Electrical – Components

Electrical power is essential to the operation of a modern building. This power is generated by a utility company and is delivered to buildings through transmission lines. Electromagnetic induction of alternating current is the principle which enables generators to create electricity, transformers to change its voltage for transmission, and motors to convert electricity back to mechanical energy. At the building, electrical power is manipulated, distributed, and controlled in various ways before being actually “consumed” at an end load. Overcurrent in electric circuits is prevented by fuses and circuit breakers. GFCIs and AFCIs use solid state circuitry to provide an additional layer of circuit protection. Different types of lighting require different types of controls. Triacs are used in dimmers for incandescent lights, ballasts are required for fluorescent lamps, and LED drivers are used to power LED lighting. This module covers the steps and components that are typically used to control the distribution and control of electrical power throughout a building.