6 Electrical Systems and Components - 6 Electrical Systems and Components Explained

Key Concepts

Understanding electrical systems and components is fundamental for construction electricians. These systems and components work together to provide safe and reliable electrical power. Key concepts include:

• Electrical Distribution Systems
• Circuit Breakers and Fuses
• Wiring and Conduit Systems
• Grounding and Bonding Systems
• Lighting Systems
• Electrical Panels and Subpanels

1. Electrical Distribution Systems

Electrical distribution systems are responsible for delivering electrical power from the main source to various parts of a building. These systems include main feeders, distribution panels, and branch circuits. The main feeder brings power from the utility company to the building, while distribution panels divide this power into smaller circuits that supply individual rooms or areas.

Example: A commercial building's electrical distribution system might include a main feeder from the utility company, a main distribution panel, and several subpanels that supply power to different floors or sections of the building.

Analogy: Think of an electrical distribution system as a tree with a trunk (main feeder), branches (distribution panels), and twigs (branch circuits) that deliver water (electricity) to different parts of the tree (building).

2. Circuit Breakers and Fuses

Circuit breakers and fuses are safety devices that protect electrical circuits from overcurrent conditions, such as short circuits or overloads. Circuit breakers are resettable devices that trip when an overcurrent is detected, while fuses are one-time use devices that must be replaced after they blow.

Example: A residential circuit breaker panel might include several circuit breakers, each protecting a different circuit in the house. If a circuit overloads, the corresponding circuit breaker will trip, cutting off the power to prevent damage or fire.

Analogy: Consider a circuit breaker as a thermostat for a heating system. Just as a thermostat turns off the heat when the room reaches a certain temperature, a circuit breaker turns off the power when the current exceeds a safe level.

3. Wiring and Conduit Systems

Wiring and conduit systems are the pathways through which electrical power travels from one point to another. Wiring includes insulated conductors that carry the electrical current, while conduit provides protection and support for the wiring. Common types of conduit include rigid metal, flexible metal, and PVC.

Example: In a residential wiring system, electrical wires might be run through PVC conduit to protect them from physical damage and environmental hazards. The wires connect outlets, switches, and appliances throughout the house.

Analogy: Think of wiring and conduit systems as the veins and arteries in the human body. Just as veins and arteries carry blood to different parts of the body, wiring and conduit systems carry electricity to different parts of a building.

4. Grounding and Bonding Systems

Grounding and bonding systems ensure electrical safety by providing a low-impedance path for fault currents to flow to the earth. Grounding involves connecting electrical systems to the earth to prevent voltage buildup, while bonding connects all non-current-carrying metal parts to create a continuous path for fault currents.

Example: A grounding system in a home might include a grounding rod driven into the earth and connected to the electrical panel. This ensures that any fault current is safely diverted to the earth, protecting the occupants from electrical shock.

Analogy: Consider a grounding system as a lightning rod on a building. Just as a lightning rod directs lightning strikes into the ground, a grounding system directs fault currents into the earth, protecting the building from damage.

5. Lighting Systems

Lighting systems provide illumination in buildings and outdoor spaces. These systems include light fixtures, switches, and control devices. Lighting systems are designed to meet specific lighting requirements, such as task lighting, ambient lighting, and accent lighting.

Example: A commercial building's lighting system might include fluorescent lights for general illumination, task lights for specific work areas, and dimmable LED lights for creating different lighting moods.

Analogy: Think of a lighting system as a stage lighting setup. Just as stage lights are used to create different effects and highlight specific areas, a lighting system is used to illuminate different parts of a building and create desired lighting effects.

6. Electrical Panels and Subpanels

Electrical panels and subpanels are the main distribution points for electrical circuits in a building. The main electrical panel receives power from the utility company and distributes it to various circuits throughout the building. Subpanels are smaller panels that distribute power to specific areas or circuits within the building.

Example: A residential electrical panel might include a main panel that receives power from the utility company and several subpanels that distribute power to different parts of the house, such as the basement, garage, and outdoor areas.

Analogy: Consider an electrical panel as the central hub of a bicycle wheel. Just as the hub connects the spokes to the rim, an electrical panel connects the circuits to the main power source, distributing electricity throughout the building.