Module 6 : Electrical Wiring Devices and Outlet Specifications

Panelboard

Also known as electric panels and load centers. Panelboards consist of a metal cabinet containing overcurrent protective devices and other devices.

Single Outlet

A point in the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment.

Duplex Outlet

An outlet with two receptacles.

Duplex Split Wire Outlet

An outlet that allows for two separate circuits to be connected.

Triplex Outlet

An outlet with three receptacles.

Convenience Outlet

A device which, by insertion in a receptacle, establishes a connection between the conductor at the flexible cord and the conductors connected permanently to the receptacle.

Waterproof Outlet

An outlet designed to prevent water from entering and affecting the electrical connections.

Blank Outlet

An outlet cover that does not have any receptacles or connections.

Fan Hanger Outlet

An outlet designed specifically for supporting and powering ceiling fans.

Floor Outlet

An outlet installed in the floor to provide power access.

Range Outlet

An outlet intended for connecting electric ranges.

Lighting Outlet

An outlet intended for direct connection to a lamp holder, or a lighting fixture or pendant cord terminating in a lamp holder.

Special Purpose Outlet

An outlet designed for specific equipment or appliances.

Receptacle Outlet

An outlet where one or more receptacles are installed.

Clockhanger Outlet

An outlet designed for connecting and supporting clocks.

Interchangeable Outlet

An outlet that allows for different types of plugs to be used.

Junction Box

A box with a blank cover which serves the purpose of joining different runs of raceways or cables, and provides sufficient space for connection and branching of the enclosed circuit.

Combination Gang Box

A type of junction box that can accommodate multiple circuits.

Cover

The lid or cover that protects the junction box.

Ear

A part of the junction box used for mounting.

Knockout

A pre-scored area in a junction box that can be removed to allow for cable entry.

Bushing

A protective lining for the entry point of cables in a junction box.

Locknut

A nut used to secure the conduit to the junction box.

Octagonal Junction Box

A type of junction box that is octagonal in shape.

Round Junction Box

A type of junction box that is round in shape.

Rectangular Junction Box

A type of junction box that is rectangular in shape.

Square Junction Box

A type of junction box that is square in shape.

Receptacle

Contact devices installed at the outlet for the connection of a single attachment plug.

Auxiliary Gutter

A general-purpose, dust, oil, and rain-tight sheet metal enclosure type of wireway without knockouts used for wiring.

Boxes

Boxes that measure 2 x 3 and 2 ½ inches deep generally contain 3 wires, while those that measure 2 x 3 and 3 ½ inches deep are made for 5 wires.

Covers

Covers are used to close an outlet box and are required by cord. Never leave a box uncovered.

Condulet

An extension box for electrical conduits or junction boxes that can be used by themselves as basic junction box in an electrical conduit system or as a basic junction box to increase the interior volume of/extend a branch conduit system from the basic junction box.

Pullbox

A box with a blank cover which is inserted in one or more runs/raceways to facilitate the pulling of wires.

Raceway

Metal molding or conduit that has a thinner wall than a standard conduit.

Bushing

Bushings are circular plastic ring fittings that slide or screw onto conduits or connectors to provide protection to the insulated cables that will be pulled through them.

Lug (electrical connector)

A bolt on an enclosure tied to an electric potential within the enclosure, supporting the connection of a cable.

Plug

A male fitting for making an electrical connection to a circuit by insertion in a receptacle.

Power plugs

Power plugs are male electric connectors that fit into female electrical sockets. They have contacts that are pins or blades which connect mechanically and electrically to holes or slots in the socket.

Adaptors/Adapters

A device for matching and (properly) connecting items, tubing, or devices (especially electric) which are of different size, operating characteristics, or design.

Busbar

Refers to strips of copper or aluminum that conduct electricity within a switchboard, distribution board, substation, or other electrical apparatus.

Flat round closure plates

Flat round closure plates (5") are designed for use in dry locations to close unused ceiling outlets.

Octagon or round covers

Octagon or round covers are used for mounting light fixtures.

Raised 4" square covers

Raised 4" square covers are used for mounting switches or receptacles.

Square or octagon boxes

Switches or receptacles may be installed into square or octagon boxes by using covers with cutouts.

BS 546 (A/250 V earthed)

Provides common contact or termination for a group of all wires or cables such as on an auxiliary gutter, panelboard, or a switchboard assembly.

Busbar

A conductive material that may be supported on insulators or completely surrounded by insulation, protected from accidental contact by a metal enclosure or elevation out of normal reach.

Couplings and Connectors

Devices used to join two pipes or conduits.

CEE 7/4 (German "Schuko" 16 A/250 V earthed)

A standard electrical plug and socket system used in Germany.

CEE 7/7 (French/German 16 A/250 V earthed)

A type of plug and socket used in France and Germany.

BS 1363 (British 13 A/230 - 240 V 50 Hz earthed and fused)

A standard for electrical plugs and sockets used in the UK.

Italian sockets (16 and 10 ampere)

Electrical sockets used in Italy that support 16 and 10 ampere plugs.

SI 32 (Israeli 16 A/250 V earthed)

A type of electrical plug and socket used in Israel.

Australian switched 3-pin dual power point (socket)

A type of electrical socket used in Australia that features a switch.

Bipasso socket

A type of socket adapted for Italian plugs.

Type J plug and connector

A standard grounded outlet supporting European 2-pin plugs and earthed and unearthed American plugs.

Danish 107-2-D1

A standard with round power pins and half round ground pin used in Denmark.

Clothes closets Mounting Heights

300 - 450 mm. above finish floor line for residential dwellings.

GFI or GFCI

Ground Fault Circuit Interceptor installed on damp or wet areas to avoid risk of electric shock.

Location of Outlets in Residential Occupancies

Wall receptacle outlets must be placed so that no point along the floor line is more than 1.83 m measured horizontally from an outlet.

Hallways receptacle requirement

Hallways 3 meters or longer in homes must have at least one receptacle outlet.

Wall space receptacle requirement

Any wall space 0.60 m or more in width must have a receptacle outlet.

Rooftop receptacle requirement

A receptacle is not required on the rooftop of 1 and 2-family dwellings.

Kitchen circuit requirement

Circuits supplying electrical outlets in kitchens, dining rooms, and pantries are required to be 20-ampere where appliances are to be plugged in.

Receptacle outlet width in kitchens

In kitchens and dining rooms, receptacle outlets must be installed 0.305 m. or wider.

GFCI protection near sinks

Receptacle outlets installed within 0.60 m. from the outside edge or wet-bar sink must be GFCI-protected.

Countertop receptacle installation

Receptacles are not permitted to be installed 'face-up' on countertops.

Laundry area receptacle requirement

In laundry areas, at least 1 receptacle outlet is required within 0.60 m. of the intended location of the washing machine.

Laundry area circuit requirement

The circuit in laundry areas must be a 20-ampere circuit.

Bathroom receptacle requirement

In a bathroom, at least 1 receptacle outlet must be installed adjacent to each basin.

Garage receptacle requirement

In garages, at least 1 receptacle outlet must be provided.

Outlet circuit connection

Outlets should be connected to a 15- or 20- ampere circuit.

Switch-controlled lighting outlet requirement

At least 1 switch-controlled lighting outlet must be installed in every habitable room, bathrooms, hallways, interior stairways, attached garages, detached garages (if they have electric power), attics, underfloor spaces, utility rooms and basements where these areas are used for storage, and at the exterior side of outdoor entrances and exits.