Module 1 - Lesson 3 Part 6: Devices

Electrical devices

are components that control, regulate, and distribute electricity within a system.

Electrical devices

They play a vital role in power distribution, safety, automation, and efficiency in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical systems.

"Service Disconnect", "Main Service Disconnect", "Main Service Switch". "Main Breaker"

Service Switch also known as

service protective device

serves as the primary disconnecting means for an entire electrical service. It controls and protects the electrical supply to the entire building.

Automatic Voltage Regulator

A device that keeps the voltage level stable for electrical equipment. This helps protect devices from damage caused by voltage fluctuations.

Fuse

A sacrificial device that melts when excessive current flows through it, breaking the circuit to prevent damage to electrical components.

Circuit Breakers

Automatically-operated devices that interrupt excessive current flow during a short circuit or overload, preventing electrical fires and equipment damage.

Continuous Load

an electrical load expected to operate for three (3) hours or more without interruption. For continuous loads, circuit breakers shall be sized so that the continuous load does not exceed 80% of the breaker's rated capacity.

Maximum Load

The highest amount of electrical current (amperes) or power (watts) that a circuit, device, or electrical system is designed to carry safely under normal operating conditions without risk of overheating or failure

Fault Circuit Protection

A protective electrical system designed to automatically interrupt power when abnormal or hazardous electrical conditions such as ground faults or arc faults are detected.

Ground Fault Circuit Interruptor (GFCI)

Used in wet and damp locations such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry areas, exterior outlets, and near sinks, where the risk of electric shock is high.

Arc Fault Circuit Interruptor (AFCI)

Used in living spaces such as bedrooms, living rooms, and similar areas to detect arc faults that may cause electrical fires.

Power Control Devices

Used to regulate the flow of electricity in a circuit, allowing users to turn electrical loads on and off or adjust their intensity.

Switches

Devices that manually or automatically open or close an electrical circuit, controlling the power supply to lights or appliances.

Toggle Switch

A manually operated switch with a lever that flips up or down to turn a circuit on or off.

Dimmer Switch

A switch that adjusts light brightness by varying the voltage.

Push Button

A switch that activates a circuit when pressed and deactivates when released or when pressed again.

Rocker Switch

A flat switch that rocks back and forth to turn a circuit or light fixture on or off.

Multi-Way Rocker Switch

A rocker switch that allows a light or group of lights to be controlled from two or more locations.

Master Switch

A central switch used to control multiple lighting circuits or an entire lighting system simultaneously.

Photocell Switch

An automatic switch that turns lights on or off based on ambient light levels, commonly used for exterior lighting.

Motion Sensor Switch

An automatic switch that turns lights on when movement is detected within its sensing range and turns it off after a preset time of inactivity.

1-gang switch

controls one circuit switch in one faceplate

2- gang switch

controls two switches in one faceplate

3-gang switch

controls three switches in one faceplate

1.4 meters (center of switch)

Standards Mounting Height of Lighting Switches according to Philippine Electrical Code

900mm to 1200mm

Standards Mounting Height of Lighting Switches according to Batas Pambansa 344; Accessibility Law

Philippine Electrical Code

1.4 meters (center of switch) what Standard Mounting Height of Lighting Switches reference

Batas Pambansa 344; Accessibility Law

900mm to 1200mm what Standard Mounting Height of Lighting Switches reference

Рower Distribution Devices

These devices provide connection points for electrical loads and help manage electricity distribution efficiently.

simplex

an outlet that has one receptacle

duplex

an outlet that has two receptacle

triplex

an outlet that has three receptacle

Receptacles (Outlets)

Electrical sockets that provide power connections for appliances and electronic devices by allowing plugs to be inserted.

Universal Outlet

A versatile outlet that supports multiple plug types from different countries, allowing compatibility with various electrical devices.

USB Outlet

An outlet with built-in USB ports, enabling direct charging of devices without needing an adapter.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Outlet

A safety outlet that shuts off power when it detects electrical faults or moisture, preventing shocks and electrocution.

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) Outlet

A safety outlet that detects dangerous electrical arcs caused by damaged or deteriorating wiring and shuts off power to prevent fires.

Floor Outlet

An outlet installed on the floor, providing power access for devices in open spaces while reducing visible wiring.

0.3m

Mounting height for all general convenience outlets be ______ (center of switch)

1.8m

Max distance to outlet

3.6m

Max outlet spacing

900mm

Minimum: 1 outlet per ______ wall section

GFCI Protection

Required in bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor areas, and near water sources to prevent electric shocks.

Weatherproofing

Outdoor outlets must have GFCI protection and have protective covers.

Extension Outlets

Additional power outlets that extend the number of available receptacles for plugging in multiple devices.

Meter Box

An enclosure that houses the electric meter for measuring electrical energy consumption.

Meter Box

Installed near the service entrance, typically at 1.5-1.8 meters above finished floor, for utility access and monitoring.

1.5-1.8 meters

Meter Box are installed near the service entrance, typically at ______ meters above finished floor, for utility access and monitoring.

Pull Box

An electrical box designed to facilitate the pulling, routing, and maintenance of electrical conductors in conduit systems.

Pull Box

Provided when conduit runs exceed 15 meters, when there are more than 180 degrees of total bends, or where conductors are large, to reduce pulling tension and allow future maintenance.

15 meters

A pull box will be used provided when conduit runs exceed ______ meters, when there are more than 180 degrees of total bends, or where conductors are large, to reduce pulling tension and allow future maintenance.

Junction Box

An electrical box used to enclose wire splices and branch circuit connections without mounting electrical devices.

Junction Box

Provided wherever conductors are spliced or branched, and shall remain accessible for inspection and maintenance.

Ceiling Box

An electrical box installed at the ceiling to support lighting fixtures or ceiling-mounted equipment.

Ceiling Box

Provided at every light fixture or ceiling fan location to enclose wiring connections and support the fixture load.

Fan Box

A reinforced electrical ceiling box specifically designed to support the mechanical load and vibration of ceiling fans.

Fan Box

Provided at all ceiling fan locations and shall be fan-rated to support the weight and dynamic movement of the ceiling fan.

"Switch Box", "Outlet Box", "Handy Box"

Utility Box also known as

Utility Box

An electrical box used to house and support switches, convenience outlets, and other wall-mounted devices.

Utility Box

Provided at every switch and outlet location to protect wiring connections and securely mount electrical devices.

Surface-mounted Utility Box

Often used in exposed wiring setups.

Flush-Type Utility Box

Installed within walls for a seamless look.

Weatherproof Box

A sealed electrical box designed to protect wiring and devices from moisture and environmental exposure.

Weatherproof Box

Provided for outdoor, damp, or wet locations such as balconies, parking areas, and exterior walls.

Floor Box

An electrical box installed flush with the floor to provide power and data connections away from walls.

Floor Box

Used when floor convenience outlets are installed, commonly in open-plan offices and conference rooms.

NEMA Enclosure (National Electrical Manufacturers Association)

A standardized electrical enclosure classified by the _______________ to protect electrical equipment from environmental conditions such as moisture, corrosion, and physical contact.

NEMA 1

NEMA rating for Indoor, general purpose

NEMA 3R

NEMA rating for Outdoor, rainproof

NEMA 4 / 4X

NEMA rating for Watertight for corrosive environments

Timer

A device that automatically turns electrical circuits on or off at pre-set times, commonly used for streetlights, HVAC systems, and appliances.

Motion Sensors

Devices that detect movement and automatically activate lighting, alarms, or security systems, commonly used in security and energy-saving applications.

Smart Home Controls

Advanced electronic systems that allow users to remotely monitor and control home devices like lighting, appliances, security systems, and thermostats via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Building Automation System

The use of automation and control systems to monitor and control building wide systems, such as HVAC, lighting, alarms, security access and cameras.

Electric Shock

Contact with energized parts due to exposed wiring or faulty insulation

Electric Shock

Can cause serious injury or death

Electrical Fire

Caused by excessive heat from overloaded circuits, undersized conductors, or loose connections

Electrical Fire

One of the most common electrical hazards in buildings

Short Circuit

Accidental contact between live conductors or live-to-ground

Short Circuit

Produces very high current and intense heat

Ground Fault

Unintended flow of current to ground, especially in wet locations

Ground Fault

Major cause of electric shock

Overcurrent/ Overloading

Current exceeding the rated capacity of a circuit

Overcurrent/ Overloading

Leads to overheating and potential fire