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.
FUSE CUTOUT- A form of fuse and its holder or enclosure characterized by the ready
and safe replace ability of the fuse unit.
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 terminals of the service equipment and the point of connection to the
service lateral.
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 o1. 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.