ENGINEERING UTILITIES 1

MODULE 7 material outer sheath. This type is used specifically for one or
ELECTRICAL WIRES AND CABLES two family dwellings not exceeding 3-storey buildings.

The proper wire size is critical to any electrical wire 5. Shielded Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable (SNM) – This type
installation. Wire sizing indicates the diameter of the metal of cable is a factory assembly of two or more insulated
conductor of the wire and is based on the American Wire conductors in an extruded core of moisture resistant and
Gauge (AWG) system. The gauge of a wire relates to the flame retardant material covered with an overlapping spiral
wire's current-carrying capacity, or how much amperage the metal tape. This type is used in hazardous locations and in
wire can safely handle. When choosing the right size of the cable trays or in raceways.
wire, you must consider the gauge of the wire, the wire
capacity, and what the wire will be used for. 6. Service Entrance Cable – is the type SE and USE. A single
or multi-conductor assembly provided with or without an
Wires that are not properly matched to the overall covering primarily used for service entrance wire.
amperage of the circuits they serve can create a notable risk
of short circuit and fire. 7. Power and Control Tray Cable – This is a factory
assembled two or more insulated conductors with or without
SIZE OF WIRE associated bare or covered grounding under a metallic
Each application requires a certain wire size for sheath. This is used for installation in cable trays, raceways,
installation, and the right size for a specific application is or where it is supported by messenger wire.
determined by the wire gauge. Sizing of wire is done by the
American Wire Gauge system. Common wire sizes are 10, 12, 8. Flat Cable Assemblies (FC) – is an assembly of parallel
and 14 - a higher number means a smaller wire size, ans conductors formed integrally with an insulating material web
affects the amount of power it can carry. designed specially for field installation in metal surface or
raceways.
WIRE LETTERING
(1) Moisture-impervious metal-sheathed; 9. Medium voltage Cable (MV Cable) – is a solid or multi-
(2) Types MTW, RHW, RHW-2, TW, THW, THW-2, THHW, conductor solid dielectric insulated cable rated at 2,000 volts
THHW-2, THWN, THWN-2, XHHW, XHHW-2, ZW; or or higher. This type is used for power system up to 35,000
(3) Of a type listed for use in wet locations. volts.

The letters THHN, THWN, THW and XHHN represent The MV cable has different types and characteristics
the main insulation types of individual wires. These letters 1.Trade name : Medium Voltage Solid Dialectic.
depict the following PEC Philippine Electrical Code. 2.Type letter : MV – 75; MV – 85, MV – 90
T – Thermoplastic insulation – dry location 3.Maximum operating temp : 75ᴼ C, 85ᴼ C, MV 90ᴼ C
H – Heat Resistance (75ᴼ C) 4.Application : Dry or wet locations, rated at 2,000 volts or
HH – High heat resistance (up to 90 ᴼC) higher
W – Suitable for wet locations 5.Insulation : Thermoplastic or thermosetting.
N – Nylon coating, resistant to oil & gasoline 6.Outer covering : Jacket, Sheathed or Armor
X – Synthetic polymer that is flame-resistant
10. Communications Cable - The types of cables and wires
DIFFERENT TYPES OF CABLES that are used for communication or signal transmission
1. Armored Cable (AC) – is fabricated assembly of insulated purposes are called communication cable. There sole
conductors enclosed in flexible metal sheath. Armored cable purpose is to transmit information. Here are 3 types of
is used both on exposed and concealed work. communications cables:

2. Metal Clad Cable (MC) – is a factory-assembled cable of a)Coaxial Cable - Coax or coaxial cable is type of electrical
one or more conductors each individually insulated and cable made from four layers, forming coaxial shape (having
enclosed in a metallic sheath of interlocking tape of a smooth common axis or center). The central part of coaxial cable is a
or corrugated tube. This type of cable is especially used for conductor covered by an insulating plastic layer, which is
service feeders, branch circuits, and or outdoor work. surrounded by a metallic shield. On top, that is a fourth layer
of plastic insulation.
3. Mineral Insulated Cable (MI) – is a factory assembly of The coaxial cable is used for transmission of high
one or more conductors insulated with a highly compressed frequency signal. This is why the metallic shield is used for
refractory mineral insulation enclosed in a liquid and gas tight blocking noise interference. It is commonly used for cable
continuous copper sheath. This type of cable is used in dry, television signal distribution, signal transmission between
wet, or continuously moist location as service feeders or antennas, transmitter and receiver.
branch circuits.
b)Hard line Coaxial or Helix Cable - Hardline coaxial or
4. Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable (NM) – is also a factory mostly known by its trademark name Helix cable is a thick
assembly of two or more insulated conductors having a coaxial cable with its center solid conductor made from
moisture resistant, flame retardant, and non-metallic copper and the shield made from copper or silver tubing. It is
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 ENGINEERING UTILITIES 1
specifically used for high frequency broadcast transmission. It Conductor size and rating shall have sufficient
can carry hundreds of channels and is usually installed ampacity to carry load. They shall have adequate mechanical
between a transmitter on ground and aerial antenna. strength and shall not be less than the rating of the branch
circuit and not less than the maximum load to be served.
d)RG-6 Coaxial Cable - RG-6 is the most common type of
coaxial cable used for signal transmission in residential and ALLOWABLE AMPACITIES OF INSULATED COPPER
commercial applications. It is made from a solid copper wire CONDUCTORS NOT MORE THAN 3-WIRES IN A RACEWAY
with plastic insulation covered by an aluminum foil and a
SIZE Temperature Rating of Conductor
braided shield for protection against interference. It is used
for audio and video signal transmission in application such as 60ᴼ (140ᴼ F) 75ᴼ 90ᴼ
(167ᴼ F) (194ᴼ F)
cable TV, Satellite TV signal and radio etc.
Type Types Types
AWG RHW SA
MODULE 8 mm2
MCM T THW RHH
CURRENT CARRYING CAPACITY THWN THHN
TW XHW XHHW
The term ampacity is generally used to specifically
2.0 14 15 15 25
describe the carrying capacity of wires or cables. It is an
3.5 12 20 20 30
important electrical safety concern as exceeding the 5.5 10 30 30 40
ampacity of an electrical system may damage it, resulting in a 8.0 8.0 40 45 50
dangerous electrical fault such as an arc flash or
electrocution hazard. Exceeding a system’s ampacity can also 14 6 55 65 70
pose a fire risk. 22 4 70 85 90
30 2 80 100 105
The amount of heat generated by a given current
depends on the resistance of the conductor the current is 38 1 100 110 115
flowing through. Because ampacity measures the ability of a 50 1/0 120 145 150
wire or cable to dissipate heat, the ampacity of a wire will 60 2/0 135 160 170
generally increase with the diameter of the wire—the larger 80 3/0 160 195 205
the wire, the more effectively it can dissipate heat. A wire’s
100 4/0 185 220 225
ampacity is limited by the ability of its jacket and insulation to
withstand the heat the wire generates. 125 250 210 255 265
150 300 240 280 295
FACTORS AFFECTING AMPACITY 200 400 280 330 355
The ampacity of a conductor depends on: 250 500 315 375 400
1.its insulation temperature rating;
325 650 370 435 470
2.the electrical resistance of the conductor material;
3.frequency of the current, in the case of alternating current; 400 800 405 515 515
4.ability to dissipate heat, which depends on conductor 500 1000 445 580 580
geometry and its surroundings;
5.ambient temperature. Example:
1. A 38 AWG copper conductor with a temperature rating of
All common electrical conductors have some 60°C has a maximum allowable ampacity of 85 amperes.
resistance to the flow of electricity. Electric current flowing 2.The maximum allowable ampacity of the same 3 AWG
through them causes voltage drop and power dissipation, copper conductor with a temperature rating of 75°C is 100A.
which heats conductors. Copper or aluminum can conduct a 3.If the temperature rating of the 3 AWG copper conductor is
large amount of current without damage, but long before 90°C, the allowable ampacity is 115A (see Figure 2).
conductor damage, the resultant heat would typically, 4.What size of THHN conductor for a 156 A load?
damage insulation. 5.THW conductor in mm. sq. of lighting load having 8.9 A?
Sub-feeder size of an ACU @ 12 A full load current. Select
Voltage Drop in Wire = Circuit current x Resistance of wire THHN wire.
Power Loss in wire = Circuit current x Voltage drop
WIRE SIZE AND AMPERE RATINGS
POWER LOSS  Ampacity is the maximum current that a conductor can
is equal to the components resistance times the carry continuously under the conditions of use without
current squared. The power loss being converted into heat, exceeding its temperature rating. Current is measured
must be dissipated. A small wire diameter can safely carry in amperes or “amps.” You must use the correct size
more current in proportion to its weight. The use of copper wire for the current (load) requirement of the circuit to
wire is most preferred. prevent the wire from overheating.
 The number and type of electrical devices connected to
a circuit determine the ampacity requirement of the
conductor. Usually, a general-purpose house circuit is
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 ENGINEERING UTILITIES 1
designed for 20 amps. Lighting circuits may be designed source could be a battery, a solar cell, or a hydroelectric
for only 15 amps. plant—a place where there’s a positive terminal and a
 To calculate the load requirement for a circuit, first add negative terminal and from where charge could flow
up the wattage of all the electrical devices that will be from one to the other. This push of electric charge is
on the circuit. Then, divide the total wattage by the called voltage whose potential is measured in volts.
voltage of the system, typically 120 or 240, and that will  A path for current flow is usually at least two wires. For
give you the required current or amps. an electrical circuit to function, there must be an
uninterrupted path or closed loop from the source to
CHARACTERISTICS OF SELECTED INSULATED CONDUCTORS the load and back to the source. This is often referred to
FOR GENERAL WIRING as a complete or uninterrupted path. If the path is
broken at any point, then the current can not flow and
Trade Name Type Operating Application the circuit will not operate.
Letter Temp Provision
Moisture and heat KHW 75ᴼ C Dry and Wet
 A load is any device that uses the energy of the flowing
Resistant Rubber location electricity. Typical loads are lights, motors, and
Thermoplastic T 60 ᴼ C Dry location
appliances. When current flows through some load,
Moisture Resistant TW 60 ᴼ C Dry and Wet either heat or a magnetic field is produced allowing the
thermoplastic location electrical energy to be converted into some type of
other useful energy, that does work. There are several
Thermoplastic heat THHN 90 ᴼ C Dry location types of loads, including resistance loads like
resistant THW 75 ᴼ C Dry and Wet incandescent light bulbs and heating elements, and
Moisture and heat location
resistant plastic inductive loads like motors.
Moisture and heat THWN 75 ᴼ C Dry and Wet
resistant location BRANCH CIRCUIT
thermoplastic Branch Circuit is defined as that part of an electric
Moisture and heat XHHW 90 ᴼ C Dry location circuit extending beyond the last circuit breaker or fuse. The
resistant cross linked and wet branch circuits start at the breaker box and extend to the
thermosetting
electrical devices connected to the service. Branch circuits
Polyethylene 75 ᴼ C Wet location
Silicon Asbestos SA 90 ᴼ C Dry location are the last part of the circuit supplying electrical devices.
110 ᴼ C Dry location These circuits are classified in two different ways, according
to the type of loads they serve or according to their current-
carrying capacity.
Example:
1.What’s the conduit size of no. 12 AWG copper wire with TYPES OF BRANCH CIRCUITS
type thhn insulation installed in a raceway with 35 wires? 1. Dedicated appliance circuits. These serve only one
Answer: 1 ¼ inch appliance and are often required by Code. They can be 120-
or 240-volt circuits, and serve appliances such as electric
2.If there are 5 x 4.0 AWG wires, what’s the size of the ranges, dishwashers, refrigerators, garbage disposers, air-
conduit to be used? conditioners, and clothes dryers. Normally, any appliance
that has a motor will require a dedicated circuit.
Answer: 1 ¼ in
2. Lighting circuits. These are what they sound like—circuits
MODULE 10 that serve general lighting needs in rooms. Normally, a
THE BRANCH CIRCUIT lighting circuit will serve several rooms, and most homes will
Electric Circuit refers to the complete path traversed have several. One advantage of separating the lighting
by an electric current. In short, electric circuit is the entire circuits from the outlet circuits is that each room will be left
house wiring installation. An electric circuit is a closed path in with some means of lighting them if one circuit is shut off.
which electrons move to produce electric currents. Indeed, While working on the lighting circuit, for example, a plug-in
all the simple modern marvels are a consequence of this lamp can be used to illuminate the space.
scientific principle.
3. Outlet circuits. These are circuits that serve only general-
purpose plug-in outlets. They can be specific to a room or a
group of rooms. A second-story in a small house, for example,
may have one or two outlet circuits that serve multiple
rooms.
Room circuits. Depending on how the home has
REQUIRED COMPONENTS been wired, sometimes the circuit layout has all lights and
 All electrical circuits require three components to outlets in a room served by individual circuits.
operate: a source of power, a path for current, and a
load. CIRCUIT GUIDELINES
 The first component in an electric circuit is the source of There are many ways of doing the circuitry but there
electrical energy that allows electrons to move. This is no optimum or perfect way of doing it. However, there are
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 ENGINEERING UTILITIES 1
certain rules and guidelines promulgated by the Philippine the rated current of the equipment or conductors, resulting
Electrical Code (PEC) for flexibility, economical and from an overload, short circuit, or ground fault.
convenient way of installing a circuitry. As a rule, branch circuit should be protected from
over current. Hence, an over all current protective devices
1. The Code requires that lighting load for specified shall be installed in all branch circuitries.
occupancies shall not be less than specified as shown in the
Table below. Causes of Over Current
2. The Code requires a minimum of 20 amperes for There are two principal causes of over current.
appliances branch circuit to feed all small appliance outlets 1.Overload in the equipment or conductors
in the kitchen, pantry, dining and faculty room. 2.Short circuit or ground fault.
3.The general-purpose branch circuit shall be rated at 20
amperes circuit wired with no. 12 AWG (3.5 mm sq.) being Both were the results of excessive current flow in
the minimum size of conductor wire required for all the circuit. The primary function of the over-current devices
convenience outlet. is to protect the branch circuit and the load device against
4. Plug outlets or convenience receptacles shall be counted the exercise current supply.
in computing the load if it is not included in the load for
general lighting circuit. To find the number of outlets for 9 However, Regardless whether the excess current is
and 12 amperes loading on a 15 and 20 amperes circuit being caused by an equipment problem of overloading, or by
respectively, we have: a circuit problem such as un-intentional ground fault, the
a)For 15 amp circuit: 9 / 1.5 = 6 outlets protective devices has but one purpose – to interrupt the line,
b)For 20 amp circuit: 12 / 1.5 = 8 outlets in case there is an excess flow in the circuit.
5. Convenience receptacles should be planned properly, so
that in case of failure by any one of the circuitry, the entire When the over current protective device senses an
area will not be deprived of power supply. In terms of excessive flow of current, it automatically open the circuit or
reliability of service, each area should be provided simply cut off the line to prevent the excessive flow of
alternatively with different circuits. current in creating damages to the circuit or to the
6. All kitchen outlets should be fed from at least two of equipment. The over current device automatically opens the
these circuits. line to release the excessive current. The action of the over
7.The Code further stipulated that; “ all receptacles are current protective device is called “Clearing” because it clears
potential appliance outlet and at least two circuits shall be the circuit of the fault or over current load. It therefore acts
supplied to serve them.” in the same manner as the mechanical device to relieve the
8. The Code requires that, “ at least 20 ampere circuit machine from excessive pressure.
supply the laundry outlets.”
9. If air conditioner is anticipated, provide a separate circuit The over current protective devices are installed in circuits
for this particular appliance. to protect the following:
1.The wiring
General Lighting Loads by Occupancy 2.The transformer
Unit Load 3.The lights
Type of Occupancy Volt – Amp / m2 4. Appliances and other equipment’s.
Armories 8
Banks 28
Barber shops and beauty parlors 24
Overcurrent is just like it sounds: It's an excess of
current—or amperage—in an electrical circuit. An
Churches 8
Clubs 16 overcurrent occurs when the current exceeds the rated
Court rooms 16 amperage capacity of that circuit or of the connected
Dwelling units 24
Garages – Commercial (storage) 4 equipment (such as an appliance) on that circuit. An
Hospitals 16
overcurrent can be caused by overloading the circuit or by
Hotels and Motels, including Apartments 16 a short circuit, a ground fault, or an arc fault. Circuit breakers
Industrial, Commercial Buildings 16 and fuses protect circuit wiring from damage caused by
Lodge Rooms 12
overcurrent.
Office Buildings 28
Restaurants 16 Electrical Equipment has its own rated ampacity.
Schools 24
Warehouses 2 Similarly, electrical conductors have also their respective
Storage spaces 2 allowable ampacity. Thus, any load in excess of their rated or
allowable ampacity could damage the circuit or the
MODULE 11 equipment.
PROTECTION OF BRANCH CIRCUIT
The most fundamental requirement in any electrical OCPDs—Breakers and Fuses
system is proper overcurrent protection of conductors and Circuit breakers and fuses are two types of
equipment. According to the NEC Article 100, overcurrent is overcurrent protection devices or OCPDs. Every electrical
the condition where the current in amperes is greater than circuit in a home must be protected by its own OCPD that is
properly rated for the circuit wiring. Most homes today have
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 ENGINEERING UTILITIES 1
circuit breakers, located in the home's main service panel, 3.The circuit breaker position is easier to detect. It could be
or "breaker box." Older homes that haven't been updated closed, tripped, or open right at the handle. On the contrary,
may have service panels with fuses instead of breakers. Fuses the busted fuse could not be detected easily because the
work just as well as breakers, but like breakers, they must be melted fusible element is inside the fuse casing.
properly sized for each circuit to protect against overcurrent. 4.The circuit breaker can be manually tripped so that in many
case, it also acts as the circuit switch.
Circuit Overload 5.Circuit breaker respond quicker than fuses, more reliable
A circuit overload is an overcurrent that occurs and sensitive.
when more current (amperage) is drawn from a circuit
than the wiring of the circuit can safely handle. If you've ever Advantages of Fuse over the Circuit Breaker.
plugged in too many holiday lights in the same outlet and Despite the advantages of the circuit breaker over the fuse,
caused the breaker to trip, you've overloaded the circuit. the later has also some advantages over the circuit breaker
enumerated as follows:
Short Circuits
Short circuits occur when a "hot" wire 1. One major advantage of the fuse over the CB is its
(an ungrounded wire, usually black or red) touches another reliability and stability. The fuse can stay on its position for
hot wire or comes in contact with a neutral wire years and act when called on to act as designed.
(a grounded wire, usually white). Shorts can also happen if 2. The cost of the fuse is very much lower compared to the
there is a break in a wire in the circuit. CB.
3. CB has several moving parts, which requires maintenance
Ground Faults and Arc Faults and periodic testing to be in good condition at all time.
Ground faults and arc faults are similar to short
circuits but have their own characteristics. A ground fault Panel board
commonly occurs when a hot wire contacts a grounded A panel board is a component of an electrical
object, such as a metal electrical box (when it is installed as distribution system which divides an electric power feed into
part of a grounding system) or the metal case of a tool or branch circuits, while providing a protective circuit breaker or
appliance. fuse for each circuit, in a common enclosure. A panel board
services to protect branch circuits from overload and short
Fuse, Breaker and Panel Board circuits.
Fuse is defines as an over all current protective
device with a circuit opening fusible element which Principles Applied in Installing Panel Board
opens (break) when there is over current in the circuit. The 1. The approach shall be accessible and more convenient.
fuse is a one time protective device to be replaced after 2. The panel board is centrally located to shorten the home
the fault is cleared. It is the simplest and most common type wiring runs.
of circuit protective device used in most house wiring 3. It must be installed near the load center, as in most cases
installation. It is available in hundred design ratings and panel boards are mounted near the kitchen and the laundry
shapes but basically, the same in functions. where heavy duty loads are expected.
4. To limit the voltage drop on the branch circuit, the panel
Generally, Fuse consist of a fusible link or wire that board shall be located in such manner that no circuit (wiring
easily melt at low temperature classified into two types: connections) exceed 35 meters long.
5. In the event that a circuit more than 35 meters long cannot
1. The CARTRIDGE type which is enclosed in an insulating be avoided, no. 10 AWG (55 mm2) wire shall be used for runs
fiber tube. up to 50 meters long and np. 8 AWG wire for longer circuits.
2. The PLUG Fuse type enclosed in porcelain cap.

Circuit Breaker
The circuit breaker is an over-current protective
device design to function as switch. Basically, a circuit
breaker 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.

1.The circuit breaker acts as a switch aside from its being an
over current protective device.
2.Unlike the fuse that has to be discarded after it was busted
due to an over current flow, the circuit breaker trips off
automatically and after correcting the fault, it is again readily
available for switch on.

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