.

Types of Electric Power Distribution Systems

According to the nature of the supply

 AC Distribution System
 Primary Distribution System
 Secondary Distribution System
 DC Distribution System

According to a type of construction

 Overhead system
 Underground system

TYPES OF ELECTRICAL SERVICE IN THE PHILIPPINES. There are two main types
of residential electrical service in the Philippines.

MANILA AND CITIES: Three-wire 120/240V Systems. In Manila, Iloilo City, and other
large Philippine cities, residences are supplied with 240-volt, alternating current, 60-
cycle power using two wire service drop to the residence. Power from the utility
transformer to the residence arrives through three wires, two 120 V AC load (“hot”) wires
and a single neutral. Circuits in residence are generally wired to supply 240 V AC to
outlets using the two 120 VAC load wires, much the same as a heavy appliance (dryer,
hot water heater etc.) would be supplied in the U.S. All small and large appliances sold in
the Philippines are designed to use 240 V AC, 60 cycle (Hz).

However, it is possible to wire in 120 VAC circuits and outlets by using only one of the
load wires and a neutral one. These 120 V outlets are seen in hotels, some condos and
other places that expect American visitors. Visitors must keep in mind that the
Philippines uses the same style of wall outlets as you see in America, but that the outlet
is supplying 240 V, not 120 V. Plugging a 120 V appliance into a 240 V outlet will
generally destroy the appliance.
OUTSIDE OF BIG CITIES: Two-wire 240V Systems Areas outside of the old
established cities were electrified later and used a different and more economical system
using a two-wire service drop to the residence. This consists of one 240 VAC load wire
and one neutral wire. 120 VAC cannot be supplied by this type of system unless the
property owner, at his own expense and with the cooperation of the utility company,
installs his own transformer at the utility pole, a transformer having a secondary winding
which can supply 120 VAC.
Single-Phase Power Supply

In a Single-Phase Power Supply, the power is distributed using only two wires called
Phase and neutral. Since AC Power takes the shape of a sinusoidal wave, the voltage in
a single-phase supply peaks at 900 during the positive cycle and again at 2700 during the
negative cycle.

Single-phase connections are designed for household supplies and residential

homes. This is because most appliances, such as televisions, lights, fans, refrigerators,
and so on, require only a small amount of electricity to function. Usually, the single-phase
voltage is 230V and the frequency is 60Hz in the Philippines.

Three-Phase Power Supply

A Three-Phase Power Supply consists of three power wires (or the three phases).
Additionally, depending on the type of the circuit (which there are two types: Star and
Delta), and can be with 4th wire as neutral wire. In a three-phase power supply system,
each AC Power Signal is 1200 out of phase with each other.
Three-phase electric power (3-phase), is a type of alternating current that is commonly
used in power generation, transmission, and distribution. Thick wires on tall
transmission towers carry high-voltage electricity from power plants to local
communities. It is a type of polyphase system that uses three wires (or four if a neutral
return wire is used) and is the most common method used by electrical grids around the
world to transfer power. As a result, three-phase power is preferable for high-tension
power loads and it can carry up to 415V.

Thinner wires on smaller towers or electric poles carry much lower voltage power to
homes, businesses and other load centers.
Distribution Voltages
 Primary: 4.16kV, 13.8kV, 34.5kV, 69kV
 Secondary: 110/115V, 220/230V

Home Electrical Systems

A home’s electrical system includes incoming power lines, an electric meter, a service
panel, subpanels, household wiring, electrical boxes, receptacles (outlets), switches, and,
of course, the appliances, lights, and equipment that put the power to work.

Other electrical systems in a house include wiring for home entertainment, such as cable
television, home theaters, and audio systems, not to mention wiring for home
communications such as telephones, security systems, doorbells, and intercoms.
Protection Devices in Electrical Installations

Protection devices or protective devices for electrical circuits accomplish two main
functions namely consistency as well as protection. Protection is assured through
detaching power supply in a circuit through overcurrent protection, which removes fire
hazards and electrocution. Designers must take time to know the different protection
devices for circuits. Protection devices used to protect circuits from extreme voltages or
currents.

What is a Protective Device?

A device used to protect equipment, machinery, components and devices, in electrical

and electronic circuit, against short circuit, over current and earth fault, is called as
protective devices.

Types of Protective Devices

1. Fuse Wire or Fuse
2. MCB – Miniature circuit breaker
3. ELCB – Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker
4. ELCB & MCB
5. Earthing or Grounding
6. Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
Fuse Wire or Fuse

A fuse is a device that protects electrical systems against potentially dangerous power
surges and excessive temperatures. When subjected to extreme conditions, the fuse will
blow or burn out. Unlike a circuit breaker, a fuse cannot be reset. It must be replaced.

Cartridge Fuses Blade Fuse

Fuse Boxes

A fuse box is a metal box that contains screw-in fuses and cartridge fuses. Cartridge
fuses normally manufactured in the range of 2A. to 100A. Fuse box is smaller than the
electrical service panels found in most old homes today.

Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB)

A circuit breaker is one kind of electrical switch used to guard an electrical circuit against
short circuit otherwise an overload which will cause by excess current supply. The basic
function of a circuit breaker is to stop the flow of current once a fault has occurred. Not
like a fuse, a circuit breaker can be operated either automatically or manually to restart
regular operation. Standard rating of MCB is 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 6A, 10A, 13A, 16A, 20A,
25A, 32A, 40A, 50A, 63A, 100A.

Residential Commercial and Industrial

1P - Single pole switch of circuit breaker: Only one connecting plug, it can only break
one phase line, this switch is only suitable for controlling one-phase live wire.

2P - Two pole switch of circuit breaker: Two connecting plugs, one is connected to the
phase line and the other is connected to the zero line.

3P - Three pole switch of circuit breaker: Three connecting plugs, which are connected
to the live wires. This switch is suitable for controlling three-phase 380V circuit.
4P - Four pole switch of circuit breaker: Four connecting plugs, three are connected to
the live wires and the remaining is connected to the zero line. This switch is suitable for
controlling three-phase four-wire system circuit.

1P+N - Single pole switch with zero terminal (the zero line doesn’t break)

3P+N - Three pole switches with zero terminal (the zero line doesn’t break)

Molded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) or Power Circuit Breaker (PCB)

It is another type of electrical protection device that is used when the load current exceeds
the limit of a miniature circuit breaker. The MCCB protects against overload, and short
circuit faults and is also used for switching the circuits. It can be used for higher current
rating and fault levels in domestic applications. The wide current ratings and high breaking
capacity in MCCB find their use in industrial applications. MCCB can be used for
protection of capacitor banks, generator protection, and main electric feeder distribution.
It offers adequate protection whenever an application requires discrimination, adjustable
overload setting, or earth fault protection. MCCB is available from 100 A and higher up
to 100 kA.

Residual Current Device (RCD)

The RCD-residual current device (or) RCCB-residual current circuit breaker is a safety
device that notices a problem in your home power supply and then turns OFF in 10-15
milliseconds to stop electric shock. A residual current device does not give safety against
short circuits or overload in the circuit, so we cannot change a fuse instead of an RCD.
RCD have become mandatory components installed in every household switchboard and
in every new installation. They are often confused with overcurrent circuit breakers, but
their operation and functions are completely different. Professionals distinguish three
types of RCDs based on the differential current they can handle. These are, respectively:

 High-sensitivity residual current devices (up to 30 mA), which are used in

kitchens, bathrooms, workshops, studios, etc. – where the risk of fire caused by a
faulty installation or appliance is quite high;
 Medium-sensitivity residual current devices (from 30 to 500 mA), which are
ideal for protecting general-purpose circuits in residential buildings or on
construction sites;
 Low-sensitivity residual current devices (from 500 mA up), which are used for
circuits with high leak current and as main circuit breakers for the entire home
electrical installation.

Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB)

An ELCB is one kind of safety device used for installing an electrical device with high
earth impedance to avoid shock. These devices identify small stray voltages of the
electrical device on the metal enclosures and intrude the circuit if a dangerous voltage is
identified. The main purpose of the Earth leakage circuit breaker (ELCB) is to stop
damage to humans & animals due to electric shock.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)

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. They are most often found in kitchens, bath and laundry rooms, or even
out-of-doors or in the garage where electric power tools might be used.
Earthing or Grounding

Working on home electrical systems can be justifiably intimidating.

Home wiring can be dangerous, depending upon the type. Standard-voltage electrical
wiring, which serves electrical outlets, lights, and appliances must be handled carefully to
avoid shock or electrocution.

But, if you follow expert instructions and turn off the power to circuits and devices before
working on them, you can do this type of work safely. One of the keys to safely working
on an electrical system is to ensure that all circuits are properly grounded.

Electrical current travels in a continuous closed path from the source (your home’s
electrical panel) through a device that uses the power, such as a light, and then back to
the source.

But if the electricity doesn’t have to flow through wires for the return trip to the source. It
can return to the source through any conductor—including a person. The conductor just
has to contact the earth directly or touch a conductive material (such a water or metal)
that goes to the earth. If you accidentally become the conducting link in an electrically live
circuit, you’ll get a shock—or worse.

Grounding is an integral part of any properly operating electrical system. In residence,

grounding protects the occupants by providing a safe pathway for unwanted electricity
that might otherwise create a hazard. Electricity always takes the easiest flow path to
earth. A ground is a low-resistance conducting connection between electrical circuits,
equipment, and the earth.
Grounding is used to provide a safe path for a fault current to flow. A complete ground
path must be maintained when installing switches, light fixtures, appliances, and
receptacles. In a properly grounded system, the unwanted current flow blows fuses or
trips circuit breakers. Once a fuse is blown or a circuit breaker is tripped, the circuit is
open, and no additional current will flow.

The grounding system is a basic part of any electrical installation, and aims to:

- Limit the potential difference between metallic masses and ground.

- Make sure the protection devices operate.
- Eliminate or reduce the risk posed by a fault in the electrical equipment used.

System and Equipment Grounding Safety

Grounding is usually done at two levels: system grounding and equipment grounding.
The system ground is a special circuit designed to protect the entire distribution system
of a residence. Equipment ground is essentially a circuit designed to protect individual
components of an electrical system. Grounded conductors are used to providing a path
to the ground for system and equipment grounds.
A grounded conductor is one that has been grounded on purpose. Grounded conductors
are typically identified with green or green and yellow markings and may be installed as
bare conductors.

The two most popular methods used for grounding an electrical system are electrode
grounding and water pipe grounding. Other grounding methods use a concrete-
encased electrode or a ground ring, both of which are less common in residential wiring
systems.

Electrode Grounding
An electrode is a long metal rod used for grounding that makes contact with the earth.
When no satisfactory grounding electrode is readily available, the common practice is to
drive one or more metal rods (connected in parallel) into the ground. The electrode and
circuit must provide a flow path to the earth with less than 25Ω of resistance.
Water Pipe Grounding
A water pipe ground uses the underground metal pipe that supplies a residence with
water and is typically the best electrical ground for a residential electrical system. Water
pipes work well as grounds because the large surface area of the pipe is in contact with
the earth, as it connects the municipal water main to the water distribution system in
residence. This large surface area reduces resistance and allows any unwanted electricity
to easily pass through the pipe to the earth. When a water pipe is used for grounding, the
water pipe run must never be interrupted by a plastic fitting or have an open section of
plumbing.
Equipment Grounding
Equipment grounding's main purpose is to protect individual electrical devices. Equipment
grounding safely grounds any devices or appliances attached to an electrical system or
plugged into receptacles inside a home. For example, when a refrigerator has not been
properly grounded, the electrical current caused by a short will seek the easiest path to
earth. Unfortunately, the human body is an electrical conductor and allows current to
reach the earth by traveling through the body (electric shock). Proper equipment
grounding protects the body by harmlessly conducting unwanted electricity to the ground.

Grounding Small Appliances

Small appliances are easily incorporated into a grounded system. Most small electrical
appliances are designed with three-prong grounded plugs that match a standard three-
prong grounded receptacle. The U-shaped blade of the plug and the U-shaped hole in
the receptacle are the ground connections. The U-shaped blade of a plug is longer than
the current-carrying blades. The added length ensures a strong ground connection while
the plug is being inserted or removed from a receptacle. The ground wire is connected to
all receptacles and metal boxes to provide a continuous pathway for short-circuit current.
The ground wire may be connected to each box using a pigtail, screw, or ground clip.
 Three-Prong Grounded Receptacle and Three-Prong Grounded Plug

Grounding Wire

Grounding wires are primarily in place to protect the outlet and surrounding area in case
of an overload or power surge. If a transient charge (the technical term for an overload)
happens to pass through that outlet, the grounding wire is there to redirect the charge into
itself, or “to ground.” The outlet is able to send the electricity harmlessly away without it
presenting any safety hazard or damaging other wires.

Alternate Source of Electricity

Diesel Generator is the most widely used alternative source of power in facilities today.
Its ability to provide continuous power as long as it has a supply of fuel makes it well-
suited for providing both long- and short-term backup power. It is useful that supply
electrical power during a power outage and prevent discontinuity of daily activities
or disruption of business operations. Having an emergency generator will allow you
to keep the necessary appliances running in your home, commercial and industrial
operations.

Most generator-based systems are designed to automatically provide power to

designated loads in the event of an interruption in service. When power is lost, the
generator automatically starts. Once the generator comes up to speed, a switch
automatically transfers the load from utility power to the output of the generator.
Depending on the size of the generator, this transfer typically takes place in 30 seconds
or less. Once utility company power is restored, the load is transferred back and the
generator shuts down.
While generator systems are very reliable, they are not maintenance-free. If the systems
are to perform as needed, when needed, they must have regularly scheduled
maintenance.

Portable Standby Generator

Standby (Backup) Commercial and Industrial Generator (Outdoor)

Standby (Backup) Commercial and Industrial Generator (Indoor)