BASIC ELECTRICITY

LECTURE NOTES

Introduction

Electricity is a phenomenon which is known more by its effects. You can only see, feel, or hear its
effect because it can produce heat, light, sound and is able to cause mechanical movements of things in
a certain place or from one place to another.

It may be considered as a safe servant if it is treated with care and handled properly. However, it
may pose as danger and may be harmful if used or handled carelessly.

Scientifically, electricity is defined as a basic form of energy that is a property of a certain

fundamental particles of matter known as protons and electrons. Protons are the positively charged
particles of matter, while electrons are the negatively charged particles.

THE ELECTRON THEORY

Everything around us consists of matter and all matter is composed of atoms. Atoms consist of a
nucleus with, positive protons, neutral neutrons and negative electrons orbiting around the nucleus in
different energy levels. Electrons have higher energy level as compared to protons. Electrons in the
outermost shells are called valence electrons which are very important in determining the conductivity of
any substance. The movement of valence electrons in a conductor is the essence of electric current.
Hence, ELECTRICITY is the movement or flow of electrons in a conductor. Charge is the pressure/force
or potential difference that enables something to move. Protons are positively (+) charged while the
Electrons are negatively (-) charged. The movement of electrons depends on the attraction and repulsion
of protons and electrons. The law of attraction and repulsion states that “Like poles repel while unlike
poles attract”. Hence, the amount of electrons charged will enable the flow, thus, producing a potential
difference.

CONDUCTORS AND INSULATORS

Generally, METALS are good conductors of electricity, where electrons easily move from one
atom to another, in other words, CONDUCTORS are materials with very low resistance, and thus it easily
permits the flow of current.

NON-METALS are usually non-conductors of electricity and are used as insulators.

INSULATORS are materials with very high resistance; hence, it does not easily permit the flow of electric
current.

KINDS OF ELECTRICITY

Static Electricity – it is electricity that is not in motion or electricity at rest. It is usually generated by
means of friction. Example: Lightning

Dynamic or Current Electricity – it is electricity in motion. It can be transmitted through a conductor

from one place to another by means of a potential difference.

SOURCES OF ELECTRICITY

1. Mechanically generated electricity

 Motors and dynamo
 Rotary magnetic machines
 Water-powered machines (hydroelectric power)
 Geothermal power
 Generator engines
o Oil-driven engines
o Gas-driven engines
o Diesel-driven engines
o Steam-driven engines
2. Chemically generated electricity
 Electric cells or battery
SOURCES OF ELECTRICAL POWER

AC (Alternating Current) source – common household convenience outlet where appliances are
plugged or an electrical transformer. (Step-down transformer)

DC (Direct Current) source – cells, batteries, power adaptors.

Converters – change AC input to DC output
Inverters – change DC input to AC output

TYPES OF ELECTRIC CURRENT

1. DIRECT CURRENT (DC) – the flow of electron in a conductor is in only one direction, conventionally,
it flows from a negative pole through an electrical device (such as a light bulb) to the positive pole.

The direction and intensity of the current is constant against time. Current flow in DC can be
compared to the flow of water. Voltage to the difference of water level and Resistance to an obstacle
that disrupts the flow of water.

Methods of Causing Direct Current

1. Chemical – chemical energy is converted to electrical energy by the use of primary cell. Voltaic
cell or Battery – An acid reacts with the metal electrodes to generate electromotive force such
as when a chemical energy is converted to electricity in dry cells, wet cells and batteries.
2. Photoelectric – when a negative ion-rich photosensitive material like silicon is struck or exposed
to light, it releases electrons and produces direct current. It is popularly known as solar cell.
3. Thermo coupling – by coupling and heating two negative ion-rich thermally sensitive materials,
electrons are released causing electron flow with high temperature in one of the junctions.

Direct Current Power Supply

Batteries and DC Power Supply system (device) are used as DC Current Power Supply. The
power supply system converts AC Current to DC Current. Batteries are consist of chemical elements
and may be classified as primary battery and secondary battery. Secondary batteries are the type of
battery that can be recharged.

Battery DC power supply system

Primary Battery Secondary Battery AC Adapter
Manganese Cell Lead Battery DC stabilization power supply
Alkali Cell Nickel Cadmium Cell
Lithium Cell Nickel Hydrogen Cell
Lithium Ion Cell

2. ALTERNATING CURRENT (AC) – the flow of electron changes alternately. At one moment it goes
positive, and then it goes negative and so on as a cycle. It actually pulses – or reverses direction –
120 times, or 60 cycles per second (called 60 hertz power.
 1cycle or 1 hertz – one complete positive and negative movement of the electric wave.
Frequency – refers to the number of complete cycles performed in one second. Usually known
as (cps – cycles per second) or Hertz.

Generation and Frequency of Alternating Current

Alternating current is produced by rotating turbines at power plants. In hydroelectric power

generation, using heat or pressure of water rotates the turbine. In thermal power generation, using
heat from combustion of heavy oil and natural gas and nuclear fission of uranium rotates the turbine.

Method of causing Alternating Current

1. By induction – this is the most useful method of generating electricity that is currently used
today. When a wire passes through an electromagnetic field, the electromagnetic field induces
electricity. The induction creates alternating current.
2. Magnetic – use of magnet to go back and forth or to rotate inside a coil or the coil rotates around
the magnet.
3. Piezoelectric effect – this method works when crystal of quartz or ceramic materials are
sandwiched between two metal plates and pressure is applied, it generates electric current.

Properties of Electricity

1. Current – is the intensity of the flow of electrons in a conductor.

2. Voltage – is the electromotive force (EMF) that enables or pushes the electrons to flow in a
conductor toward a certain direction.
3. Resistance – it is the force that opposes the flow of electrons.
4. Power – it is the total measure of electrical energy consumed in a circuit.

MAGNETISM

 Anything that attracts steel or iron is a magnet and this attraction ability is called magnetism.
 These materials are called ferromagnetic.
 The operation of practically all appliances like transformers, radios, television, loudspeakers, disc
players and many others depend much on magnetism.

ELECTROMAGNETISM

 Electromagnetism is the production of magnetic field by current in a conductor.

 Any piece of iron or steel can be made as electromagnet by winding an insulated copper wire
around it and allow current to pass through the wire.
 It is dependent on the source of current. When the power line is turned OFF, the electromagnet is
also cut OFF.

OHM’S LAW

George Simoun Ohm, a German physicist discovered that voltage, current and resistance in a circuit have
definite relationship with one another.

It states that: Current is directly proportional to voltage and inversely proportional to

resistance.

Quantity Unit of Measurement Symbols Used Proponent/Discoverer

Electron Current Ampere (Amp.) A or I Andre Ampere
Applied Voltage Volt V or E Alessandro Volta
Circuit Resistance Ohm R or Ω George Simoun Ohm
Power Watt P or W James Watt

Ohm’s Law can be expressed in the following formula:

 E=IxR
 R=E/I
 I=E/R
THE ELECTRIC CIRCUIT

A circuit is the complete flow of current through a conductor or path from the source to the load
and back to the source. In other words, it is a continuous flow of current.

Schematic diagram of a complete circuit: Pictorial diagram of a complete circuit:

Parts of an Electric Circuit

1. Source – provides electrical power to the circuit. Example: cell or battery, generators, current
from household convenience outlet.
2. Load – an electrical device usually an appliance, lights or any equipment connected to the circuit
that consumes power or electricity.
3. Control/Switch – an electrical device that turns the current ON and OFF conveniently.
4. Path – a conductor composed of two or more lines that provide passage for electric current from
the source to the load.

ANATOMY OF A CIRCUIT

Electrons always flow in circles, known as circuits. In this

illustration, it all begins at the power supplier’s generating plant which pumps
out charged electrons illustrated by the black loads of the trucks. The
supplier’s lines bring power to your home’s service entrance, and then
through a meter that keeps track of the household consumption. Next traffic
proceeds to the service panel, which directs the flow to a series of circuits
such as this simplified example. (Fuse or circuit breakers here stop traffic
instantly if an accident occurs in any circuit).

From the panel, the freeway narrows to two lanes which corresponds to the two wires needed for
a circuit, one of them is identified as charged or “Hot”, the other carries no charge. Every potential exit
from an electrical circuit is called an outlet, regardless of whether it consists of a receptacle, switch, or
light. At the first exit in this illustration – a receptacle outlet, electron traffic passes on by because nothing
is plugged in and turned on. But the moment you hooked in an electrical device, charged electrons flows
into it and do their work, as shown in the second receptacle. In the process the electrons “dump” their
charges. Now they begin a return trip back to the service panel.

Notice too what’s happening on the road, here charged electrons are being stopped by a light
switch in its off position. Flip on the switch, and the energy flow begins. Back at the service panel, all
empty uncharged electrons return to the power company or to the earth via a “ground”.

CIRCUIT CONNECTIONS

Series Circuit – loads are connected end to end along the path of current in a single closed loop. A
typical example is the Christmas light where a number of loads (bulbs) are connected to one another. If
one bulb burns out, the whole set of bulbs goes dark. Then you have to find which bulb is bad, and
replace it to get the lights working again.
 Power in Watts

Total power in a circuit can be computed using the following magic circle. If two quantities are given
or present, the missing quantity can be solved by simply deriving the formula.

Amps (amperes) represent the number of electrons flowing through a conductor. (The rate of flow
can vary considerably depending on the demand). Voltage is the load of potential energy being
carried by the electrons and Wattage measures the total energy consumed.

Parallel Circuit – loads are connected side by side across the path of current. The current flowing in
each branch is independent from each other that when one branch or load opens, the other loads will still
function.

Complex Circuit (Series-Parallel Connection) – this circuit is used when it is necessary to provide the
various amounts of current and voltages at different points of the circuit using only one source of supply
voltage.

CONDITIONS OF A CIRCUIT

1. Short Circuit – when uninsulated conductors from line 1 and line 2 of a circuit come into contact
with each other without passing any load or when the resistance of the load becomes
unnecessarily low. This is one of the most dangerous conditions because it creates a very high
flow of current which produces unusual heat and may cause fire.
2. Open Circuit – when the flow of current in a circuit is incomplete or when the circuit is switched
OFF.
3. Closed Circuit – when there is a complete flow of current in the circuit or when the circuit is
switched ON.
4. Grounded Circuit – when one uninsulated conductor in a circuit touches the metal part of the
appliance. It causes voltage drain and may cause electrocution when touched by an uninsulated
individual.
5. Overloaded Circuit – when the total current flowing in the circuit is more than the current
capacity or ampacity of the conductor or the branch circuit.

HOUSE WIRING

House wiring refers to the installation of electrical wiring circuits in a residential house. Circuit
installation must conform to existing laws and regulations of the National Electrical Code (NEC) or the
Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) as well as the city or local ordinance enforced and applied in specific
locations for safety and circuit worthiness purposes.

House Wiring Methods Approved by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

1. Open conductors
2. Concealed knob and tube wiring
 3. Conduit wiring
4. Surface metal raceways
5. Armored cable
6. Under floor raceways
7. Non-metallic sheathed cable
8. Electrical metallic tubing (EMT)
9. Cast-in-place race ways
10. Wire ways and house ways

Basic Requirements and Considerations in Electrical House Wiring

1. Prepare a house wiring plan in accordance with the safety standards of the PEC.
2. Determine the loads and compute for the expected power and current consumption.
3. Identify the service point where electricity will come from.
4. Determine the number of outlets per branch and their specifications.
5. Determine the sizes of receptacles, tubes and panels.
6. Determine the sizes and ampacity of wires, cables and circuit protectors to be used following the
load consumptions and the specifications of the PEC.

DEFINICTION OF TERMS

1. Service – the conductor or equipment for delivering energy from the electricity supply system to
the wiring system of the premises served.
2. Service Conductor – the supply conductor which extends from the street mains or from
transformers to the service equipment of the premises supplied.
3. Service Drop – the overhead service conductor from the last pole or other aerial support to and
including the splices, if any, connecting to the service entrance conductor at the building or other
structures.
4. Branch Circuit – that portion of the wiring system extending beyond the final over current device
protecting the circuit.
5. Feeder – all circuit conductors between the service equipment, or the generator switchboard of
an isolated plant, and the final branch circuit over current device.
6. Load – these are fixtures, equipment, or appliances that are connected in the circuit that
consume power or electricity.

CONDUITS

Pipe like conduit protects individual conductors from moisture and physical harm. It may be
classified as:

1. Thin wall metal conduit – usually called Type EMT is a standard choice for exposed interior
locations.

2. Flexible metal conduit – sometimes called Greenfield is similar to MC (Armored cable). It is

used indoors where EMT would be too much trouble to route and for water heaters and other
large appliances.
 3. Rigid nonmetallic conduit – are made from PVC plastic, is often allowed for interior installation.
The size of conduit you need depends on the number and size and number of conductors it will
be holding.

WIRES AND CABLES

Wire sizes/cables:

o For lighting fixtures and circuit - #14 AWG

o Circuit for convenience outlets - #12 AWG
o Cable for service entrance - #8 AWG

Copper is the best and most commonly used metal for conductors, but, aluminum
and copper-clad aluminum are also sometimes used. Because aluminum is not as
efficient conductor as copper, aluminum or copper-clad aluminum must be larger
than a copper wire in order to conduct the same amount of electricity.

LIGHT FIXTURES (three basic categories)

1. Task lighting – it is used to illuminate the area where a visual activity – such as reading, sewing
or preparing food – occur.
2. Accent lighting – it is primarily decorative. It is consisting largely of directional light, but it used to
focus attention on artwork, highlight architectural features, or set as mood.
3. Ambient or general lighting – it provides a soft level of light appropriate to such activities as
watching televisions or entertaining. It may come from fixtures that provide a diffuse spread of
illumination.

Circuit Protection Device:

Fuses
 60 amp-100 amps – main fuse
 20 amps – lighting circuit
 30 amps – convenience outlet (general purpose)
Circuit Breakers
 60 amp-100 amps – main breaker
Branch Circuits
 15 amps – for lighting fixtures
 20 amps – for convenience outlet (general purpose)
 30 amps – heavy duty appliance outlets

BASIC HOUSE WIRING TOOLS

1. Set of pliers
 Long nose pliers
 Lineman’s pliers
  Side cutting pliers
2. Utility knife
3. Combination tool/wire stripper
4. Testers
5. Electric drill and bits
6. Tube cutter
7. Conduit bender
8. Soldering gun and solder
9. Fish tape
10. Tool pouch

MEASURING/TESTING DEVICES

1. Multitester 6. Galvanometer
2. Megaohmmeter 7. Oscilloscope
3. Current transformer 8. Wattmeter
4. Clamp meter 9. Kilowatt-hour meter
5. Neon lamp tester 10. Tachometer

BASIC HOUSE WIRING ELECTRICAL SYMBOLS

1. Circuit breaker 12. Push button

Fuse

2. Single receptacle 13. Buzzer

outlet

3. Double receptacle 14. Wiring concealed in

outlet ceiling or wall

4. Triple receptacle 15. Wiring concealed in

outlet floor

5. Single pole switch S 16. Wiring exposed

6. Double pole switch S2 17. Circuit homerun to
panel board
7. Three-way switch S3W 18. Three-wire run ///
8. Four-way switch S4W 19. Four-wire run ////
9. Switch and pilot SP 20. Wire crossed but not
lamp connected
10. Door switch SD 21. Wire crossed and
connected

11. Time switch ST 22. Light fixture

SELF CHECK:

Answer the following questions and counter check your answer in the given rationalized answer
key.

1. A form of electricity where the flow of current is always in the same direction ____________.
A. Voltage C. Alternating Current
B. Power D. Direct Current

2. The force which opposes and reduces the flow of electrical current is recognized as __________.
A. Power C. Electromagnetism
B. Resistance D. Frequency

3. A part of electric circuit which converts electrical energy into another form of energy to do work.
A. Load C. Source
B. Circuit D. Control

4. A part of an electrical circuit, consists of batteries, generator or a main electrical power which supplies
electricity.
A. Control C. Source
B. Load D. Voltage

5. A law that states that current is directly proportional to voltage and inversely proportional to resistance
is known as ______________.
A. PEC C. Kirchoff’s Law
B. Law of Resistivity D. Ohm’s Law

6. In Ohm’s Law to find the unknown voltage in the circuit, the formula to be used is _____________.
A. E=IxR C. I=E/R
B. E=I/R D. R=E/I

7. What amount of current does a 40-watt fluorescent lamp draw from a 220 volts power source?
A. 5.5 amperes C. 25.5 amperes
B. 0.18 amperes D. 50.5 amperes

8. There are several factors involved in electrical wiring installation but the foremost consideration is.
A. Cost C. Safety
B. Labor D. Function

9. The standard number or diameter of wires for convenience outlet layout should be.
A. #12 C. #18
B. #14 D. #10

10. To comply with the requirements of the Philippine Electrical Code, the appropriate fuse rating for
lighting outlet should be ____________.
A. 15 amperes C. 60 amperes
B. 30 amperes D. 20 amperes

11. Planning and designing of electrical wiring plan is being done in order to _____________.
A. Provide efficient and effective wiring system of the building
B. Maintain quality workmanship
C. Avoid overloaded circuit
D. Protect the circuit from high current

12. Circuit breakers are used to protect household electrical circuits. What is the ampacity rating of the
breaker used for convenience outlets or general purpose circuits?
A. 20 amperes C. 15 amperes
B. 30 amperes D. 60 amperes

13. An electrical component used to control electrical circuit in two different locations.
A. Four-way switch C. Push-button switch
B. Three-way switch D. Remote controlled switch
14. To conserve energy, what kind of lamp should be used in lighting fixtures?
A. Incandescent lamp C. Compact fluorescent lamp
B. Mercury lamp D. Neon lamp

15. The size of electrical wire recommended for installing lighting fixtures.
A. #12 AWG C. #18 AWG
B. #10 AWG D. #14 AWG

16. What is the voltage required by an automatic pressure cooker having a resistance of 20 ohms when
the current flowing is 8 amperes?
A. 240 volts C. 120 volts
B. 480 volts D. 160 volts

17. In a 220-volt power line, three 50-watt incandescent bulbs are connected in parallel. How many more
bulbs will light if one of the bulbs is open?
A. One C. All
B. Two D. None

18. In a simple electrical connection, one of the lines of the source is connected to ____________.
A. Terminal 1 of the load C. Terminal 1 of the switch
B. Terminal 2 of the load D. Terminal 1 and 2 of the switch

19. Which of the following electrical symbols in wiring diagram means that there are three wires running
in a line?
A. ----/-/-/---- C. -------------------
B. ----/-/-/-/---- D. S3W

20. A series connected dry cells will result to ________________.

A. Increase in the amount of current
B. Increase in the amount of voltage
C. Increase total resistance
D. More powerful supply of electricity
Key to Correction

1. D 6. A 11. A 16. D
2. B 7. B 12. A 17. B
3. A 8. C 13. B 18. A
4. C 9. A 14. C 19. A
5. D 10. D 15. D 20. B

Rationalized Answer Key

1. The flow of current in AC circuit is alternate. At one moment it goes positive, and then it goes
negative and so on as a cycle. Voltage – is the electromotive force (EMF) that enables or pushes the
electrons to flow in a conductor toward a certain direction while Power – is the total measure of
electrical energy consumed in a circuit.
2. Power – is the total measure of electrical energy consumed in a circuit.
3. An electrical device usually an appliance, lights or any equipment connected to the circuit that
consumes power or electricity; Source – Provides electrical power to the circuit. Example: cell or
battery, generators, current from household convenience outlet; Control/Switch – an electrical device
that turns the current ON and OFF conveniently. A circuit – is the complete flow of current through a
conductor or path from the source to the load and back to the source. In other words, it is a
continuous flow of current.
4. See rationalization above.
5. Kirchoff’s Law – (principle of conservation of current) states that the current going into any point ought
to be the same as the current going out of the point. This must be true for any point in a circuit, no
matter how many branches lead into or out of the point and (principle of conservation of voltage)
states that the sum of all voltages across the resistances is equal to, but has opposite polarity from
the supply voltage. Law of resistivity – The larger the conductor material the lower is the resistance to
flow of current and the smaller the conductor, the higher is the resistance. PEC – is the abbreviation
for Philippine Electrical Code.
6. I=E/R – formula to find the unknown current; and R=E/I – is the formula to find the unknown
resistance.
7. Solve the problem using the formula: I=P/E
8. In working with electrical circuits, firstly considered in the standard operating procedures (SOP) is the
safety.
9. #14 is the standard diameter of wire for lighting layout. #10 is the diameter of cable used for service
entrance; and #18 – diameter of stranded wire appropriate for making extension cords.
10. 60 amps – 100 amps – used as main fuse; 30 amps – convenience outlet (general purpose)
11. Strict compliance of the requirements stipulated in the PEC has this purpose.
12. 30 amps – heavy duty appliance outlets; 15 amps – for lighting fixtures; 60 amps – 100 amps – main
breaker
13. A four-way switch is used to control loads in three or more locations; remote controlled switch –
operates electronically without direct manual manipulation of the switch.
14. Incandescent and mercury lamp consume more electrical energy compared to CFL and neon lamp.
15. #14 is the standard diameter of wire for lighting layout; #10 is the diameter of cable used for service
entrance; and #18 is the diameter of stranded wire appropriate for making extension cords. AWG – is
an abbreviation for American Wire Gauge.
16. Compute for the total voltage required in the circuit using the formula: E=IxR.
17. In a parallel circuit the loads are connected independent to one another.
18. The three step electrical wiring connection of a simple parallel circuit can be done following this
sequence: Step 1 – Line 1 of the source connected to Terminal 1 of the load; Step 2 – Terminal 2 of
the load to Terminal 1 of the Switch; and Step 3 – Terminal 2 of the switch to line 2 of the source.
19. A single line in a wiring diagram symbolizes that there are two wires running on that line. Diagonal
bars across the line show specific number of wires in that particular line.
20. Increase in the amount of current – when batteries are connected in parallel; increase total resistance
– when resistors are connected in series.