ELECTRICAL TERMS

ELECTRICITY - is the flow of electrons; is a name given to the cause of electric phenomena or
manifestation.
WILLIAM GILBERT - Father of electricity.
PROTON - positively charged particles.
ELECTRON - negative charge
NEUTRON - not Electrically charged
IONS - term applied to an atom or molecules w/c is not electrically balance (there is a
loss or gain of one or more electrons).
VOLTAGE - is the electrical pressure that causes the electrons to move thru a conductor .
VOLTS - unit of electrical potential; small unit of power in electric current; electromagnetic
force flowing the positive and negative terminal; unit of emf.
EMF - the force that makes electrons move in a circuit.
AMPERAGE - the flow of electric current in a circuit, expressed in ampere
AMPERE - a unit of the rate of flow of electric current (an emf of 1-volt across a resistance of
1-ohm results in a current flow of 1 amp); unit of measuring electric current.
CURRRENT - the flow of electricity in circuit; rate of w/c electricity flows thru a conductor
RESISTANCE - the opposition or friction to the flow of current (reciprocal of electrical conductance)
OHM - unit of electrical resistance
RESISTOR - control the flow of current in electrical circuit.
CAPACITOR - store electric battery
REOSTAT - control intensity of current flow

OHM’S LAW (GEORGE SIMON OHM’S) - Relation between pressure current and resistance.
I = CURRENT (ampere)
V = EMP (volt)
R = RESISTANCE (ohm)

BATTERY – a device consisting of several cells connected together and generate emf by chemical
action.
REGULATOR – a device used to regulate the flow of electricity; controls the flow of current to the
distribution elements.
ANNUNCIATOR – a signaling device, usually electrically operated, giving an audible signal and a visual
indication when energized by pressing a button.

CIRCUIT – the electrical path ; refers to the wire installation in the houses that supplies current to
light and convenience outlet
TYPES:
1. SERIES CKT. –
a circuit w/c supplies electric power to a number of devices connected; method
of connecting lamp.
2. PARALLEL CKT. – electrical wiring connection

SHORT CIRCUIT – high current flow caused by an abnormal connection in an electrical circuit; will occur
when faulty appliances or exposed wires touch a conductor.(contact of 2 live wires.)
CONDUCTOR – are substances that carries or allows the flow of electric current; offers low resistance
to the flow of electrical circuit;
INSULATOR – substances that resist the flow of an electric current; material used to stop the
transfer of electricity or heat.
AMPACITY – the ability of a conductor to carry electric current without overheating; is a current
carrying capacity.
FEEDER – is a circuit conductor between the service equipment and the branch circuit over
current device.
JUMPER – a piece of metal or an electrical conductor used to bypass an electrical device in an
electrical system.
COPPER – electric wire
SILVER – best conductor of electricity
LEAD – poorest conductor of electricity
Prepared by: Arch. DENNIS P. RABE, uap
1–7 REVIEWER
CORD –
term given to an insulated wire
WIRES –
a.k.a. conductor
WIRE –
a filament or slender rod of drawn metal (Awg. # 8 or a smaller)
CABLE –
larger than wire; an electric conductor consisting of a group of a smaller –diameter
conductor strands twisted together.
CONDUIT – a tube or pipe used to protect electric wiring; is a pipe containing the wires; a steel
or non- metallic pipe into which cables are drawn; protect electrical wiring; pipe
commonly used as electrical raceway for holding wires.
RACEWAY – are channels designed for holdings wires, cables or busbars, which are either made of
metal or insulating material
BUSBAR – a rigid electrical conductor, usually a metal bar, hollow tube, or rod, w/c forms a
connection bet. electrical circuits.
RIGID CONDUIT – electrical rough–in.
CABLE TRAY – assembly of metal works which is used to support insulated electrical conductors,
similar in function to a metal cable ducts but consisting of a ladder like metal frame work
on the bottom and side with the top open.
OUTLETS – points in the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment; an
outlet is any point that supplies an electric rod.

KINDS:
1. C. O.
2. L.O. –
intended for direct connection of a lighting fixture.
RECEPTACLE –
contact devices installed at the outlet for the connection of a single attachment plug.
SWITCH –
device with serves to open or close the electric circuit.
JUNCTION BOX –
master and slave station; a box with bank cover which serves the purpose of joining
different runs of raceway or cable, and provided with sufficient space for connection
and branching of the enclosed circuit.
PULL BOX – a box with blank cover which is inserted in one or more runs or raceways to facilitate
pulling in the conductors. (safety)
UTILITY BOX – box used for mounting light control.
BRANCH CIRCUIT – the circuit conductors between the final over-current device protecting the circuit and
the outlets.
OVERCURRENT – any current in excess of the rated current capacity of the equipment or the rated
ampacity of the conductor.

PROTECTION FOR OVERCURRENT:

SAFETY SWITCH – protects equipment & appliances in case of current fluctuation
CIRCUIT BREAKER – is an over-current protective device (function as a switch) equipped with an automatic
tripping device to protect the branch circuit from overload and ground fault; safety
measure against too much pressure.
FUSE – over-current device with a circuit opening fusible element which opens when there is an
over-current in the circuit. (renewable or one time)
FUSE – considered as the simplest and most common circuit protective device; cheapest type of
time automatic circuit opening device.
DISTRIBUTION PANEL – an equipment at the service entrance that send the electricity thru the house with
branch circuit.
PANEL BOARD – a large single panel, frame or assembly of panels in the form of single panel.
SERVICE ENTRANCE – the wire from the MERALCO pole to the point of attachment of the building;
underground.
SERVICE DROP – wire from entrance cap without main switch; overhead service conductor between the
last pole or other aerial support.
LOCKNUT & BUSHING – metal conduit installation.
ADAPTOR – PVC conduit installation.
SOLENOID – coil of electric wire
SWITCH BOARD – a large single electric control panel, frame, or assembly of panels which are mounted
switches, protective devices, buses, etc.

Prepared by: Arch. DENNIS P. RABE, uap

2–7 REVIEWER
ELETRICAL SYSTEM OF A BUILDING (SYSTEM COMPONENTS)
1. WIRINGS – wires & cables
feeder (bigger cable)
electrical raceway (big)
conduit (small)

2. POWER HANDLING EQUIPMEMR

a. transformer
b. circuit breaker
c. switch board
d. fuse box
e. panel board

3. UTILIZATION EQUIPMENT
a. APPLIANCE – consumes electrical energy
b. DEVICE – does not consume electrical energy
c. EQUIPMENT – materials, fittings, devices, appliances, fixtures, apparatus
d. FITTINGS – an accessory.

CONDENSER – a device for storing electricity in the form of electric charge.

SHUNT – when a circuit is divided into two or more branches; conductor of each branch taken
separately.
MICA – material which can stand high temperature.
MEGER – limit surge voltage on equipment.
VETO – brand name for lighting switches & c.o.
FITTINGS – an accessory
EQUIPMENT – materials / fittings; devices, appliances, fixtures, apparatuses
APPLIANCES – current - consuming instrument / equipment.
ONE (1) HORSEPOWER = 746 WATTS.
WATT – rate of power used (energy consumed); unit of power ; volts x ampere.

CLASSIFICATION OF ELECTRIC CURRENT

1. Direct Current (DC) – current w/c flows in only one direction; flow of current that take place
at constant time rate.
2. Alternating Current (AC) – flow of current is periodically varying in time rate & direction.

POWER – equals ampere x voltage

ENERGY – power x time
KILOWATT – equal to 1.34 horse power (hp)
KILOWATT-HOUR METER – an instrument used to measures the energy consumed over a period of time.
WATTMETE – an inst. that measures the amt of instantaneous power or power in use at any one time;
electric pressure measurement.
AMMETER – used to measure electric current; device used to measure rate of flow of electricity.
(high insulating resistance)
OHMMETER – an inst. used to measure the resistance of a conductor.
VOLTMETER – an inst. used for measuring the voltage drop between any two points in an electric circuit.
VOLTAGE DROP – the difference from emf bet. 2 points in an electric circuit.
TRANSFORMER – a device to convert electrical energy into higher or lower voltage; a dynamo electric
device used for changing one current to another ; device used to transform ac of one
voltage to A.C. of another voltage.
RECTIFIER – a device used to converts ac to dc current.
GENERATOR – a device for energy from mechanical to electrical energy; machine that converts mechanical
to electrical energy.
MOTOR – a machine w/c converts electric power into mechanical power.
ALTERNATOR – a device for generating an alternating emf; is a generator of an A.C. it produces electricity by
means of a rotor.

Prepared by: Arch. DENNIS P. RABE, uap

3–7 REVIEWER
 AVERAGE LOAD RATING IN WATTS

LIGHT OUTLET 100w WASHING MACHINE 1,200w

CONVENIENCE OUTLET 200w HAND IRON 1,700w
RANGE 8,000w WATER PUMP 300w
REFRIGERATOR 800w WATER HEATER 1,500w
ACU ¾ hp. 1,200w
ACU 1 ½ hp. 2,400w

WIRE SIZE CONDUIT DIAMETER AMPACITY APPLICATION

No. SIZE (mm) INCHES MILLIMETER MAX.
# 14 = 2.0 mm ½” = 15 mm diameter 20 AMP 6 – L.O & C.O.
#12 = 3.5 mm ¼” = 20 mm diameter 30 AMP 8 – L.O.& C.O. / REF
#10 = 5.5 mm ¾” = 20 mm diameter 40 AMP ACU & MOTORS
#8 = 8.0 mm 1” = 25 mm diameter 55 AMP RANGE & MOTORS

FLEXIBLE METAL CLAD CABLE (BX) TH - Moisture Resistant Thermoplastic

- most common type of cable run THW - Moisture & Heat Resistant Thermoplastic
without raceway; NEC Type AC Metal (Dry & Wet Location)
Clad Cable. XHHN - Moisture & Heat Resistant Cross Linked
Thermosetting Polyethelene

CONVERSION : Wire Size in mm diameter = Circular Mils x 0.0005067

Prepared by: Arch. DENNIS P. RABE, uap

4–7 REVIEWER
 ACOUSTICS & LIGHTING

Acoustics - the science of sound, including the generation, transmission and effects of sound waves
Sound - is a sensation felt by the brain resulting from the disturbance of molecules in the air
Noise - unpleasant and unwanted sound.
Echo - is a distinct, separate or delayed sound heard, as a result of reflection of sound coming
from any smooth walls or surfaces
- is a sound wave that reflected or bounced back w/ such magnitude and delay.
Reverberation - prolongation of sound caused by persistence of sound energy w/in a room for certain
period of time
Decibel - measure of loudness of sound; unit of loudness or energy of sound
Brightness - subjective impression of light reaching the eye; rate of flow of
radiant energy evaluated w/ respect to the visual sensation.
Decay time - reverberation time
Lumen - unit of luminous flux; quantity of light measurement; unit of light energy used to specify
light output of sources.
Luminous flux - the time rate of flow of light
Candela - the unit of luminous intensity; equal to one (1) candlepower
Candlepower - luminous intensity or intensity of light produced by light source measured in candelas
Footcandle - unit of illumination; unit measurement of light
Footlamber - unit of luminance; unit of brightness
Illuminance - the density of the luminous flux incident on a surface
Luminance (brightness) - the luminous intensity of the surface in a given direction per unit of projected area of
the surface as viewed from that direction
Lux - unit of luminance
Intensity - amount of energy of sound
Luminaire - complete lighting unit consisting of lamp or lamps together with the parts designed to
distribute light, to position and protect light, and connect lamps to power supply; a device
or fixture which support the source of electric light and redirect it
Diffuser - device to redirect or scatter the light from a source
Reflector - device used to redirect light from a source
Refractor - devise used to redirect ray of light
Baffle - opaque or translucent element used to shield light source from direct view at certain angles
Louvers - series of baffles used to shield light sources
Valence - longitudinal shielding member mounted across the top of a window or along a wall to conceal
light sources w/c provide up and down light
Accent light - directional light w/c emphasizes objects or draws attention to a part of visual field
Cornice lighting - lighting from sources behind panel to wall and attached to ceiling. (light is distributed over
walls)
Flood lamp - incandescent lamp w/c produces a relatively wide beam of light
Soffit lighting - lighting from surfaces in undersurfaces of beam, balcony, vault, etc.
Lamp - man made source of light
Bulb - other envelope of light source, usually quarts or glass
Creep - reflection of sound on curved surface
Hue - other term for color
Shade - black + p
Tint - white + p
50 watts x 1ft level - light required for draftsman
Flutter echo - rapid succession of reflected sound waves resulting from a single initial sound pulse
Focusing - occurs when sound waves are reflected from concave surfaces and build up
Diffusion - sound level is everywhere the same

Prepared by: Arch. DENNIS P. RABE, uap

5–7 REVIEWER
5 TYPES OF LIGHTING :
1. DIRECT – shines directly on an object.
2. INDIRECT – reflected from large surfaces.
3. SEMI-DIRECT – shines mainly down as direct light.
4. SEMI- INDIRECT – small portion of semi-direct light is directed upward.
5. DIFFUSED – spread evenly in all directions.

THREE (3) METHODS OF GOOD LIGHTING

1. GENERAL LIGHTING – spreads an even, low level light throughout a room.
2. SPECIFIC LIGHTING – directs light to an area used for a specific visual task.
3. DECORATIVE LIGHTING – makes use of lights to develop different moods and to accent objects for
interest.

THREE (3) GROUPS OF LIGHT FIXTURES:

1. VALANCE – is a long source of light over a window. its lights illuminates the wall and draperies
for the spacious effect that daylight gives a room.
2. WALL BRACKET – balances the light of a valance. it gives an upward downward wash of light difficult
to obtain on an inner wall.
3. CORNICE – is attached to the wall and can be used with or without drapes. All light from this
fixture is directed downward, to give an impression of height to the room.

TYPES OF CEILING FIXTURES: TYPES OF WALL FIXTURES:

1. RECESSED LIGHTING 1. COVE LIGHTING
2. ATTACHED 2. ACCENT LIGHTING
3. HANGING 3. VALANCE LIGHTING
4. CORNICE 4. WALL BRACKET LIGHTING
5. SOFFIT
6. LUMINOUS CEILING

Prepared by: Arch. DENNIS P. RABE, uap

6–7 REVIEWER
 ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL
TWO (2) TYPES OF ELEVATOR: OTHER PARTS OF ELECT’L ELEV.
1. HYDRAULIC ELEVATOR 1. CONTROL PANEL
2. ELECTRIC ELEVATORS 2. MOTOR GENERATOR
3. GOVERNOR
TYPES OF ELEVATOR TRACTION MACHINE 4. GUIDE SHOES
1. GEARLESS TRACTION MACHINE 5. LIMIT SWITCHES
2. GEARED TRACTION MACHINE 6. BUFFER

MAJOR PARTS OF ELECT. ELEVATOR MAJOR PARTS OF A HYDRAULIC ELEV

1. CAR 1. CAR OR CAB
2. CABLE 2. PLUNGER
3. ELEVATOR MACHINE 3. GUIDE RAILS
4. COUNTER WEIGHTS 4. GUIDE SHOES
5. GUIDE RAILS 5. SPRING BUFFER
6. SHAFT HOISTWAY 6. SHAFT OR HOISTWAY
7. ELEVATOR PIT 7. ELEV. MACHINE ROOM
8. PENTHOUSE 8. ELEV. PIT
9. CONTROL EQUIPMENT 9. CONTROL UNIT

OTHER PARTS OF HYDRAULIC ELEVATOR: OTHER PARTS OF ELEC’T ELEV:

1. FLOOR STOP & LIMIT SWITCH 1. TRACKS
2. CREEPAGE & LEVELING CAR SWITCH 2. EMERGY BRAKES
3. CAR GATE SWITCH 3. CONTROLLER
4. GATE VALVE 4. EMERGENCY STOP BUTTON
5. CONTROLLER 5. KEY-OPERATED SWITCHES
6. MOTOR & PUMP W/ TANK

MAJOR PARTS OF ESCALATOR: ARRAGEMENT:

1. TRUSS 1. CRISS-CROSS
2. SPROCKET ASSEMBLY 2. PARALLEL
3. DRIVING MAN
4. BALUSTRADE ASSEMBLY
5. HANDRAIL
6. ENDLESS BELT

Prepared by: Arch. DENNIS P. RABE, uap

7–7 REVIEWER