Electrical Systems

Electrical Systems

Components of an electrical system

• Generation

• Distribution

• Receptacles, switches, luminaires

Generation-Where does it come from?

• Fossil fuels being burned

• Hydro

• Solar

• Wind

• What other forms of generation can you think of?

Transformer

• After power is generated, it is carry over power lines into transformers

• The transformer changes power from an extremely high voltage to a lower voltage which is easier and safer to work with.

• 
  

• 
  

Power can enter a building two ways

• Overhead

• Underground

Distribution

• Switchgears

• Panels

• Each breaker is sized according to the load in which it is serving

• Each panel is protected by it's on main breaker, which is how each panel is rated.

Raceways and Cables

• Cables (romex) and raceways (conduit) carry conductors to run from distribution to devices and also from devices to devices

Overcurrent protection

• Fuse (tiny wire inside that melts when too much current runs through it)

• Breaker (mechanism that automattically opens a circuit when an overload or short circuit occurs)

Devices

• Receptacles

• Switches

• Luminaires

• Are there any other devices you can think of that we may use in a home?

Standard sizes

• Standard sizes are established for many different components establishing interchangeability between manufacturers. (for the most part)

Conductors

• Carry current to and from devices (wires, cables)

• Copper

• Aluminum

• Copper-clad

Conductor Sizes

• The larger the number, the smaller diameter the conductor is

National Electric Code

• Set of codes electricians follow to ensure safe install and operation

• Updated every three years