Electrical Systems Design Fundamentals

Importance of Electrical Systems Design

• Safety: Prevents electrical fires and shocks.
• Efficiency: Minimizes energy loss and optimizes performance.
• Reliability: Ensures continuous operation and handles expected loads.
• Compliance with Codes and Standards: Adheres to national and local regulations for safety and legality.

Fundamental Concepts

• Voltage (V): Electric potential difference.
• Current (I): Flow of electric charge.
• Resistance (R): Opposition to current flow.
• AC (Alternating Current): Common in buildings.
• DC (Direct Current): Used in specific applications.
• Power (Watts): Rate of energy consumption.
• Energy (kWh): Total consumption over time.

Electrical Design Process Overview

• Needs Assessment: Determine electrical requirements based on building usage.
• Load Estimation: Calculate expected electrical load to ensure system capacity.
• System Planning: Layout design and component specification.
• Component Selection: Choose appropriate wires, breakers, and other components for compatibility and safety.
• Installation and Testing: Proper installation techniques and thorough testing for functionality.

Electrical Codes and Standards

• Philippine Electrical Code (PEC): Comprehensive guidelines and regulations for electrical installations in the Philippines.
• National Electrical Code (NEC): Key regulations in the US for safety and installation standards.
• International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC): Global standards for international compliance.

Components of Electrical Systems

• Service Entrance: Entry point for power, includes the main disconnect switch.
• Panels and Distribution Boards: Central power distribution, consists of breakers and circuit protection.
• Conductors and Cables: Pathways for electricity, available in various types and ratings.
• Protective Devices (Circuit Breakers, Fuses): Overcurrent protection to prevent electrical faults.
• Lighting and Power Outlets: End-use points, available in various types of fixtures and outlets.

Electrical System Requirements

• Building Electric Service (Service Entrance): Includes incoming utility service coordination, utility company metering, substation and main equipment layout.
• Power Distribution System: Includes normal power distribution, emergency/standby power distribution, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) distribution, and redundant power supply distribution.
• Lighting: Includes interior and exterior lighting, utilitarian and decorative lighting, task and general lighting.
• Power for Electrical Equipment: Includes transportation systems (elevators, escalators, walkalators, dumbwaiters), space conditioning (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), plumbing (hot and cold water systems, water treatment, sewage treatment, fountains, water features, swimming pools), fire protection (fire and jockey pumps, sprinkler system), communications (voice and data, MATV, public address, paging system, intercom, nurses' call system).
• Grounding and Bonding: Includes air-terminals and lightning protection system, electrical system grounding.

Explore the key principles of electrical systems design, including safety, efficiency, and reliability. This quiz will cover the fundamental concepts such as voltage, current, resistance, and different types of electrical flow. Test your knowledge on the design process and compliance with codes and standards.