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Qualification Title:
ELECTRICAL AND INSTALLATION MAINTENANCE NC II
Unit of Competency:
Install Wiring Devices of Floor and Wall Mounted Outlets, Lighting
Fixtures/Switches, and Auxiliary Outlets
Module Title:
Installing Wiring Devices of Floor and Wall Mounted Outlets,
Lighting Fixtures/Switches, and Auxiliary Outlets
UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
You may already have some or most of the knowledge and skills covered
in this learner’s guide because you have:
□ been working for some time
□ already completed training in this area.
If you can demonstrate to your trainer that you are competent in a
particular skill or skills, talk him/her about having them formally recognized
so you don’t have to do the same training again. If you have a qualification
certificate or Certificate of Competency from previous trainings, show it to
your trainer. If the skills you are acquired are still current and relevant to the
unit/s of competency they may become part of the evidence you can present
for RPL. If you are not sure about the currency of your skills discuss this with
your trainer.
This module was prepared to help you achieve the required competency,
in Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II. This will be the source
of information for to acquire knowledge and skills in this particular trade
independently and at your own pace, with minimum supervision or help from
your instructor.
Remember to:
□ Talk to your trainer and agree on how you will both organize the Training of
this unit. Read through the modules carefully. It is divided into sections,
which cover all kind the skills and knowledge you need to successfully
complete this module
□ Most probably your trainer will also be your supervisor or manager. He/she
is there to support you and show you the correct way to do things.
□ Your trainer will tell you about the important things you need to consider
when you are completing activities and it is important that you will listen and
take notes.
□ Used the self-check questions at the end of each section to test your own
progress.
□ When you are ready, ask your trainer to watch you perform the activities
outlined in this module.
□ As you work through the activities, ask for written feedback on your
progress. Your trainer keeps feedback/ pre-assessment reports for this
reason. When you have successfully completed each element, ask your trainer
to mark on the reports that you are ready for assessment.
□ When you have completed this module (or several modules), and feel
confident that you have had sufficient practice, your trainer will arrange an
appointment with registered assessor to assess you. The results of your
assessment will be recorded in your Competency Achievement Record.
List of Competencies
MODULE DESCRIPTOR:
This module covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes on
selecting and installing wiring devices, installing lighting fixtures/switches
and notifying completion of work of floor and wall mounted outlets and
auxiliary outlets.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of this module you MUST be able to:
1. Select wiring devices
2. Install wiring devices
3. Install lighting fixture/switches
4. Notify completion of work
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
1. Drawings are read and interpreted to determine job requirements
2. Correct type and quantity of wiring devices and consumable items are
identified in line with job requirements
3. Tools and equipment are selected in line with job requirements
4. Correct PPE are identified and selected in line with safety requirements
5. Safety procedures are followed based on safety regulations
6. Correct procedures for installation of wiring devices are performed in
line with job requirements
7. Schedule of work is followed based on agreed time, quality standard
and minimum wastage
8. Further instructions are sought if unplanned events or conditions
occur
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
1. Drawings are read and interpreted to determine job requirements
2. Correct type and quantity of wiring devices and consumable items are
identified in line with job requirements
3. Tools and equipment are selected in line with job requirements
4. Correct PPE are identified and selected in line with safety
requirements
CONDITIONS:
Students/trainees must be provided with the following:
• Equipment • Supplies and Materials
o Simulated work place or o Wiring devices
actual work place
o ladder
• Learning Materials
o Learning elements
• Tools o Drawing plan
o Linesman’s pliers o Books, manuals, and
o Long nose pliers catalogs
o Diagonal cutting pliers o Philippine Electrical Code
o Bar level
o Screw drivers,
o Set of screw drivers
o Chisel
METHODOLOGIES:
1. Demonstration
2. Discussion
3. Practical exercises
4. Laboratory exercises
5. Audio/Visual film showing
ASSESSMENT METHODS:
Further, the devises are classified in terms with their functions as path
devices, control devices, fault devices and protective devices.
Path Devices are devices which serves as path of electric current of the
wiring system like wire (conductor) and all parts of the circuit that has a low
resistance.
Control Devices are devices which can regulate the flow of current. They can
make or break the circuit. Lighting Switches are common examples of
control devices
Fault Devices are devices which can immediately detect any fault in the
wiring system. GFCI and AFCI are common examples of fault devices.
Learning Objectives:
After reading this Information Sheet, you must be able to:
1. Explain the theory of operation, connection and purpose of Ground
Fault Circuit Interrupting (GFCI) Device
2. Compare and contrast the types of GFCI
3. Test a GFCI
Introduction
Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) have been in use for over 40
years, and have proven themselves to be invaluable in the protection of
personnel from the hazard of electric shock. Other types of leakage current
and ground fault protective devices have been introduced for various
applications since the introduction of GFCIs.
The use of some protective devices is specifically required in the
National Electrical Code (NEC) or in the Philippine Electrical Code. Others are
a component of an appliance, as required by the UL standard covering that
appliance. This information sheet will help to understand the purpose and
operation of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
WHAT IS A GFCI?
In terms of function and appearance, a floor outlet can be helpful in
many situations. In a conference room, an outlet in the floor under the
conference table makes it much easier to plug in audio visual equipment
without running extension cords to a wall outlet. In the home, the presence
of a floor outlet in the living room aids in arranging the furnishings, since
major seating areas do not have to remain near a wall in order to include the
presence of accent lamps in the grouping.
As with any type of electrical wiring project, it is recommended that the
installation only be conducted by a properly certified electrician.
A ground fault circuit interrupter, called a GFCI or GFI, is an
inexpensive electrical device that can either be installed in your electrical
system or built into a power cord to protect you from severe electrical shocks.
GFCIs have played a key role in reducing electrocutions. Greater use of GFCIs
could further reduce electrocutions and mitigate thousands of electrical burn
and shock injuries still occurring in and around the home each year.
Ground fault protection is integrated into GFCI receptacles and GFCI
circuit breakers for installation into your electrical system, especially for
How to Test
Test every GFCI:
• After installation.
• At least once a month.
• After a power failure.
• According to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Types of GFCIs
A. CIRCUIT BREAKER GFCI
* A circuit breaker with a built-in GFCI may be installed in a panel box to
add protection to the circuits it supplies.
* Protects against both a ground fault and a circuit overload
* Protects the wiring and every outlet, lighting fixture, or appliance on the
branch circuit that it supplies.
B. Plug Type. The attachment plug has a non-standard appearance with test
and reset buttons. Like the portable type, it incorporates a no-voltage release
device that will disconnect power to the load if any supply conductor is open.
Identification: Identify what is being described. Used the box below for your
choices.
This information sheet will describe and identify the types of floor outlets
FLOOR OUTLETS
Floor outlets are electrical outlets that are installed into a floor area
rather than into a wall. Often, a floor outlet will be equipped with a metal plate
to protect the outlet and wiring, along with a cover that prevents dust and
other material from collecting in the outlet when the device is not in use.
Outlets of this type are usually found in dens and living rooms of homes, as
well as in conference rooms or other larger gathering areas in offices and
public buildings.
As with any type of outlet, the floor outlet is intended to allow easy
access to electrical current. Because the plug can be placed at any point along
the floor, it is possible to strategically position several outlets within a space,
creating easy access to electricity even when a power source is needed
somewhere other than along a wall. When not in use, covers snap or slide into
place in order to protect the outlets and also to allow the floor to retain a
smooth surface.
Beneath the surface of the floor, the configuration of the floor outlet is
similar to that of a standard wall outlet. The plugs are housed in an outlet
box and normally connected to a central junction box that helps regulate
electric power flow. Wiring runs from the outlet box to the central junction in
the same manner that electrical wiring runs through walls to a central power
source.
True or False: Write the word TRUE if the statement is correct and FALSE if
the state is incorrect. Write your answer on the space before the number.
1. False
2. True
3. True
4. True
5. True
6. True
7. True
8. True
9. True
Introduction
Circuit control devices have many different shapes and sizes, but most
circuit control devices are either SWITCHES, SOLENOIDS, or RELAYS.
In electrical installation, a SWITCH is a device, which can make or
break an electrical circuit or we can say that switch is a controlling device,
which interrupt the flow of current or direct the flow of current in another
direction.
Almost all the electrical wiring systems contain at least one switch,
which is used to make the device ON or OFF. In addition, a switch is used to
control the circuit operation and user may able to activate or deactivate the
whole or certain parts of the connected circuit.
When the contacts of a switch are closed, the switch creates the closed
path for current flow and hence load consumes the power from source. When
the contacts of a switch are open, no power will be consumed by the load as
shown in below figure.
Electronic Switches
As opposed to mechanical switches which requires the user to make
contact with the switch for activation, an electronic switch does not require
pressure for activation. This can be especially helpful, when a client presents
with limited movement and/or strength.
The electronic switches are generally called as solid state switches
because there are no physical moving parts and hence absence of physical
contacts. Most of the appliances are controlled by semiconductor switches
such as motor drives and HVAC equipment.
There are different types of solid state switches are available in today
market with different sizes and ratings.
Electronic switches are faster in response than mechanical switches
and can be switched automatically by an electronic circuit like microcontroller
or microprocessor. They can also be categories on the basis of current and
voltage rating like mechanical switches.
The question arises here, why we need electronics switch? The answer
of the question is that sometimes, it is necessary that circuit, which makes
decision also turn OFF or ON certain devices based on the decision. If only
And it is turned OFF when the base current is removed and base voltage is
reduced to a slight negative value. Even though it utilizes small base
current, it is capable to carry much higher currents through the collector-
emitter path.
A diode can perform switching operations between its high and low state
impedance states. Semiconductor materials like silicon and germanium are
used for constructing the diodes.
Usually, power diodes are constructed using silicon in order to operate the
device at higher currents and higher junction temperatures. These are
constructed by joining p and n type semiconductor materials together to
form PN junction. It has two terminals namely anode and cathode.
When the anode is made positive with respect to cathode and by the
application of voltage greater than the threshold level, PN junction is forward
biased and starts conducting (like ON switch). When the cathode terminal is
made positive with respect to anode, PN junction reverse biased and its
blocks the current flow (like OFF switch).
MOSFET
IGBT
SCR
A Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) most widely used high speed switching
device for power control applications. It is a unidirectional device as a diode,
consisting of three terminals, namely anode, cathode and gate.
An SCR is turned ON and OFF by controlling its gate input and biasing
conditions of the anode and cathode terminals. SCR consists of four layers
of alternate P and N layers such that boundaries of each layer forms
junctions J1, J2 and J3.
Its capability to control AC power in both positive and negative peaks of the
voltage waveform often makes these devices to be used in motor speed
controllers, light dimmers, pressure control systems, motor drives and other
AC control equipments.
Learning Objectives:
After reading this Information Sheet, you must be able to:
1. Differentiate the types of mechanical switches
2. Determine the types of mechanical switch used for controlling lights
• This is the basic ON and OFF switch consisting of one input contact and
one output contact.
• It switches a single circuit and it can either make (ON) or break (OFF)
the load.
A single-pole switch has two terminal screws on the side that receive
the wires of the circuit. (The number of terminal screws identifies the type of
switch.) Some single-pole switches also have a green grounding screw (not
shown) that connects to the circuit’s ground wire. Different brands vary with
the style and configuration and markings of a SPST.
With a single-pole light switch, flipping the lever up completes the
circuit, turning lights or appliances on, and flipping it down breaks the
circuit, turning lights or receptacles off. A single-pole switch has two
terminal screws on the side.
This switch has three terminals, one is input contact and remaining two
are output contacts.
• This button has three pins in which, one pin is used as common and
called a Two-Way Switch (in US, they called it Three-Way Switch). We
can send two different signals to same pin by using this switch. Because
of this functionality, this switch is also called selector switch.
This switch consists of four terminals, two input contacts and two output
contacts.
• It behaves like a two separate SPST configurations, operating at the same
time.
• It has only one ON position, but it can actuate the two contacts
simultaneously, such that each input contact will be connected to its
corresponding output contact.
• In OFF position both switches are at open state.
The switches must create a complete circuit for current to flow and the
bulb to light. When both switches are up, the circuit is complete (top right).
When both switches are down, the circuit is complete (bottom right). If one
The other two screw terminals on the switch body will be brass-colored. These
are used to connect the circuit wires that run between the two three-way
In a circuit situation, normally these traveler wires will have black and
red insulation. When the switches are installed, these traveler wires allow
electrical current to pass between the switches—or they interrupt the circuit
flow to turn the light fixture OFF. At any given moment when the light fixture
is ON, the power may be flowing through either the black or the red traveler
wire. This will vary depending what position the switch toggle levers are in.
Some brands of a three-way switch terminals have labels 0, 1 and 3. Zero
is the common while 2 and 3 are for travelers.
Wire Connections
Three-way switches have different methods of connection, depending on
the brand of the switch. The switch may also have several ways to make the
wire connections. All switches have screws on the side, but some also come
with push-fitting holes or slots to slide the wire into. Still others come with a
quick-mount, spring-loaded slot alongside the screw terminals that are
designed to hold the wires in place.
Although these push fittings or slot-fittings may be the quickest way to
connect a switch, this method is not recommended, as it is generally less
secure.
Professional electricians who want to avoid callbacks always use the
screw terminal connections which rarely come loose.
If you suspect a loose wire connection, turn off the power to the circuit
at the circuit breaker box before inspecting the wire connections on the switch.
Make sure they are all tight. Also, check any wire nut connections on other
circuit wires in the wall box. For example, there likely will be a neutral wire
connection inside the box (usually these are white wires); make sure this wire
nut connection is also secure. If you find that this neutral wire connection is
made with electrical tape you should replace it with a wire nut.
If a switch makes a sizzling or popping sound when you turn the switch
ON, it means that the switch contacts are becoming worn and aren't making
good contact. This switch should be changed immediately to avoid bigger
electrical problems.
A four-way switch
Some brands of a four-way switch has terminal labels of 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Always refer to the manufacturers manual before using a 4-way switch.
Introduction:
Due to the changing development of technology, there are
variety of brands, types, configurations of electronic switch used for electrical
wiring. Some of these is used for controlling lights and some of these are for
security purpose.
This information sheet is limited only to the types of electronic
switches applicable to the specialization.
Disadvantages
The user can never specify the time. It all depends on the sun and the
availability of light source.
Internal Parts of a photo switch (parts may vary depending on the brand)
For other types of bulbs including CFLs, halogen, and LEDs, check to
see that they are “dimmable” on the bulb package. Dimmable CFLs are
usually more expensive and have a limited dimming range, mostly at the dim
end.
Dimmer Functions
There are 4 basic dimmer functions.
• Adjustment: to adjust the intensity of light. Done with a knob, slide, or touch
pad.
• Presets: When you turn off the light, then turn it on, the dimmer remembers
the intensity.
This is done with separate intensity controls and an on/off switch.
• Remote / 3-Way: These allow you to control lights from more than 1 location.
• Indicator Light: This makes it easy to locate in a dark room, or tell the
difference between off and very dim.
• Different light sources require different dimmers. Don't use a low voltage
dimmer on a 120 volt fixture.
• Incandescent and halogen dimmers contain a switch called a "triac".The triac
turns the lights on and off 120 times a second.
• The length of time the dimmer is on or off determines the brightness.
Adjust the dimmer with the knob, slider, or rocker to set the on/off time.
• Older dimmers changed the resistance or voltage of the circuit.
Modern dimmers do not.
Dimmer Type
How many switches control your light fixture? That’s the first question you’ll
need to ask yourself when choosing a dimmer. Here are the four basic types
for your lights that you can choose from:
Three-way or Four-way Dimmer – These dimmers are for light fixtures that
are controlled by only one dimmer plus one or more on and off switches in
other places in your home.
Plug-In Dimmer – Plug-in dimmers are used to dim the bulb in your table
and floor lamps. Many of these lamp dimmers are compatible with
incandescent, CFL, and LED bulbs.
Wattage
Once you know what kind of light source you're using, you have to be sure
the wattage of your bulbs is compatible with your dimmer. That said, you
also must take into consideration how many bulbs you are using on one
dimmer. Some people assume that just because LEDs consume less
wattage, the same incandescent dimmer can be operated with more LED
bulb that consume a fraction of the wattage of an incandescent. Due to
something called inrush current, or the maximum, instantaneous input
current drawn by an electrical device when first turned on, using more LEDs
than you would incandescents on a dimmer will only render the dimmer
ineffective.
For example, if dimmer can handle 300 watts of electricity and five 60-watt
bulbs, that does not mean that it will be able to handle 30 or more LEDs at
8.5 watts. If a dimmer could only handle five incandescent bulbs, only use
five LEDs.
Control Style
Once you’ve gotten past all of the technical elements and narrowed down
your choices, you can start to focus on the more superficial stuff – like how
the dimmer looks. Dimmers come in many different colors and styles, so it’s
all a matter of personal preference. The styles of the dimmer switches are
varied and come in options as varied as toggles, rotaries, and even touch-
sensitive dimmers.
Types of dimmers
Dimmable bulbs
It is possible to find a dimmer switch for nearly every type of bulb but,
if you want to stick to a simple and inexpensive solution, it is advised not to
choose any arc lighting bulbs e.g. mercury vapor, metal halide or sodium
vapor, as they require more specialized dimming equipment.
Also, ask the retailer which of the available products have been tested for
dimming by manufacturers. If the shop’s personnel do not have enough
knowledge on these matters, check the manufacturer’s website or try
contacting them via phone or e-mail. The most common bulbs that can be
dimmed are:
▪ Fluorescent light bulbs. Not all of the fluorescent light bulbs are made
to be compatible with light dimmers (they need a special dimmable ballast
for that) so check the product’s description carefully prior purchasing a
fluorescent bulb that you would like to dim.
▪ LED light bulbs. Dimmable LED light bulbs can be dimmed with a normal
resistive dimmer. They consume very low wattages and are extremely
energy efficient. However, there are also non-dimmable LED lamps that
won’t work with any of the dimmers and can be damaged if connected to
any.
▪ Incandescent and halogen light bulbs. Works with nearly every dimmer
switch and can be dimmed completely. However the production and usage
of the incandescent light bulb is slowly being decreased and stopped in
One of the most notable differences between dimmer types is whether they
have an on/off switch or not. If the dimmer has an off/off switch, you can
leave the dimmer pre-set to a specific level, then just toggle the switch on and
off. That's ideal if you don't plan to adjust the dimness of your lighting very
often and don't want to fuss with adjust it each time you turn on the lights.
In my own home, I generally have the lights either on full blast or off. For that
reason, I have dimmers without off/on switches - I just push the slider all the
way up when I enter the room and all the way down when I leave. Then, on
the rare occasion I choose to dim the lights, I slide it to the right spot.
As you can see, there are a number of types of dimmers. Light dimmers
come as rocker, slide, rotary and toggle. Choose the look and style that fits
your home, or that fits the type of switch plate opening you are trying to fill.
One thing to note is that not all styles are available in every color or finish.
White Dimmers:
The only style you won't find in brown is the slide dimmer without the
on/off switch.
If you're looking for gray toggle dimmers, you won't find any. But, you can
get a gray rotary dimmer which fits the same opening as a toggle switch, or
select a clear toggle dimmer as shown here:
How many switches control your light fixture? That’s the first question you’ll
need to ask yourself when choosing a dimmer. Here are the four basic types
for your lights that you can choose from:
Occupancy sensor switch wires each have two black wires, (or one black and
one red) and ground (green).
One of the black line wires connects to 120 V from the panel, the other black
(or red) load wire connects to the light(s). Each black wire can be a line or a
load. Red is always the load wire.
A typical occupancy sensor needs a good ground connection to operate
properly. In a plastic electrical box, connect the sensor’s green ground wire to
the ground wires inside the box. In a metal electrical box with no ground
wires, connect the sensor’s ground wire to the smaller threaded hole inside
the box with a green ground screw.
With a Vacancy Light Switch you still need to manually turn on the lights but
the switch will take care of turning the lights off when the motion sensor no
longer detects any activity.
Lutron and Leviton are renowned companies that are specialized in the area
of occupancy and vacancy sensors in combination with light switches. The
Lutron Maestro is basically the flagship of motion sensor light switches. But
also Belkin’s WeMo portfolio now contains smart motion sensor switches to
control lighting.
Around this technology there even is new market evolving under the term
“Smart Lighting” which refers to energy efficient and automated lighting
systems. These systems should manage their own power cycles based on
conditions like daylight times or occupancy. Not to mention the usual
capabilities like programmable schedules, remote web interfaces or even
smartphone apps.
Occupancy sensor, Occ sensor, motion sensor. They have various names
but they all do basically the same function.
They monitor a certain area for activity, if there's no activity they shut the
lighting in that area off until needed. If no one is in the area, and lighting is
not required, Occupancy sensors save you money.
Years ago when these sensors hit the market they were basically a single
technology motion sensor, similar to a security light on the outside of your
house. Todays sensors are huge improvements over the old design,
incorporating both (PIR)infra-red, and ultra-sonic technologies.
Infra-red
Dual technology sensors use both PIR and ultrasonic technologies. It only
activates the lights only when both technologies detect the presence of
people.
This virtually eliminates the possibility of false-on, and requiring either one
of the two technologies to hold the lights on. This significantly reduces the
possibility of false-off.
They work great anywhere you have any light technology that utilizes
instant on/off lamps.
The amount of savings you can expect from an occupancy sensor depends
on an estimate of how much the space is occupied.
If the space is occupied 20% of the day, then you have the potential to save
80% of the energy consumption for that day.
This type of sensor is best used in small enclosed spaces such as a private
office. Typically no extra wiring is needed. The down side of PIR sensors is
they cannot see through windows, walls, or partitions. Occupants must be
in direct site.
Ultrasonic:
These are best suited where there isn't always a line of site of the room
occupants. A typical application for this type of sensor is restrooms. The
hard surfaces make minor motion detection much easier.
Dual Technology:
Dual technology sensors use both types of technologies. This type of sensor
virtually reduces any false triggering when no one is in the space.
The minor drawback to this type of technology is that it does cost slightly
more.
Motion sensors are a perfect fit for energy efficiency applications. It only
makes sense to turn the lights off in an area that is not occupied at the
time.
There various kinds of motion sensors are available in the market, which has
their ups and downs. They are namely PIR, Ultrasonic, Microwave,
Tomographic and combined types.
Ultrasonic Sensor
Microwave Sensor
Tomographic Sensor
These sensors generate radio waves and detect when those waves are
troubled. They can notice through walls and objects, and are frequently
placed in a way that makes a radio wave net that cover ups large areas. These
sensors are expensive, so they are normally used in warehouses, storage units
and also in other situations that need a commercial level of security.
Tomographic Sensor
Motion detection can be classified into two ways based on the way in which
the motion is detected. Let us consider an input given to a mobile. When we
mechanically press the buttons/letters of the keypad on a mobile, the letters
get displayed on the mobile screen by detecting the mechanical motion given
as the input. This is considered as Mechanical Motion Detection. Similarly,
input given from the keyboard of a computer also comes under this category.
There are electronic methods by which motion can be detected using the
infrared light and acoustic. This can be termed as Electronic Method for
motion detection.
Motion Detector
Motion detectors are classified into two types based on their working strategy:
Active motion sensors continuously emit energy in the form of infrared light
or electrical field in a particular region or certain area. Whenever human
beings or objects with heat or temperature pass through this area, they cause
some disturbances in the temperature, which can be detected by the motion
sensor.
1. Microwave Sensors
The microwaves are emitted from a sensor and are reflected back after hitting
a moving object or human being, and then detected by this type of sensor.
The frequency at which the waves emitted will be differed if the waves get
reflected from any moving object. The entries operation is then recorded for
performing comparison. The working of this sensor is similar to the working
of a Radar speed gun based on the Doppler Effect.
2. Ultrasonic Sensors
Ultrasonic Sensors
3. Tomographic sensors
Tomographic Sensor
The tomographic sensors surround an area with the multiple nodes in that
area communicating with each other with radio waves at a frequency of about
2.4GHz. The motion of an object can be detected by disturbances occurring
on a mesh network. As these sensors don’t rely on the line of sight, they can
be used for detecting motion even in hidden areas of up to 5000 square feet.
If any disturbance is identified in a mesh network, then the sensor will
activate the motion sensor alarm.
The passive sensors don’t emit any radiation; instead, these sensors absorb
energy for sensing the motion of the objects or human in their coverage area.
Hence, these passive sensors consume less energy than the active sensors.
PIR sensor is a pyroelectric sensor, and the sensor is divided into two halves
such that whenever any moving object emits infrared radiation, each half
cancels the other half if both the halves have the same IR radiation – then,
the sensors do not sense, but if it finds any more or less IR radiation, then
the PIR sensor senses. There are different PIR sensors available with different
ranges of covering area.
The only limitation is that it cannot detect stationary or very slow motion
objects.
Used mostly for indoor or outdoor lighting applications Used for security
applications Used for counting of human/objects in a room
Apart from the active and passive sensors, the advancement in motion-sensor
technology has developed the dual technology sensors, which are
combinations of different motion sensing techniques to develop a Motion
sensor and to reduce the false triggering of the sensor. The earlier motion
sensors that have been discussed in this article may fail in some cases like
the PIR sensor can be false triggered by heat and light change without the
actual motion of the object.
Here, by using both the sensors together, even the PIR sensor can be triggered
because of the heat or light change without involving the motion of an object,
but the microwave sensor does not get activated, and therefore, the motion
sensor switch cannot be triggered. Similarly, even if the microwave sensor
gets trigged by tree, but the PIR sensor does not get triggered, then the motion
sensor switch cannot be triggered by a combined sensor.
Practical examples of both the active and passive motion detector sensors are
given below.
The below figure shows how an ultrasonic sensor works for controlling the
liquid levels in a tank by operating a motor by sensing predefined limits of the
liquid. When the liquid in the tank reaches lower and upper limits, then the
ultrasonic sensor detects this and sends the signals to the microcontroller.
The Microcontroller is programmed in such a way that it operates relay for
driving the motor pump based on the limit condition signals from the
ultrasonic sensor.
Similar to the above system, a PIR sensor detects the presence of humans to
perform door operations, i.e., opening and closing. As we have discussed
above, a PIR sensor detects the presence of humans alone and enables the
microcontroller pins when motion is detected. Depending on the signals from
the PIR sensor, the microcontroller operates the door by operating the
motor in forward and reverse rotation modes with the help of a driver IC.
This is a brief description regarding the motion sensors and their applications
with some practical examples of motion detectors. If you still intend to know
more regarding these motion sensors or any other wireless sensor
networks you can post your queries by commenting below.
Learning Objectives:
After reading this Information Sheet, you must be able to:
1. Explain the purposes of outlets and receptacles
2. Differentiate the types of outlets and receptacles
Introduction:
To the unobservant eye, all types of electrical outlets are identical.
Rectangular shape, screw in the center, two faces with uneven eyes and a
downturned mouth. Sound familiar? But if you take a look around, you’ll
notice slight variations. There are several types of electrical outlets commonly
seen in the country. Some are outdated, some have special purposes, and
some have been adapted to include safety features. While you probably have
been using electrical outlets safely all along, there’s no harm in learning a
little more about the various types of electrical outlets.
Wall Outlet. The common wall outlet is called convenience outlet. And to call
it wall plug is not correct. A Plug is another name for the attachment cap on
the wire coming from a device such lamps or appliances.
Universal. This type of socket outlet will accept most kinds of plugs. It can
accept Type A, or the most common one with two parallel blades, Type B, or
the plug with two parallel blades with a circular ground a little above the
middle of the two blades, and Type C, with two roundish, circular pins. Most
adaptors have their receiving end with this type of socket because it accepts
plenty of kinds of plugs. Having most of your electrical socket outlets as this
is very convenient.
Parallel with ground. Also called the Type B electrical outlet, this type of
socket outlet includes two blades with a ground in the middle. This is
Parallel flat blades. It’s also called Type A. This is the single most common
socket outlet in this country, but unfortunately, it’s also the most exclusive.
It’s for this reason that you buy adaptors – since Type A sockets can only
accept one kind of plug.
Round to flat outlet. This outlet is more common than the parallel with
ground, but it’s less common than the parallel flat one. This outlet will accept
Type A as well as Type C – two round pins. This also offers quite a convenience
since it accepts two types of plugs. That means that you won’t need an
adaptor.
GFCI outlets
A ground fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI for short, is meant to quickly shut
off an outlet’s power when it detects a short circuit or ground fault. Normal
electrical flow happens when the current comes through the hot wire and
returns back through the neutral wire, but if electricity flows beyond that, the
GFCI outlet will trip.
Basically, if you’re using a fault hair dryer, for example, and your feet are wet,
a short circuit from the hair dryer can cause the current to pass through you,
to your wet feet, and into the ground, electrocuting you. A GFCI outlet kills
GFCI outlets are typically more expensive than regular outlets, but are
required to be installed in locations such as kitchens and bathrooms.
AFCI outlets
Though it’s not as well-known as a GFCI outlet, an AFCI outlet looks very
similar. Short for “arc fault circuit interrupter,” it protects from arcs, which
happen when electricity jumps from one wire to another, which can result in
a fire.
Any modern house built after 1999 should have AFCI circuit breakers
installed at the circuit breaker box. If you live in an older house, you can
install the outlets at the beginning of every circuit, which will protect all
outlets following in that circuit.
Learning Objectives:
After reading this Information Sheet, you must be able to:
1. Familiarize the safety procedures in wiring devices.
2. Select correct PPE in line with safety requirements.
3. Demonstrate the safety procedures in wiring devices.
This section covers the safety procedures you need to observe when
installing floor and GFCI outlets. The PPE is also included here.
a. Safety Glasses /Goggles: This will protect your eyes from electric
arcs/spark.
Always wear safety goggles to protect your eyes in any
activity involving chemicals, arc, sparks, flames or
heating, or the possibility of broken glassware or flying
objects
b. Face Shields: This will protect your whole face for any electric
arcs/sparks.
2. Hand Protection : Insulated Gloves will protect your hand from any
live exposure
3. Body Protection /Arc Rated Coveralls: This will protect the body
from any harm cause by any electrical hazards.
For each type of wiring devices in this learning outcome, you will be
introduced to important information about the safety procedures in wiring
devices in this section.
A. FLOOR OUTLETS
The National Electrical Code requires floor outlets to be a part of an
approved assembly consisting of a metal box, gasket seal, special receptacle
and strong cover plate with a moisture-proof cover. You can't just mount a
regular wall outlet in the floor. The first time someone stepped on it, it would
break. Besides, mopping a floor around an outlet that doesn't have a
moisture-proof cover could cause corroded connections, or worse, give you a
lethal shock.
You can put a floor outlet anywhere, but getting the cable there can be
tough. So keep routing problems in mind when you choose a location.
1. Determine if the circuit you want to use can handle the additional outlet
without overloading. Do this by shutting off the circuit at the main
panel. Then go through the house turning on lights and other electrical
items. Add up the wattage for everything that doesn't go on, including
things that are normally plugged in, such as stereos and televisions.
Then add the wattage of the lamp you'll be plugging into the floor outlet.
The National Electrical Code (NEC) allows a total of 1,800 watts for a
15-amp circuit; 2,400 for a 20-amp circuit. The amp rating of the circuit
is printed on the circuit breaker or fuse. If the total wattage exceeds
these amounts, you'll have to find a new circuit. Also, as a rule of
thumb, don't use a circuit if it has any device drawing more than 7.5
amps either plugged in or directly wired to it.
2. To figure out if there's enough space in the box for the minimum box
size required by the NEC, add: 1 for each hot and neutral wire entering
the box, 1 for all the ground wires combined, 1 for all the clamps
combined, and 2 for each device (switch or receptacle) installed in the
box. Multiply this figure by 2 for 14-gauge wire and 2.25 for 12-gauge
wire to get the minimum box volume in cubic inches. Plastic boxes have
their volume stamped inside. Steel box capacities are listed in the
electrical code.
B. GFCI OUTLETS
COLUMN A COLUMN B
_____ 1. Goggles / face shields, safety glasses A. Eyes
B. Face
_____ 2. Face shield / protective shields / barriers
C. Head
E. Feet
_____ 4. Earplugs / earmuffs
F. Hands
and arms
_____ 5. Safety shoes / boots
G. Protective
_____ 6. Gloves / sleeve guards clothing
H. Body
_____ 7. Protective clothing – vests / safety suits
/safety jackets. I. Airways
_____9.Respiratory devices
1. T
2. F
3. T
4. T
5. T