Electrical Conduits & Fittings

Electrical conduits are metal, plastic or fiber pipes designed

to protect electrical cables and wires. They’re used in just about
every residential and commercial establishment, especially for
wiring that is either exposed, or fitted outdoors. Since they are
essentially a safety feature, you should select the material, size and
fittings based on the environment of the installation and the type of
wiring it’ll be housing.

Electrical Conduit is a tube that carries electrical wire for power or

communications. Conduit is made in rigid steel; lighter steel called
IMC or intermediate conduit; EMT or thin wall conduit; PVC or
plastic; aluminum; or PVC coated; which is rigid covered with 40 mil
PVC jacket. Conduit for electrical ranges in sizes from 3/8″ to 6″

A Conduit Fitting is a part that is used to join or adapt other parts or

conduit carrying electrical power, or communication wire. Conduit
fittings can be indoor, set screw or outdoor, water tight. They can be
bushings, locknuts, connectors, couplings, and Condulets, etc. They
come in all sizes from 3/8″ to 6″. They can be corrosive protect by
PVC coating, or explosion protected by design.

1. ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES & MATERIALS

2. 2. New Latin electricus produced from amber by friction, electric, from
Medieval Latin, of amber, from Latin electrum amber, electrum, from
Greek ēlektron; akin to Greek ēlektōr beaming sun. A form of energy
resulting from the existence of charged particles (such as electrons or
protons), either statically as an accumulation of charge or dynamically
as a current. Electricity
3. 3. Electrical Supplies & Materials 1. Convenience Outlet 2. Male Plug 3.
Lamp Holders 4. Switch 5. Fuse 6. Circuit Breaker 7. Junction Box 8.
Utility Box 9. Flat Cord 10. Electrical Wire /Conductor 11.
Conduits/Pipes 12. Clamps 13. Connectors
4. 4. Convenience Outlet A device that acts as a convenient source of
electrical energy for current consuming appliances. It is where the male
plug of an appliance is inserted and is usually fastened on the wall or
connected in an extension cord. It may be single, duplex, triplex and
could be source type or flush type.
5. 5. Male Plug A device inserted to a convenience outlet to conduct
electric current.A flat cord is attached to it on one end and the other end
is connected to a current- consuming instrument or appliance.
6. 6. Lamp Holders A device that hold and protect the lamp and are also
called Lamp Sockets/receptacles.These come in many designs and
sizes.They are classified as flush, hanging (weather proof/chain), and
surface types.
7. 7. Switch A device that connects and disconnects the flow of electric
current in a circuit. There are many shapes, designs, and types ad they
are classified as hanging, flush and surface types.
8. 8. Fuse A circuit protective device that automatically blows and cuts the
current when overload or short circuit happens.
9. 9. Circuit Breaker A protective device used to automatically blow and
cut the current when trouble in the circuit such as short circuit or
overload occurs.
10. 10. Junction Box An octagonal shaped electrical material where
the connections or joints of wires are being done. It is also where the
flush type lamp holder is attached.This could be made of plastic or
metal (PVC) Polyvinylchlorode
 11. 11. Utility Box A rectangular shaped plastic or metallic (PVC)
material in which flush type convenience outlet and switch are attached.
12. 12. Flat Cord A duplex stranded wire used for temporary wiring
installation and commonly used in extension cord assembly. It comes in
a roll of 150 meters and sizes of gauge # 18 and gauge #16 awg (
AmericanWire Gauge).
13. 13. Electrical Wire /Conductor Stranded Wire Solid Wire A device
that hold andWhich is made of multiple strands joined together to make
a single wire. It is made of a single strand of copper or aluminum wire.
These are used in wiring installation inside the buildings.
14. 14. Conduits/Pipes An electrical materials used as the passage of
wires for protection and insulation.These could be rigid metallic, flexible
metallic conduit (FMC), rigid nonmetallic (PVC), and flexible non-
metallic or corrugated plastic conduit (CPC).
15. 15. Clamps It is an electrical materials used to hold and anchor
electrical conduits to their proper position.
16. 16. Connectors It is used to attached metallic or non-metallic
conduit to the junction or utility boxes.
17. 17. Created by: MICHAEL P. RECOLITO for listening..Thank
you..

Electrical Wires & Cables

Some factors that will affect your choice of electrical wiring include

color, label information and applications. The information printed on

the wire covering is all that you need to choose the correct wire for
your home. Here’s some detailed information on the various
features of electrical wire, which will help you choose the correct
composition:

1. Size of Wires – Each application requires a certain wire size for

installation, and the right size for a specific application is determined
by the wire gauge. Sizing of wire is done by the American wire
gauge system. Common wire sizes are 10, 12 and 14 – a higher
number means a smaller wire size, and affects the amount of power
it can carry. For example, a low-voltage lamp cord with 10 Amps will
require 18-gauge wire, while service panels or subpanels with 100
Amps will require 2-gauge wire..

2. Wire Lettering – The letters THHN, THWN, THW and XHHN

represent the main insulation types of individual wires. These letters
depict the following NEC requirements:.

 T – Thermoplastic insulation
 H – Heat resistance
 HH – High heat resistance (up to 194°F)
 W – Suitable for wet locations
 N – Nylon coating, resistant to damage by oil or gas
 X – Synthetic polymer that is flame-resistant

3. Types of Wires – There are mainly 5 types of wire: .

 Triplex Wires : Triplex wires are usually used in single-phase

service drop conductors, between the power pole and weather
heads. They are composed of two insulated aluminum wires
wrapped with a third bare wire which is used as a common
neutral. The neutral is usually of a smaller gauge and
grounded at both the electric meter and the transformer.

 Main Feeder Wires : Main power feeder wires are the wires
that connect the service weather head to the house. They’re
 made with stranded or solid THHN wire and the cable installed
is 25% more than the load required.

 Panel Feed Wires : Panel feed cables are generally black

insulated THHN wire. These are used to power the main
junction box and the circuit breaker panels. Just like main
power feeder wires, the cables should be rated for 25% more
than the actual load.

 Non-Metallic Sheathed Wires : Non-metallic sheath wire, or

Romex, is used in most homes and has 2-3 conductors, each
with plastic insulation, and a bare ground wire. The individual
wires are covered with another layer of non-metallic sheathing.
Since it’s relatively cheaper and available in ratings for 15, 20
and 20 amps, this type is preferred for in-house wiring.

 Single Strand Wires : Single strand wire also uses THHN

wire, though there are other variants. Each wire is separate
and multiple wires can be drawn together through a pipe
easily. Single strand wires are the most popular choice for
layouts that use pipes to contain wires.

4. Color Codes – Different color wires serve different purposes,

like:.

 Black : Hot wire, for switches or outlets.

 Red : Hot wire, for switch legs. Also for connecting wire
between 2 hardwired smoke detectors.

 Blue and Yellow : Hot wires, pulled in conduit. Blue for 3-4
way switch application, and yellow for switch legs to control
fan, lights etc.

 White : Always neutral.

 Green and Bare Copper : Only for grounding.

5. Wire Gauge, Ampacity and Wattage Load – To determine the
correct wire, it is important to understand what ampacity and
wattage a wire can carry per gauge. Wire gauge is the size of the
wire, ampacity is how much electricity can flow through the wire and
wattage is the load a wire can take, which is always mentioned on
the appliances..

An electrical cable also has different types, color and application as

its determining factors. Here’s a brief about cables that you need to
understand to determine the correct cable for your home.

1. Types of Electrical Cables – There are more than 20 different

types of cables available today, designed for applications ranging
from transmission to heavy industrial use. Some of the most
commonly-used ones include:.

 Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable : These cables are also known

as non-metallic building wire or NM cables. They feature a
flexible plastic jacket with two to four wires (TECK cables are
covered with thermoplastic insulation) and a bare wire for
grounding. Special varieties of this cable are used for
underground or outdoor use, but NM-B and NM-C non-metallic
sheathed cables are the most common form of indoor
residential cabling.

 Underground Feeder Cable : These cables are quite similar

to NM cables, but instead of each wire being individually
wrapped in thermoplastic, wires are grouped together and
embedded in the flexible material. Available in a variety of
gauge sizes, UF cables are often used for outdoor lighting and
in-ground applications. Their high water-resistance makes
them ideal for damp areas like gardens as well as open-to-air
lamps, pumps, etc.

 Metallic Sheathed Cable : Also known as armored or BX

cables, metal-sheathed cables are often used to supply mains
 electricity or for large appliances. They feature three plain
stranded copper wires (one wire for the current, one grounding
wire and one neutral wire) that are insulated with cross-linked
polyethylene, PVC bedding and a black PVC sheathing. BX
cables with steel wire sheathing are often used for outdoor
applications and high-stress installations.

 Multi-Conductor Cable : This is a cable type that is

commonly used in homes, since it is simple to use and well-
insulated. Multi-conductor or multi-core (MC) cables feature
more than one conductor, each of which is insulated
individually. In addition, an outer insulation layer is added for
extra security. Different varieties are used in industries, like the
audio multicore ‘snake cable’ used in the music industry.

 Coaxial Cable : A coaxial (sometimes heliax) cable features a

tubular insulating layer that protects an inner conductor which
is further surrounded by a tubular conducting shield, and might
also feature an outer sheath for extra insulation. Called
‘coaxial’ since the two inner shields share the same geometric
axis, these cables are normally used for carrying television
signals and connecting video equipment.

 Unshielded Twisted Pair Cable : Like the name suggests,

this type consists of two wires that are twisted together. The
individual wires are not insulated, which makes this cable
perfect for signal transmission and video applications. Since
they are more affordable than coaxial or optical fiber cables,
UTP cables are often used in telephones, security cameras
and data networks. For indoor use, UTP cables with copper
wires or solid copper cores are a popular choice, since they
are flexible and can be easily bent for in-wall installation.

 Ribbon Cable : Ribbon cables are often used in computers

and peripherals, with various conducting wires that run parallel
to each other on a flat plane, leading to a visual resemblance
 to flat ribbons. These cables are quite flexible and can only
handle low voltage applications.

 Direct-Buried Cable : Also known as DBCs, these cables are

specially-designed coaxial or bundled fiber-optic cables, which
do not require any added sheathing, insulation or piping before
being buried underground. They feature a heavy metal core
with many layers of banded metal sheathing, heavy rubber
coverings, shock-absorbing gel and waterproof wrapped
thread-fortified tape. High tolerance to temperature changes,
moisture and other environmental factors makes them a
popular choice for transmission or communication
requirements.

 Twin-Lead Cable : These are flat two-wire cables that are

used for transmission between an antenna and receiver, like
TV and radio.

 Twinaxial Cable : This is a variant of coaxial cables, which

features two inner conductors instead of one and is used for
very-short-range high-speed signals.

 Paired Cable : With two individually insulated conductors, this

cable is normally used in DC or low-frequency AC applications.

 Twisted Pair : This cable is similar to paired cables, but the

inner insulated wires are twisted or intertwined.

2. Cable Color Code – Color coding of cable insulation is done to

determine active, neutral and earth conductors. The NEC has not
prescribed any color for phase/active conductors. Different
countries/regions have different cable color coding, and it is
essential to know what is applicable in your region. However, active
conductors cannot be green/yellow, green, yellow, light blue or
black..
Cable Size – Cable size is the gauge of individual wires within the
cable, such as 14, 12, 10 etc. – again, the bigger the number, the
smaller the size. The number of wires follows the wire-gauge on a
cable. So, 10/3 would indicate the presence of 3 wires of 10-gauge
within the cable. Ground wire, if present, is not indicated by this
number, and is represented by the letter ‘G’.

Safety is very important, and if your installation of wires and cables

is not proper, it could lead to accidents. Before you start any
electrical project that includes wiring and cabling, you need to obtain
permission from your local building inspector. Once the job is done,
get the installation inspected for compliance with local codes and
regulations.

What is Electrical Enclosure?

Electrical enclosures are boxes or cabinets which are used to

contain electrical components like knobs, switches, controls and the
like, to protect them from the environments, as well as safeguard
property and life. The specifications and features are dictated by the
National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), using a Type
classification to define the locations and environments they can be
used in. This includes four types that are ‘explosion proof
enclosure’, intended for use in hazardous locations.
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What is Explosion Proof?

In places where the spark or heat from electrical equipment can

cause an explosion or start a fire, the components are housed in
purpose-built electrical enclosures, which are called explosion proof
enclosures. According to the NEMA, these enclosures do not
specifically need to withstand an exterior explosion, rather they are
designed to contain an interior explosion and prevent it from
spreading outside the enclosure. This prevents an even larger
explosion that can damage property and put human life at risk.

Classification of Explosion Proof

NEMA Standards 250-2003 defines hazardous location codes
based on both the cause and the nature of the hazardous
environment. The division indicates the level of risk of a fire or an
explosion, the class describes the classification of the hazardous
material (like a fire extinguisher), and the group defines the
substance itself.

Beyond the other classifications, explosion-proof enclosures also

have a temperature rating. This is the maximum surface
temperature that they can safely withstand, before the degree of
protection they offer is compromised. These ratings are based on a
40°C ambient temperature, unless otherwise mentioned.

What are Circuit Breakers?

Circuit breakers are automatically operating safety switches which
operate by measuring heat or current flowing through the circuit. If
that exceeds a pre-set limit, they ‘trip’ and sever the electricity
supply as quickly as possible. Unlike fuses, once the fault has been
rectified, they don’t require replacing and can simply be reset.

Need for Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers are an absolutely essential part of any electrical
system. Used in conjunction with proper grounding, they can
safeguard against electrocution. Circuit breakers also protect
appliances, wiring and property against fire hazards and other
damage resulting from abnormal current flow, short circuiting,
overloading, and heat build-up.

Circuit Breaker Design and Components

Almost all circuit breakers have five basic components:

What are Electrical Connectors?

Electrical circuits are composed of a multitude of components,
including wires and cables. Electrical connectors are used to join
these to form a continuous path for electrical current to flow.
Connectors have male-ends (plugs) and female-ends (jacks) which
connect to each other forming either a permanent connection or,
more often, a temporary connection that can be assembled and
removed with special tools.

Electrical connectors drastically reduce the time, effort and

manpower needed for manufacturing, assembling and installing
electrical devices, their components as well as wiring.

Electrical Boxes
Electrical boxes are used to enclose connections for a number of
applications like switches, fixtures and electrical outlets, and protect
them from external damage, tampering and other factors that can
affect their working. There are many models of electrical boxes
available, some of which are specifically designed to tackle indoor
or outdoor connections.

Local building codes and the National Electrical Code (NEC) require
the use of specific types of electrical boxes in certain applications,
while industry regulations may require businesses to use other
variants for commercial applications too.

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Uses of Electrical Boxes

Electrical boxes can be mounted on wall surfaces, behind walls and
in recesses, or even on ceilings. This flexibility of installation makes
them incredibly useful for a number of different applications, like:

 Splicing or joining wires in electrical circuits and wiring.

 Housing connections for electrical appliances, lighting fixtures
and the like, and mounting them on walls or ceilings for easy
access.
 Electrical boxes that are appropriately rated, mounted and
braced can be used to house and mounting ceiling fans and
their connections.
 Electrical boxes are available in a variety of materials and
sizes for different applications, which can protect wiring,
circuitry and against electrocution.
 They provide easy access to the circuitry and components for
repairs and maintenance.
 Live wires can also be grounded for added protection and to
prevent short circuits.
 They are available in metal, plastic and synthetic bodies and
can be wired using metallic wire and conduit, as well as non-
metallic cables.
 Lugs are heavy duty rings made from high grade electrolytic
copper and are available in sizes ranging from #8AWG to
4/0AWG in a wide range of mounting holes. They have a tin
plating that provides resistance against corrosion and the
terminals are CSA and UL listed.

 There are basically three types of lugs:

 Plain type: It is used for general purpose seamless electrical
terminals where installation characteristics are not required.
They are available in various pad widths to accommodate
most stud sizes.

 With sight hole: This is used as the general purpose terminal

and permits inspection of cable insertion depth and solder
flow. The advantage of the sight hole is that it does not create
a weak spot under severe vibration.

 Connectors: These are seamless connectors for wire size #8

through 4/0AWG and are also available as flared or chamfered
barrels.

 Mechanical Lugs
 Mechanical lugs are available bolted with two screws or with
four screws. They are typically ring shaped and are usually
made of high-grade electrolyte copper or aluminum. They are
suitable for big wires and cables and are available in three
varieties: plain type, sight hole type (which is similar to the
plain types, but with a bigger hole), and the connector type.
 Mechanical lugs are suitable for brass lightning protection and
where there may be plenty of vibration. These are also
designed to be corrosion and abrasion resistant. The EX
Burndy mechanical lugs act as conductors made with
aluminum or copper. They can be single hole, double hole, or
stacked with screws.

 Compression Lugs
 Compression lugs are stud-type input power connection that
are generally made of high conduction wrought copper or
aluminum. They may have one or two holes in order to provide
automatic connection and also come with an electro tin plate to
reduce corrosion. The different types of Blackburn
compression lugs available are one hole, two holes, and
speciality compression lug. A short barrel lug has only the
single-holed compression lug, which is usually used for switch
gears and motor controls. They are mainly preferred for
telecommunication equipment and devices, welding
equipment, and power distribution equipment.

 Grounding Lugs
 Ilsco manufactures grounding lugs of varied types such as
ground clamps, ground grid system, ground strip, flexible
braid, and bronze service post among others. Grounding lugs
are heavy duty lugs that are used for wires on transformers or
steel structures. They have a threaded stud that fits all types of
transformers and offers high clamping force, which prevents
the wire from pulling out the grounding lugs. These are
generally made of bronze material and connects the grounding
conductor to the grounding electrode. They are useful for
assembling a grounding kit with an integrated cable lug. The
single-holed grounding lug is suitable for grounding line
hardware or switchgear to a transmission structure. They are
the most important part of the solar photovoltaic systems.
 While compression lugs and grounding lugs are suitable for
small scale connections, mechanical lugs support big electrical
connections. Mechanical lugs are significantly larger than the
other two, while compression lugs are preferred by people who
like tinkering with the mechanical fitting themselves.
Mechanical lugs are also used in automobiles, while grounding
lugs are preferred for both indoor and outdoor uses on flexible
metallica and liquid tight conduits when copper or aluminum
installations are required.

 Different types of lugs offer different conductivities and some

can conduct electricity much better than others, irrespective of
the material used (copper or aluminum). Choosing the right
lugs can help in preventing accidents from fire or electrocution.

 Motor controls can ideally be identified as a group of devices

that govern the performance of an electric motor in a
predefined manner. Motor controls are also known as motor
controllers. They have several essential functions which
include: automatically or manually starting as well as stopping
the operation of an electric motor, setting forward or reversing
the course of rotation, selecting and regulating the speed of
rotation, controlling or regulating the torque, as well as
protecting the motor against several degrees of electrical
overloads and faults.
 Motor Control Applications

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 Electric motors, regardless of their type, have a controller of
some type. These motor controllers might differ in terms of
their features and complexity, which is mainly determined by
the function of a specific motor. The simplest example of a
motor control mechanism is a regular switch that connects a
motor to its power source. This switch can be a manual
controller, or a relay connected to an automatic sensor for
starting and stopping a motor.
 Depending on the applications of a motor, controllers may offer
different features. They help the motor start in low-voltage
conditions, allow multiple-speed or reverse control operations,
protect from over current and overload faults, and perform a
wide range of other functions. Some complex motor control
devices also help in effectively controlling the speed as well as
torque of the motor(s) and might also be a part of a closed
loop control system responsible for the exact positioning of the
motor driven machine.