ENGR UTILITIES

Main Service Entrance

The primary point where electrical power enters the building from the utility grid.

Distribution Panels

Electrical panels that distribute power to different areas or circuits within the building.

Interior Lighting

Design and installation of lighting fixtures for general illumination, task lighting, and decorative purposes.

Exterior Lighting

Lighting for outdoor areas, including pathways, parking lots, and building facades.

Receptacles and Switches

Placement and installation of power outlets, switches, and receptacles throughout the building for connecting electrical devices.

Conduit Systems

Installation of conduits to protect and electrical wiring throughout the building.

Cable Types

Selection and installation of appropriate cables for power distribution, communication, and control systems.

Grounding and Bonding

Ensuring proper grounding to prevent electrical shocks and fire hazards.

Surge Protection

Installation of surge protectors to safeguard electronic equipment from voltage spikes

Emergency Lighting

Implementation of backup lighting systems for emergency situations.

Energy-Efficient Lighting

Use of LED or other energy-efficient lighting technologies to reduce power consumption.

HVAC Integration

Coordination with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to optimize overall energy usage.

heating, ventilation, and air conditioning

what is HVAC?

Fire Alarm System

Installation of fire detection and alarm systems to enhance safety.

Security Systems

Integration of electrical components for building security, including access control and surveillance.

Building Management Systems

Integration of electrical systems with BMS for centralized control and monitoring.

What is BMS?

Building Management Systems

Smart Building Technologies

Implementation of intelligent systems for energy management and occupant comfort.

Electrical Codes

Adherence to local electrical codes and regulations to ensure safety and compliance.

Permitting

Obtaining necessary permits for electrical work from local authorities

Routine Inspections

Regular checks of electrical components to identify and address potential issues.

Servicing Electrical mains

is a critical aspect of facility management, and following these principles, considering specific conditions, and adhering to established protocols can help ensure the reliability and safety of the electrical distribution system

Principles:

Safety First

Prioritize ______ for both personnel and the electrical systems follow established safety procedures and guidelines.

Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Compliance with Codes and Standards

Adhere to local electrical codes, regulations, and industry standards. Ensure that modifications and maintenance activities comply with the latest standards.

System Reliability

Focus on maintaining a reliable electrical distribution system to prevent power disruptions. Regularly inspect and test components to identify potential issues.

Training and Competency

Implement a preventive maintenance program to identify and address potential problems before they lead to system failures.

Environmental Conditions

Consider the _____ in which the electrical mains operate. Protect equipment from moisture, temperature extremes, and other environmental factors.

Load Conditions

Evaluate the load conditions on the electrical mains to ensure they can handle the required electrical demand.

Monitor for changes in load and adjust the system accordingly.

Aging Infrastructure

Be aware of the aging of electrical infrastructure components. Plan for the replacement or upgrade of the equipment to maintain system reliability.

Corrosion and Wear

Inspect for signs of corrosion, wear, or damage on electrical connections, conductors, and other components.

Overloading

Avoid _____ electrical circuits and components, as it can lead to overheating and failure.

Verify that the system is designed to handle the connected loads

Regular Inspections

Schedule routine inspections of electrical mains and associated components. Check for loose connections, signs of overheating, and any physical damage.

Testing

Perform electrical testing, including voltage checks, insulation resistance tests, and continuity tests.
Use appropriate testing equipment and follow established testing procedures.

Cleaning and Lubrication

Clean electrical components to remove dust and debris.

Lubricate moving parts if applicable to ensure smooth operation.

Emergency Response Plan

Develop and implement an emergency response plan for electrical failures.

Train personnel on emergency procedures and ensure the availability of emergency resources.

Communication

Establish clear communication protocols for maintenance activities. Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to minimize disruptions during maintenance.

Record Keeping

Maintain detailed records of maintenance activities, including dates, personnel involved, and any findings.

Use records for trend analysis and future planning

Single-Phase Electrical System

This systems have a single alternating current (AC) waveform.

Voltage variations occur in a sinusoidal pattern over time.

Three-Phase Electrical System

consist of three alternating currents with a phase difference of 120 degrees.

Voltage variations occur in a sinusoidal pattern for each phase.

Voltage regulation

__________ in transformers refers to the ability of a transformer to maintain a relatively constant output voltage under varying load conditions.

Transformers

are essential components in electrical power systems for stepping up (increasing voltage) or stepping down (decreasing voltage) the alternating current (AC) voltage levels.

Percentage Voltage Regulation

Expresses the voltage regulation as a percentage of the full-load voltage.

Voltage Drop or Rise

Represents the difference between the no-load and full-load voltages.

Copper Losses

The resistive losses in the transformer windings cause a voltage drop under load conditions.

Core Losses

Energy losses in the transformer core contribute to the overall voltage regulation

Transformer Design

The design parameters, including the type of core, winding material, and construction, impact voltage regulation.

Load Power Factor

influences the reactive power component and affects the voltage regulation.

Transformer Size and Rating

Larger transformers generally have better voltage regulation.

Tap Changers

On-load ______ allow for adjusting the turns ratio and, consequently, the voltage level.

Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVRs)

Used in conjunction with tap changers to maintain a constant output voltage.

High-Quality Core Materials

Enhancing the magnetic properties of the core reduces core losses and improves voltage regulation.

International Electrotechnical Commission

Provide guidelines for voltage regulation limits in transformers.

National Electrical Manufacturers Association

_____ standards may also be applicable, especially in North America

KW-H Meter

measures the electrical energy consumption in kilowatt-hours.

Grounding System

provides a low-resistance path for fault currents to ensure safety and proper equipment operation.

Main Circuit Breaker or Main Switch

Controls the overall power supply to the building.

Distribution Panel or Load Center

Houses circuit breakers or fuses for individual circuits

Meter Socket

A housing for the KW-H meter, providing a secure connection point for the meter.

Service Disconnect Switch

Allows for easy disconnection of power during maintenance or emergencies.

Uninterrupted Power Supply and Generators

_________ and _______ are two critical components in power backup systems, each serving specific purposes in ensuring continuous and reliable power in the event of electrical outages.

UPS

a device that provides short-term power to connected devices during an electrical outage or disturbance.

Generators

a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

It serves as a long-term power source during extended power outages.

Portable Generators

Type of Generators, Smaller units for temporary power needs, often used in residential settings.

Standby Generators

Type of Generators, Larger units permanently installed and automatically activated during power outages

Fuses

are protective devices designed to interrupt the flow of electrical current in the event of overcurrent conditions, preventing damage to the circuit.

Cartridge Fuses

Cylindrical fuses used in industrial and residential applications.

Plug Fuses

Screw-in fuses commonly found in older residential fuse panels

Resettable Fuses

Automatically reset after a fault is cleared.

Circuit breakers

are automatic switches designed to open and close the circuit under normal and fault conditions.

They protect against both short circuits and sustained overloads.

Thermal-Magnetic Circuit Breakers

Respond to both thermal and magnetic overcurrent conditions.

Electronic Circuit Breakers

Use electronic sensors for precise trip settings.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters

(GFCIs) and (AFCIs) are specialized breakers for additional safety features.

Unitized Power Panel Board

(UPPB),A specialized type of panel board designed for specific power distribution needs. Often used in industrial settings where multiple circuits need to be grouped together for specific machinery or equipment.

Light Panel

A distribution panel specifically dedicated to lighting circuits

Power Panel

A distribution panel dedicated to power circuits, such as those for outlets and appliances.

Circuit Breakers

Modern distribution panels typically use _______ for overcurrent protection.

______ provide the advantage of being resettable after tripping.

Busbars

conductive bars that distribute electrical power within the distribution panel.They may be arranged to provide separate buses for different types of circuits (e.g., lighting and power)

Labeling

Proper _____ of circuits is crucial for easy identification and maintenance. _____ should indicate the purpose or destination of each circuit.

Metering

Some distribution panels, especially in commercial or industrial settings, may include meters to monitor power consumption.

Surge Protection

In areas prone to electrical surges, distribution panels may include ________ devices to safeguard connected equipment.

Local Codes and Regulations

Always adhere to ____ electrical ________ when designing and installing distribution panels.

Load Balancing

Distribute loads evenly across circuits to prevent overloading of individual circuits.