Chap 3a-Electrical Devices and Materials

• Supply refers to providing materials or resources
• Materials are consumable items used for specific purposes
• Utility items are designed for general use
• Electrical devices and materials control current flow, carry current, secure wires, and protect from damage

Convenience Outlet

• Acts as a source of electrical energy for appliances
• The male plug of an appliance is inserted into the outlet
• Types include single, duplex, triplex, or multiplex, and surface type or flush type

Male/AC Plug

• It is inserted into an outlet to conduct current
• One end connects to a flat cord; the other to an appliance

Lamp Holder

• Holds and protects incandescent or compact fluorescent lamps
• Also known as "Lamp Socket/Receptacle"

Switch

• Connects and disconnects current flow
• Types include hanging, flush, and surface types

Fuse

• A circuit protective device that automatically blows and cuts the current during overload or short circuit conditions

Circuit Breaker

• Protects circuits by automatically interrupting the current during trouble, like a short circuit or overload

Utility Box

• Rectangular-shaped metallic or plastic (PVC) box where flush-type outlets and switches attach

Junction Box

• Octagonal-shaped material where wire connections are made
• Flush-type lamp holders can also be attached here
• Made of metal or plastic (PVC)

Flat Cord

• Duplex stranded wire is for temporary wiring, like in extension cords

Electrical Wire/Conductor Types

• Stranded Wire: Multiple strands joined into a single wire
• Solid Wire: Single strand of copper or aluminum; used in wiring inside and outside buildings

Electrical Conduits/Pipes

• Conduits provide wire passage, protection, and insulation

Conduit Types

• Rigid Metallic Conduit (RMC): Heavy-duty pipes with threaded ends
• Flexible Metallic Conduit (FMC): Flexible pipes for holding wires and cabling
• Rigid Non-metallic Conduit (PVC): For above-ground/underground use; has high electrical strength and impact resistance
• Flexible Non-metallic Conduit (CPC): Corrugated plastic conduit for wiring protection
• PVC Conduit Pipe: Flexible with high impact resistance. Commonly used above ground and underground
• Rigid Steel Conduit: Heavy-duty pipe with threaded ends.
• Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT): Thin wall conduit that is easy to bend, cut, and form.
• Nonmetallic Conduits (PVC): Circular & corrugated; for underground use with low installation costs and high strength
• Galvanized Rigid Conduits (GRC): Metallic conduits coated with zinc for corrosion resistance
• Intermediate Metal Conduits (IMC): Rigid conduits with thinner walls compared to rigid metal conduits
• Flexible Metallic Conduit: Used to hold electrical wires securely

Electrical Accessories

• Condulets: Fittings like pipes or boxes with removable covers for conduit access
• Clamps: Hold and anchor electrical conduits in position
• Connectors: Mechanically join circuits; attach conduits to junction or utility boxes
• Fasteners: Secure conduits on walls or framing parts
• Electrical Tape: Protects and covers live or open wires