DEFINITION OF TERMS

ALIVE (LIVE)- Electrically connected to source of potential differences or electrical charge so as to have a
potential difference form that of the earth.

AMPACITY- The current in amperes a conductor can carry continuously under the conditions of use
without exceeding its temperature rating.

BRANCH CIRCUIT- The circuit conductors between the final overcurrent device protecting the circuit and
the outlet(s).

BRANCH CIRCUIT, APPLIANCE- A branch circuit supplying energy to one or more outlets to which
appliances are to be connected; such circuits to have no permanently connected lighting fixtures not
part of an appliance.

BRANCH CIRCUIT, GENERAL PURPOSE- A branch circuit that supplies a number of outlets for lighting and
appliances.

BRANCH CIRCUIT, INDIVIDUAL- A branch circuit that supplies only one utilization equipment.

BUSWAY- An approved, completely assembled metal troughing and fitting therefore, containing bare
conductors intended for use as feeders, the conductors being suitably supported on insulators.

CABINET- An enclosure designed either for surface or flush mounting and provided with a frame, mat, or
trim in which a swinging door or doors are or may be hung.

CIRCUIT BREAKER- A device designed to open and close a circuit by a non-automatic means and to open
the circuit automatically with a pre-determined overcurrent without injury to itself when properly
applied within its rating. These have a thermal element in the form of a spring. The spring expands with
heat and trips open the circuit. The circuit breaker can be reset for normal operation, however after the
short has been removed and the thermal element cools down.

DEAD- Free from any electric connections to a source of potential difference from that of the earth. The
term is used only with reference to current carrying parts which are sometimes alive.

DEVICE- A unit of an electrical system which is intended to carry but not utilize electric energy.

DISCONNECTING MEANS- A device, or group of devices, or other means by which the conductors of a
circuit can be disconnected from their source of supply.

FITTING- An accessory such as a locknut, bushing, or other part of a wiring system that is intended
primarily to perform a mechanical rather than an electrical function

FLAME-RETARDANT – So constructed or treated that it will not readily burn or convey flame.

MOISTURE RESISTANT – So constructed or treated that exposure to a moist will not readily cause injury
or harmful change in quality.

JUNCTION BOX- A box with a blank cover which serves the purpose of joining different runs of raceway
on cable, and provided with sufficient space for connection and branching of the enclosed conductors.
OVERLOAD- Operation of equipment in excess of normal, full load rating, or of a conductor in excess of
rated ampacity which it persists for a sufficient length of time, would cause damage or dangerous
overheating. A fault, such as short circuit or ground fault, is not an over load.

SERVICE DROP- The overhead service conductors from the last pole or other aerial support to and
including the splices, if any, connecting to the service entrance conductors at the building or other
structure.

SERVICE-ENTRANCE CONDUCTORS, OVERHEAD SYSTEM- The service conductors between the terminals
of the service equipment and a point usually the building, clear of building walls, where joined by tap or
splice to the service drop.

SERVICE-ENTRANCE CONDUCTORS, UNDERGROUND SYSTEM- The service conductors between the

SERVICE LATERAL- The underground service conductors between the street main, including any risers at
a pole or other structure or from transformers, and the first point of connection to the service- entrance
conductors in as terminal box or meter or other enclosure with adequate space, inside or outside the
building wall. Where there is no terminal box, meter, or other enclosure with adequate space, the point
of connection shall be considered to be the point of entrance of the service conductors into the building.

SERVICE RACEWAY- The raceway that encloses the service-entrance conductors

PANELBOARD- It contains the circuit protective device such as the fuse or circuit breaker. It also consists
of a set of busbars where the protective devices are connected.

ADVANTAGES OF CIRCUIT BREAKER OVER A FUSE

1. The circuit breaker acts as a switch aside from its being an overcurrent protective device.
2. When there is an overcurrent, the circuit breaker trips automatically and after correcting the
fault, it is ready to be switched on again, unlike the fuse which has to be discarded and replaced
after it is busted.
3. Circuit breaker is readily tripped from a remote location while the fuse is difficult to switch.
4. Circuit breakers are multi-pole, the fuse on the other hand is a single pole device.
5. It is easy to detect the circuit breaker position it is either close, tripped, or open-right at its
handle while a blown fuse is not easily detected because the melted fusible element is inside
the fuse casing.

ADVANTAGES OF THE FUSE OVER A CIRCUIT BREAKER

1. One of its major advantage is its reliability and stability. The fuse can stay on its position for
years and act when called on to act as designed, unlike the circuit breaker which requires proper
maintenance and periodic testing to keep into a tip-top condition.
2. The cost of a fuse is less than that of a circuit breaker.
Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable

Non-metallic sheathed cable is the most widely used wiring for residential buildings. It is a
factory assembly of two or more insulated conductors having an outer sheath of moisture-resistant
flame-retardant, nonmetallic material. Type NM cable is often referred to as Romex or loom wire having
an overall covering of flame-retardant and moisture-resistant finish.

Type NM cable shall be permitted to be installed for both exposed and concealed work in
normally dry locations. It shall be installed in masonry block or tile walls where such walls are not

exposed or subject to excessive moisture or dampness.

Supports

Nonmetallic-sheathed cable shall be secured by staples, straps, or similar fittings, so designed

Example of an NM type wiring: