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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of a return wire in an electrical circuit?
What is the primary function of a return wire in an electrical circuit?
In a series circuit, what happens to the current when additional resistive components are added?
In a series circuit, what happens to the current when additional resistive components are added?
How is total resistance calculated in a series circuit?
How is total resistance calculated in a series circuit?
What distinguishes a parallel circuit from a series circuit?
What distinguishes a parallel circuit from a series circuit?
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Which characteristic of the current in a parallel circuit is true?
Which characteristic of the current in a parallel circuit is true?
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What is represented by the dials calibrated in kilowatt-hours?
What is represented by the dials calibrated in kilowatt-hours?
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In a series circuit with resistors of 10 ohms each, what is the total resistance if five resistors are used?
In a series circuit with resistors of 10 ohms each, what is the total resistance if five resistors are used?
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Which of the following best describes the function of a live wire in a two-wire circuit?
Which of the following best describes the function of a live wire in a two-wire circuit?
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What is the primary function of a feeder circuit?
What is the primary function of a feeder circuit?
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How do sub-feeder circuits differ from feeder circuits?
How do sub-feeder circuits differ from feeder circuits?
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What is the role of a panel board in an electrical system?
What is the role of a panel board in an electrical system?
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Which of the following correctly describes branch circuits?
Which of the following correctly describes branch circuits?
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What device is described as the main disconnect for an entire electrical system?
What device is described as the main disconnect for an entire electrical system?
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What is the primary function of a fuse in an electrical system?
What is the primary function of a fuse in an electrical system?
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What does a circuit breaker do in an electrical system?
What does a circuit breaker do in an electrical system?
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What is the common term for a heavy conductor used for collecting and distributing large electric currents?
What is the common term for a heavy conductor used for collecting and distributing large electric currents?
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What defines a general purpose circuit?
What defines a general purpose circuit?
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What is the primary function of a distribution panel?
What is the primary function of a distribution panel?
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Which statement correctly describes an appliance circuit?
Which statement correctly describes an appliance circuit?
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What is meant by individual circuit?
What is meant by individual circuit?
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What is the voltage characteristic of low-voltage circuits?
What is the voltage characteristic of low-voltage circuits?
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Which characteristic is true of a branch circuit?
Which characteristic is true of a branch circuit?
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Which type of circuit is usually utilized for doorbells and remote lighting?
Which type of circuit is usually utilized for doorbells and remote lighting?
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What type of circuit would be defined as a branch circuit supplying multiple outlets for use?
What type of circuit would be defined as a branch circuit supplying multiple outlets for use?
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What is the primary function of momentary contact switches?
What is the primary function of momentary contact switches?
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What type of switch is known for regulating light intensity?
What type of switch is known for regulating light intensity?
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Which of the following switches can be controlled remotely?
Which of the following switches can be controlled remotely?
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What distinguishes a double throw switch from a single throw switch?
What distinguishes a double throw switch from a single throw switch?
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What type of switch operates based on the presence of a liquid conductor?
What type of switch operates based on the presence of a liquid conductor?
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Which switch type uses a sealed glass tube of mercury to operate?
Which switch type uses a sealed glass tube of mercury to operate?
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What is the function of an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)?
What is the function of an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)?
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Which of the following describes a key switch?
Which of the following describes a key switch?
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What is required for emergency lighting to ensure no area is left in total darkness?
What is required for emergency lighting to ensure no area is left in total darkness?
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How should branch circuits supplying emergency lighting be designed?
How should branch circuits supplying emergency lighting be designed?
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Which setup is NOT permitted for emergency circuit wiring?
Which setup is NOT permitted for emergency circuit wiring?
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What must happen upon the failure of the normal power supply for emergency equipment?
What must happen upon the failure of the normal power supply for emergency equipment?
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In terms of emergency lighting switches, what arrangement is prohibited?
In terms of emergency lighting switches, what arrangement is prohibited?
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How many complete systems are needed when providing emergency lighting?
How many complete systems are needed when providing emergency lighting?
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What is the purpose of switches in emergency lighting circuits?
What is the purpose of switches in emergency lighting circuits?
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Which of the following is a requirement for emergency lighting systems during normal supply failure?
Which of the following is a requirement for emergency lighting systems during normal supply failure?
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Study Notes
Building Electrical Systems
- Electrical circuits consist of a complete path for current, involving a source and a load device.
- Two-wire circuits include a live wire (delivers current) and a neutral wire (returns current).
Types of Circuits
- Series Circuit: Components connected in tandem; all loads carry the same current. Total resistance (R) is the sum of individual resistances (R = R1 + R2 + R3 + R4 + R5).
- Parallel Circuit: Components arranged so that current divides between them; allows for independent operation.
Circuit Classifications
- Branch Circuit: Extends from the last overcurrent device to the outlets; powers lights and appliances.
- General Purpose Circuit: Supplies multiple outlets for lighting and appliances.
- Appliance Circuit: Specifically serves one or more outlets for appliances.
- Individual Circuit: Dedicated to a single piece of equipment.
Distribution Components
- Distribution Panel: Distributes power, controls, protects branch circuits.
- Low-Voltage Circuit: Alternating current below 50 volts used for devices like doorbells and lighting.
- Feeder Circuits: Conductors extending from the main switchboard to a panel board.
- Sub-Feeder Circuits: Extensions serving smaller local panel boards from main feeders.
Protection Devices
- Fuse: Melts to interrupt circuit under excess current.
- Service Switch: Main disconnect for building’s electrical system, excluding emergency systems.
- Panel: Houses switches, fuses, and circuit breakers for branch circuits.
Switch Types
- Toggle Switch: Engages or disengages a circuit with a lever.
- Momentary Contact Switch: Connects/cuts off a circuit temporarily.
- Dimmer Switch: Regulates light intensity without affecting distribution.
Special Switches
- Time Controlled Switch: Operates based on a timer mechanism.
- Remote Control Switches: Operated wirelessly from a distance.
- Air Switch: Uses air interruption to open/close circuits.
- Mercury Switch: Operates via a mercury-filled tube.
- Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS): Automatic switch to transfer power during outages.
Emergency Lighting Systems
- Must ensure no area is left in total darkness; designed for immediate service during normal supply failure.
- Can be independent systems or dual systems providing current for emergencies.
- Emergency circuit wiring must remain independent from other wiring.
- Switch access should be restricted to authorized personnel; specific configurations allowed for emergency activation.
Regulatory Requirements
- Emergency lighting must be automatically energized upon failure of the normal supply.
- Switches used in emergency circuits must ensure control is limited to authorized individuals for safety.
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Description
Test your knowledge on building electrical systems with a focus on branch circuits. This quiz covers the fundamentals of electrical circuits, including how they function and their components. Enhance your understanding of kilowatt-hours and electrical paths.