Comprehensive Guide to Building Systems and MEP Engineering

Structural, Enclosure, Mechanical, Fire, Conveyor, Electrical.

What are the main types of building systems mentioned in the notes?

Foundation, Floor, Wall and Column, Roof.

What are the components of structural systems in buildings?

MEPFS system, Enclosure System and Protection, Finishing Systems, Fixtures and Furniture.

What are non-structural systems in building design?

HVAC systems

They regulate indoor temperatures.

electrical systems

They illuminate spaces for ease of wayfinding and productivity.

conveyors, lifts, and escalators

They provide alternative means of access.

structural harmony

When properly incorporated, it optimizes spatial utilization and enhances the building's overall aesthetic.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Intelligent solutions such as automated controls and smart technoogies help reduce the impact that building constructions have on our environment.

Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning

are the technologies use to control temperature, Numidity and quality of air in a building. are the most well know example of mechanical systems. However mechanical systems of a building also includes lifts, escalators and machinery.

PLUMBING ENGINEERING SERVICES

used to transport fluids for a variety of purposes.

electricity

form of energy that occurs naturally only circuits in uncontrolled forms like lightning that when this flows from one point to another cause corrosion

FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING SERVICES

Mitigation of fire damage by proper design, installation, and maintenance of fire detection and Suppression systems, and communication systems.

power plant to substations

utility pole

To support telephone wires, electrical wires, and various other public utilities.

service drop

An overhead electrical line running from a utility pole to a customer's building, serving as the main connection.

service lateral

in underground systems, the portion of the service conductor extending from the main power line or transformer to the bldg

service entrance conductor

section of the service contractor that extends from the service drop or service lateral to the bldg’s service equipment

electrical service panel

between the external wires coming from the utility poles (service drop wires) into the building’s electrical system (exit wires).

distribution panel

where the main source of electricity is controlled for a large set of electrical circuits. It is the central access hub for the entire electrical grid of a building. works by providing one main power switch that controls the power for all circuits. It also separates into several smaller circuits with their own switches, allowing for the control of power for separate locations

circuit breaker

an overcurrent protective device also designed to function as a switch. It is equipped with an automatic tripping device to protect the branch circuit from overload and ground fault.

fuse

also an overcurrent protective device with a circuit opening fusible element which opens when there is an overcurrent in the circuit. It is considered as the simplest and the most common circuit protective device used into the house wiring connection.

HVAC systems, lifts, escalators, and machinery.

What are the main components of mechanical systems in buildings?

Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire, and Safety systems.

What does MEPFS stand for?

Receptacle

by definition a single contact device.

duplex receptacle

A normal wall convenience receptacle that takes two attachment plugs, commonly referred to as a duplex outlet.

3 gang light switch

has three separate controls on a single faceplate to operate different light circuit.

three-way switch

A switch used in conjunction with another switch to control lights from two locations, such as the top and bottom of a stairway.

Four-way switches

used in conjunction with two three-way switches to control lights from three locations.

Remote-control (RC) switches

used for switching of blocks of lighting or for exterior lights. They can control whole floors or whole buildings. They use electromagnets to operate fixtures from a distance without wiring.

Ground fault circuit interrupters

GFCI. protect you from a potentially dangerous shock. A GFCI device can be - part of a circuit breaker or can be installed as a separate outlet

BRANCH CIRCUIT

carry the electrical power throughout the building to the places where it will be used. After passing through the main service disconnect, each hot conductor (wire) connects to one of two hot bus bars in the distribution center.

LABELLED PANEL BOARDS

large buildings

electrical service panel

residential

electrical service panel

36 lighting outlets

Two storey house with this number of lighting outlets

10-12 lighting outlets

Recommended Lighting Circuits per branch circuit/ max 15

6-8 duplex outlets

Recommended convenience outlets per branch circuit

15A circuit breakers or fuses

Lighting Circuits: Protected by (circuit protection)