RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICAL SERVICE APPLICATIONS OF TECHNOLOGY

ELECTRICAL SERVICE SYSTEM There are three parts involved in providing residences with electricity: Generation Transmission Distribution

GENERATION Electricity is generated at a Power Plant and sent out through high voltage transmission lines. Electricity may generated through the following means: Nuclear Power Hydroelectric Dams Solar Thermal Energy Geothermal Power Photovoltaic Panels Wind Turbines Burning Fossil Fuels (coal, natural gas)

TRANSMISSION High voltage lines carry power to Substations where transformers step up the voltage to be sent to main distribution lines.

TRANSMISSION Examples of Substations.

DISTRIBUTION Main Distribution Lines deliver power to large subdivisions and commercial customers.

DISTRIBUTION Main Distribution Lines feed local distribution lines delivering power to small neighborhoods and businesses.

DISTRIBUTION Local distribution lines provide electrical service to individual customers.

OVERHEAD SERIVCE Service Head Transformer Power Source Conduit Meter Service Panel

UNDERGROUND SERVICE Transformer Meter Service Panel Conduit

ELECTRICAL PANELS Electricity is supplied to a building with three wires Two wires carry 120 volts of alternating current (AC) such that the voltages are opposite One wire is neutral or ground (zero volts) Circuit Breakers are switches the control receptacles, switches, light fixtures, and other devices within a room or area of a building. Most breakers are 15 or 20 amp depending on the area to be serviced. Some appliances/equipment require more current and have their own dedicated circuit.

ELECTRICAL WIRING The Black (other colors also used) is known as the hot wire. The White is known as the neutral wire. The Green (or bare) is known as the ground wire. Electricity is fed to a device via the hot wire and returns (completing the circuit) through the neutral wire The ground wire provides a safe path for electricity if a short circuit accidentally occurs Most electrical wire is sheathed/insulated. The ground wire may not be insulated. Wire is normally made from copper or aluminum. Copper is the better material for wiring but usually more expensive. Wire is sold in different sizes called gauges. The thick the wire, the lower the gauge.

COMMON ELECTRICAL SYMBOLS RECEPTACLE/OUTLET Some symbols may vary in appearance based on preferences of the person drawing. Left slot in the duplex outlet is for the neutral, the right slot is for the hot, and half round slot is for the ground. Duplex GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter Range/Dryer

COMMON ELECTRICAL SYMBOLS SWITCHES Single-Pole 3-Way Switch Dimmer

COMMON ELECTRICAL SYMBOLS LIGHTING Recessed Pendant Surface-Mounted

ELECTRICAL PLAN Electrical Plans typically show the location of receptacles, switches, and lighting fixtures. The dashed lines represent wiring and help to show which light fixtures are controlled by a particular switch. Electrical Plans also show the location of the service panel with the breakers for all circuits in the building.