Introduction to Electricity, HVAC, Fire Protection, and Conveying Systems

These vocabulary flashcards cover the history of electricity, fundamental electrical units/laws, energy sources, HVAC systems, fire protection regulations/devices, and conveying systems like elevators and escalators.

Benjamin Franklin

An 18th century scientist who conducted extensive research on electricity and famously flew a kite with a key during thunderstorms.

Michael Faraday

An English scientist who discovered electromagnetic induction, diamagnetism, and electrolysis; he invented transformers and the generation of electricity.

Alessandro Giuseppe Antonio Anastasio Volta

An Italian physicist who invented the electric battery and studied animal electricity.

Electricity

A set of physical phenomena associated with the presence and motion of matter that has electric charge.

Atoms

Basic units of matter and defining structures of elements, named after the Greek word for "invisible."

CERN

The European Organization for Nuclear Research.

Static Electricity

Electrical charge caused by an imbalance of electrons on the surface material.

Hydropower

Renewable energy found in moving water.

Geothermal Power

Heat from the earth accessed by drilling water or steam wells in a process similar to drilling for oil.

Biomass Power

Energy from plant and animal sources such as garbage, wood, landfill gas, crops, and alcohol fuels.

Coal

A combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary fossil fuel formed from plant remains from 100-400 million years ago.

Anthracite

The highest rank of coal, characterized as hard, brittle, shiny, and black lustrous.

Bituminous

A middle-rank coal with high heating value, most commonly used in electricity generation.

Lignite Coal

The lowest grade of coal with the least concentration of carbon.

Crude Oil

A form of oil when first removed from the ground that cannot be used as an energy source until refined.

Natural Gas

Also known as "fossil gas," it is 90% composed of methane and comes from the remains of dead sea plants and animals.

Nuclear Fission

The process used by nuclear plants to generate energy using the radioactive element uranium.

RA 9513

The Renewable Energy Act of 2008, affirming the government's commitment to accelerate the utilization of renewable energy.

RA 9729 of 2009

The Climate Change Act, addressing the Philippines' vulnerability to climate change and the need for adaptation measures.

Philippine Electrical Code

The national basis for safeguarding persons and buildings from hazards related to the usage of electricity.

Ampere (A)

The unit of electrical current, named after Andre-Marie Ampere.

Alternating Current

Current where voltage forces electrons to flow in directions quickly.

Conventional Flow

A theory stating that electrons flow from positive to negative.

Electron Flow

A theory stating that electrons flow from negative to positive.

Volt

The unit describing the electric potential difference between two points in a circuit.

Voltage

The force applied to a conductor to free electrons, measured in Volts ($V$).

Watt (W)

The unit of power, named after James Watt.

Ohm's Law

States that the voltage across a conductor is directly proportional to the current flowing through it, expressed as $V=IR$.

Series Circuit

A circuit where the same current flows through all components because there is only one path.

Parallel Circuit

A circuit where electric current has multiple paths to flow through.

Conductors

Materials that allow the free flow of electrons, such as the human body, aqueous solutions of salts, and metals.

Insulators

Materials that restrict the flow of electrons, such as plastic, rubber, wood, and glass.

Service Drop Cable

The overhead electrical line from a utility pole to the Service Weatherhead of a house.

Communication Cable

Cables used for signal transmission, including coaxial, twisted pair, and fiber optic cables.

Romex

A common name for Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable used for residential wiring.

Conduits

Piping systems used to carry and protect electrical wiring from fire, mechanical damage, and corrosion.

Single-pole Switch

The simplest type of switch with two terminals, commonly used for small rooms with few light sources.

Three-way Switch

A switch with three terminals used to control devices from two different locations, such as stairwells.

Circuit Breaker

Switches installed inside a breaker box to protect electrical components from overheating or catching fire.

GFCI Circuit Breaker

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, designed to protect against line-to-ground faults especially in wet areas.

HVAC

An acronym for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, providing thermal comfort for indoor occupants.

Central HVAC System

A system where major equipment is located outside the served zones and can serve one or more thermal zones.

Willis Carrier

Known as the Father of the Air Conditioner, he made the first modern AC in 1902.

SEER

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, a standard for measuring the energy efficiency of AC systems.

Inverter AC

An energy-saving system that controls motor speed to efficiently maintain set temperatures without wasting operation.

Evaporator/Cooling Coil

Copper coil covered with aluminum fins in an indoor AC unit designed to transfer maximum heat from room air.

EER

Energy Efficiency Ratio; a higher rating indicates a more efficient air conditioning unit.

Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)

The government fire service of the Philippines under the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

RA 9514

An act establishing a Comprehensive Fire Code of the Philippines.

Heat Detector

A fire detector that triggers an alarm based on fixed temperature or rate of change, often containing a eutectic alloy.

Tyndall Effect

The principle by which Light Scattering smoke detectors operate.

Passive Fire Protection (PFP)

Structural fire protection using fire-resistant walls and floors to limit the spread of fire and smoke.

Standpipes

Series of pipes that connect a water supply to a hose, acting as an extension of the fire hydrant system.

Traction Elevators

The most common type of elevator, where the car is raised and lowered by steel ropes or belts on a pulley system.

Hydraulic Elevators

Elevators that use fluid (traditionally oil-based) and do not require overhead hoisting machinery, better for heavy loads.

Governor

A safety component in an elevator that monitors the car's speed.

Escalator

A power-driven moving stairway, first patented in the mid-19th century by Souder and Nathan Ames.

Balustrade

The component of an escalator that supports the handrail, often made of metal, glass, or sandwich panels.

30-35 degrees

The international standard for the proper inclination of an escalator.