PANEL BOARDS

Electrical Portal’s guide to panel boards stated that Panel boards or power distribution
systems are often used in buildings that has a supply of electricity. Example of these buildings are
residential, commercial and industrial facilities. These are used to ensure the safety of the residents
of the building and also for the proper distribution of power all over the building.

Photo taken from https://www.indiamart.com/proddetail/electrical-control-panel-board-16488308333.html

COMPOSITION

Siemen step 2000 mentioned in their course guide that a panel board comes in varying sizes
but all these sizes are mainly composed of these parts; can, interior, circuit protection devices,
label, and trim.
APPLICATION

Used in buildings that needs electricity. Mainly for dividing the electricity into different
circuits and acts as a protective fuse or circuit breaker (Wikipedia, May 2018).
TYPES

E and M stated that there are two type of panel boards, these are the main breaker and main
lug only.

Photo taken from E and M

Main Lug

This Panel board disconnects the power from the panel board and provides protection
against short circuits, overloads and ground faults if equipped with proper protection.
Main Lug Only

This type of panel board doesn’t have a main circuit breaker. The supply cables are
connected to the bus bars. Overload protection for the main panel board is not provided as an
important part.
MANUAL TRANSFER SWITCH
According to PSI Control Solutions, this a switch that is usually placed either inside or
outside of a building where the building’s circuit breaker or electrical panel is found. It is a source
of power in case of emergency power blackouts.

Photo taken from Amazon.com

Composition
A manual transfer switch is usually made up of silver alloy so that it won’t get burned or
pitted (EMWD, April 2016).
Application
This transfer switch is used in residential and commercial buildings that needs to be
lighted in times of blackouts and power breakdowns. This safely transfers the power source
(Grifo, n.d.).

In Devin Foley’s article wherein he compared the different types of transfer switch, he
enumerated the following advantages and disadvantages;
Advantages
Low Price. This transfer switch is a great option for people who has a tight budget. Especially
for the transfer switches that are used in residential homes.
Extremely Small. This is a very great advantage since it has a small size, they can fit anywhere.
More importantly on businesses with small spaces.
Easy Installation. this switches doesn’t need professionals to install it, the owner of the house
can do it without any worries.
Disadvantages
Manual. This switches have to be powered up manually. Once the power goes out, someone has
to go to the transfer switch and open it. This type of switch is not recommended to hospitals.

GENERATORS
A generator is a machine that turns mechanical energy into electrical power
that can be used to power just about anything (Wikipedia, September 2018).
Composition

Carlos Mano stated that the mechanical energy that can be converted into energy can be
falling water, steam pressure or wind power and the electricity that will be generated can either
be Alternating Current or Direct Current. A generator is mainly composed of wire, magnets, and
a rotating axis. Every time the wires in the generator move, it causes the electron to flow in the
wire.
Application
Generators are often used when there is a power blackout and outages, essentially, they
are life savers. It convert power supplies such as propane, gasoline or diesel into electrical
energy. These generators are used to supply power for appliances in both residential and
commercial buildings. (Grainger, March 2017).
Types
In Grainger’s article, it was stated that a generator comes in different types. But despite
being different and all, they all still serve the same purpose; to provide energy.
Portable Generator
This type of generator is usually powered by either gas or diesel fuel. It uses
combustion engine to conduct electricity. After it is already working, you can wire this to
subpanels. What makes this very great is that it can be used in remote areas as long as you have
the fuel to power it.
Application:
Can power television, freezer, refrigerator and other basic appliances. All in all, it can
power tools and lights.
 Photo taken from http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-7-000-Watt-Gasoline-Powered-Electric-Start-Portable-Generator-
DXGNR7000/206069299

Inverter Generator
This particular type if generator makes use of an engine that is connected to an
alternator in order to produce AC Power. A rectifier is also needed to convert AC power to DC
power. It greatly relies on high-tech magnets and uses advanced electronic circuitry. In order for
the electricity to be produced, it undergoes three phases. This generator is energy-efficient and
the engine adjusts itself according to the amount of power it needs. What makes this even better
is that it is smaller compared to portable ones and are lightweight.
APPLICATION
This type of generator is often used to power car batteries and laptops, generally
other appliances that has a battery that needs to be recharged.

Photo taken from https://www.generacpowerproducts.com/generators/generac-iq2000-inverter-generator.axd

Standby Generator
This is an electrical system that works with an automatic transfer switch that commands it
to power up immediately after power loss. It even delivers permanent power protection. It is composed of
two parts; the standby generator itself and the automatic transfer switch. This can be operated with liquid
propane or natural gas and uses an internal combustion engine.
Application
This type of generator is often used in commercial institutes to power elevators, standby
lighting, medical and life support equipment and also fire protection systems. Smaller ones can
be used in residential homes.

Photo taken from https://www.homedepot.com/p/Generac-100-000-Watt-Liquid-Cooled-Standby-Generator-

QT10068ANAC/202851458

In Family Needs’ website, they stated the generator has greatly affected the world of
electricity. But despite its great effects, we have to know the advantages and disadvantages it
brings to our family and environment.
Advantages
Power Producing Ability. Generators are considered to be the most powerful energy
producing machine especially that it is a great help in times of emergency.
Durability. It has a strong body material that has a heavy power producing ability. This
is a very great option for long term uses.
Purposive. Generators can be used both at home and in businesses.
Source of Electricity. This system doesn’t need electricity to run. Instead, it is the source
to electricity.
Disadvantages
Effect on the Environment. Generators are not eco-friendly power-producing machines
because of the smoke and noise it creates. This is the reason why generators should be kept
outside.
Power Storage Capacity. You can only produce energy by the time you start up this
machine, it can’t retain power.
Maintenance Cost. Generators are run by fuels. Some of these fuels are expensive so the
bigger the generator, the more the fuel, the more the cost.
TRANSFORMERS
According to the Electrical Engineering community, a transformer is a device that transfers
electric current from circuit to circuit through mutual induction. Even though the electric current
is transferred, the frequency is still the same and yet the voltage can be increased or decreased
depending on how it is needed.
Composition
A transformer is made up of steel flatbars, bolts, nuts and washers, magnet wire and a
power supply (Freeman, 2017).

Photo taken from https://www.quora.com/What-materials-are-used-in-making-a-transformer

Application
Electrical Technology mentioned in their website that a transformer is used to rise or
lower the level of voltage and current in a circuit. It can also increase or decrease the value of
capacitor. It prevents DC from moving from one circuit to another.
Types
A transformer has different types. There are two major types which is the Step-Up and
Step-down transformer. But there are two other types that are used here in the Philippines (Meiji
Electric, 2018).

Photo taken from https://meijielectric.ph/transformer-supplier/

Step-Up Transformer
This type of transformer is not commonly used in households here in the Philippines,
however, these are widely-used in establishments such as hospitals, factories and all that needs
higher voltages. These can also serve as protection for your electrical devices.
Step-Down Transformer
This is the most common type of transformer here in the Philippines. This transformer
reduces input voltage into a usable level in order for the appliances to work properly. They serve
a protection for electrical devices and can help in saving electric bill.
Isolation Transformer
Unlike the former types of transformer, this one doesn’t change the voltage level, these
just serves as safety devices so that no one will be electrocuted. It is used to isolate the grounded
conductor of a power line from chassis or any portion of a circuit.

Photo taken from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isolation_transformer

Autotransformer
This is a combination of step-up and step-down transformer. The user have the option
which one to use. Some suppliers suggest not to use this but instead to buy one that is either step
up or step down to avoid any accidents and for the precision of function.

Photo taken from https://meijielectric.ph/transformer-supplier/

 Every device has its own advantages and disadvantages, here are some of a transformer’s
advantages and disadvantages as mentioned by Kevin Kobelt.
Advantages
Transforms voltage. A transformer has the ability to lower or higher the voltage,
depending on how it is needed.
Isolation Ability. This make equipment such as live and pool lighting ones safe because it
is no longer grounded meaning it won’t electrocute anyone.
Disadvantages
Core loss and Conductor loss. Because of the flow of the current, it is possible for the
core and iron to lose.
Heat. As a transformer gets used frequently, it heats up and needs time to cool down to
avoid fire and other damages.

WIRING DEVICES
FTP Directory Listing mentioned that wiring devices are single discrete units of electrical
distribution systems that only carries electricity but doesn’t use it.
Types
Receptacles
A receptacle or also known as electrical outlet is a socket that allows electric devices to
receive electric supply. These are usually installed in walls but there are also instances when they
are installed in floor and ceilings (Wikipedia, 2018).
According to Dan Vandervort of Home Tips, there are four commonly used types of
receptacles;
120-Volt Receptacles
This is one of the most commonly used outlets. It comes in different colors and can
be identified with just one look; it has two identical outlets with three plug in slots. Each
outlet has a slot at the bottom which is arched which is for grounding appliances and the
two narrow slots; one is neutral while the narrower one Is hot.
 Photo taken from https://www.hometips.com/how-it-works/receptacles-120-240-volt.html

120-240 Volt Receptacles

This outlet provides both 120 and 240 volts, it has four plug in slots; two which are
hot, one neutral and another one for grounding. Before buying one, make sure that the
voltage of the appliance match with the voltage of the receptacle.

Photo taken from https://www.hometips.com/how-it-works/receptacles-120-240-volt.html

240 Volt Receptacles

This is not to be used for standard appliances but instead, these are for items that
uses great power. It has two hot slots with a grounding slot, which makes it a great match
for power tools. It can either be mounted on walls or a surface. This is recommended for
places with large and heavy power tools.

Photo taken from https://www.hometips.com/how-it-works/receptacles-120-240-volt.html

GFCI Receptacles
Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter is a special type of receptacle for kitchens,
bathrooms and other areas that is usually exposed to water to provide protection against
serious shock that might happen when electricity touch water.

Photo taken from https://www.cableorganizer.com/gfci-receptacles/

 Using electricity is very dangerous. It may be pretty useful for our daily use but still needsd
to be used correctly. here are some of its advantages and disadvantages as mentioned in Ameya
Upadhyay’s presentation.
Advantages
Low Power Appliances. This sockets can be used to supply power for minor appliances at home.
Electric Operation. This can help in operating all electric appliances.
Cheap. These sockets are cheaper to use in connecting.
Safe. Unlike bare wires, these sockets are safe to use, especially that the user has the will to control
the socket.
Disadvantages
Unfit. No plugs can be used internationally and universally, it all differs in volts so different
sockets are to be used in different places.

SWITCHES
According to Wikipedia, a switch is a component of a circuit that can either make or break
the electric current so that it can be diverted from one conductor to another. It can be operated
manually, moving objects or through sense.
EdgeFX stated that the type of switches depend on the connection of the circuit that is
made. When the connection is broken, there is no electric current and when it is connected, there
is electricity. There are four major types of switches;

Photo taken from http://www.efxkits.com/blog/types-of-switches-with-applications/

SPST
Single Pole Single Throw switch is the basic on and off switch between two terminals. This
type of switch has one input and one output. In short, this is an on/off switch. When it is off, there
is no electricity and when it is on, there is electricity.

Photo taken from http://www.efxkits.com/blog/types-of-switches-with-applications/

SPDT
Single pole double throw is a three terminal switch wherein one terminal is for input and
the remaining are for output. Its application is for three-way circuit to turn lights on/off from two
locations just like in the top and bottom of a stairway.

Photo taken from http://www.efxkits.com/blog/types-of-switches-with-applications/

DPST

Double Pole, Single Throw has two poles that includes identical switches that are side by
side. Two circuits can be controlled through one push.

Photo taken from http://www.efxkits.com/blog/types-of-switches-with-applications/

DPDT
Double Pole Double Throw has two separate circuits that are connecting two inputs of
each circuit to one of two outputs. This type of switch can be used for open and closed wiring
system.

Photo taken from http://www.efxkits.com/blog/types-of-switches-with-applications/

Sources
E and M, Siemens (n.d.). Panelboards. Retrieved from: training@eandm.com
EDGEFX (2016). Types of Switches with Application. Retrieved from:
http://www.efxkits.com/blog/types-of-switches-with-applications/
Electrical Engineering Community (May 2013). What is a Transformer? Retrieved from:
http://engineering.electrical-equipment.org/electrical-distribution/what-is-a-transformer.html
EMWD Org. (April, 2016). Specifications-Detailed Provisions. Retrieved from:
https://www.emwd.org/home/showdocument?id=14610
Family Needs (May 2015). Advantages and Disadvantages of Generators. Retrieved from:
http://www.familyneeds.net/news/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-generators/
Foley, Devin (September, 2017). Manual Vs. Automatic Transfer Switch. Retrieved from:
http://iskiliphalkegitim.com/2017/09/05/manual-vs.-automatic-electrical-transfer-switch/
Freeman, Paul (February, 2017). What Material are Used in Making a Transformer. Retrieved
from: https://www.quora.com/What-materials-are-used-in-making-a-transformer
FTP Directory Listing (n.d.). Wiring Devices. Retrieved from:
ftp://ftp.ocfl.net/divisions/Utilities/pub/C%20I%20P/Master%20CIP%20Technical%20Specifica
tions/16143%20Wiring%20Devices.doc
Grifo, Jared (n.d.). Manual Transfer Switch-User’s Guide. Retrieved from:
https://www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com/stories/3-How-to-Pick-the-Perfect-Manual-Transfer-
Switch.html
Grainger (March 2017). Long Lasting Power: Best Practices for Generator Maintenance.
Retrieved from: https://www.grainger.com/content/supplylink-long-lasting-power-best-practices-
for-generator-maintenance
Kobelt, Kevin (November 2017). What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Transformers.
Retrieved from: https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-
transformer
Mano, Carlos (April 2017). Basic Materials Used in a Generator. Retrieved from:
https://sciencing.com/basic-materials-used-electrical-generator-7615888.html
Meiji Electric Philippine, Inc. (2018). Essential Knowledge Every Transformer Supplier in the
Philippines Should Tell You. Retrieved from: https://meijielectric.ph/transformer-supplier/
PSI Control Solutions (2018). What is a Manual Transfer Switch. Retrieved from:
https://www.psicontrolsolutions.com/what-is-a-manual-transfer-switch
Upaghyay, Ameya (February 2014). Plugs and Sockets. Retrieved from:
https://prezi.com/lkcoogr_ewpx/plugs-and-sockets/
Vandervort, Don (April 2018). Types of Electrical Receptacles. Retrieved from:
https://www.hometips.com/how-it-works/receptacles-120-240-volt.html
Wikipedia (April 2018). Electrical Outlet. Retrieved from:
https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_outlet
Wikipedia (May 2018). Distribution Board. Retrieved from:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distribution_board
Wikipedia (September 2018). Switch. Retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switch
Wikipedia (September 2018). Electric Generator. Retrieved from:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generator