ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION

AND MAINTENANCE
GRADE 12

LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET

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Name of Student: _________________________ Grade and Section: 12C

Learning Area: Electrical Installation and Maintenance LAS No.1

RIGID STEEL CONDUIT

I – INTRODUCTORY CONCEPT

The activities in this sheet will enhance your knowledge and skills on selecting appropriate
electrical tools, equipment and materials for the specific task; and applying suitable wiring
method for the job.

I – LEARNING COMPETENCIES

LO2- Install Electrical Lighting Systems, Auxiliary Outlets and Lighting Fixtures

CG Code: TLE_IAEI9-12EL-Ia-IIj-1

III – Learning Activities

Lesson 1. WIRES and CABLES

Wires are those conductors 3.26 mm or No.8 AWG and smaller in sizes.
Cables on the other hand, are those which are larger than the wires.

Wires are small cable while cables are big wires.

Wires and cables are either:

 Stranded wire – contains of a group of wires twisted to form a metallic string.

 Solid wire – consists only of single conductor.

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DIFFERENT TYPES OF ELECTRIC WIRES AND CABLES

CONVERSION TABLE OF CONDUCTORS

American Wire Gauge (AWG) To Wire Diameter Millimeter (mm)

Using the NEC/PEC Charts

The Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) is used throughout industry to determine the conductor
size for most applications. It is imperative that an electrician be familiar with code tables and
correction factors.

PEC Article 3.10 deals with conductors for general wiring. Table 3.10.1.16 is generally used
to select a wire size according to the requirements of the circuit. It lists ampacities (current-
carrying ability) of not more than three single insulated conductors in raceway or cable or
buried in the earth based on an ambient (surrounding) air temperature of 30 degrees
Celsius.

Unless otherwise specifically permitted elsewhere in the code the overcurrent protection for
conductor types marked with an obelisk (+) shall not exceed 15 amperes foe 2.0 mm 2, 20
amperes for 3.5 mm2, and 30 amperes for 5.5 mm2 copper; or 15 amperes for 3.5 mm2, and
25 amperes for 5.5 mm2 aluminum and copper clad aluminum after any correction factors for
ambient temperature and number of conductors have been applied.

Conductor Material
One of the factors that determines the resistivity of wire is the material from which the wire is
made. The table indicates that a copper conductor is permitted to carry more current than an
aluminum conductor of the same size and insulation type. An 8.0 mm 2 aluminum conductor
with type TW insulation is rated to carry only 30 amperes.

Another factor that determines the amount of current a conductor is permitted to carry is the
type of insulation used. This is due to the fact that different types of insulation can withstand
more heat than others. The wire table is divided into columns that list the trade name;
identification letters, maximum operating temperature, whether the insulation can be used in
a wet, damp or dry location, material, thickness, and outer covering. A good thing to
remember is that insulation materials that contain the letter W, such as RHW, THW, THWN,
and so on may be used in wet locations. A conductor which has an insulation material that
contain dual H (HH) letters can withstand higher temperature.

Correction Factors
One of the main factors that determines the amount of current a conductor is permitted to
carry is the ambience, or surrounding, air temperature, Table 3.10.1.16, for example, lists
the ampacity of not more than three conductors in a raceway in free air. These ampacities
are based on an ambient air temperature of 30°C. If these ampacities are based on a
location with a higher ambient temperature, the ampacity of the conductor must be reduced
because the resistance of copper or aluminum increases with an increase in temperature.
The correction factor chart located at the bottom of the table is used to make this
amendment. The correction factor chart is divided into the same number of columns as the
wire table directly above it. The correction factors in each column are used for the
conductors listed in the same column of the wire table.
For example, to determine the maximum ampacity of a 22 mm 2 copper conductor with type
THWN insulation used in an area with an ambient temperature of 43°C:

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 a. Determine the ampacity of a 22 mm2 copper conductor with type THWN insulation
from the wire table. The table lists ampacity of 85 A for this conductor.
b. Follow the second column down to the correction factor chart. Locate 43°C falls
between 41°C and 45°C. The chart lists a correction factor of 0.82.
c. The ampacity of the conductor in the above wire table is to be multiplied by the
correction factor: 85 A x 0.82 = 69.7 A

SELF-CHECK 2.1
1. A wire used for wiring electric ranges, hot water heaters, stoves and hairdryers where
both heat and moisture resistance is desirable.
A. Duralene (type WP)
B. Coaxial cable
C. Asbestos covered nickel cord (Rockbestos)
D. Steel tape armored powered cable with ground wire (Copper)

2. A wire commonly used for wiring motorized engines and appliances with high
temperature, and for switch board wiring.
A. Temperature wire (type HI)
B. Thermoplastic wire (type TW)
C. Asbestos covered nickel cord (Rockbestos)
D. Coaxial cable

3. This is a multi-conductor cable generally used for interior wiring installations in dry and
wet installations.
A. Durex wire
B. Non-metallic sheathed cable (type NMC)
C. Asbestos covered nickel cord (Rockbestos)
D. Steel tape armored power cable with ground wire (Copper)

4. This wire or cable is used for radio frequency antenna installation, and radar transceiver
installation.
A. Control cable
B. Royal cord
C. Duralene (type WP)
D. Coaxial cable

5. This wire or cable has 2, 3 or 4 conductors, stranded, and used for portable cords in
electrical equipment.
A. Control cable
B. Royal cord
C. Intercom cable
D. Coaxial cable

6. This is polyethylene-insulated line wire used for wiring installation of residential

buildings.
A. Intercom cable
B. Royal cord
C. Duralene (type WP)
D. Flat cord (type SPT)

7. This is the maximum ampacity of a 5.5 mm copper with type THHN insulation if the
conductor id to used in an ambient air temperature of 39°C.
A. 40 A B. 36 A C. 35 A D. 34 A

8. This wire cannot be used in wet locations.

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 A. TW B. THW C. THH D. THWN
9. This is the maximum operating temperature of a THHN wire.
A. 60°C B. 75°C C. 85°C D. 90°C

10. A copper conductor is to supply an air conditioning load which has a nameplate rating of
22 A. What size of THWN wire is safe and economical?
A. 8.0mm B. 2.0mm C. 3.5mm D. 5.5mm

Lesson 2. Common Electrical Symbols

Electrical Symbols are small drawings or pictograms used to represent various electrical
devices in a diagram or plan of an electrical circuit. These symbols are used in sketching
schematic diagrams ands electrical plans for numerous types of electrical works. Practically,
any electrical fixture found in a house has a symbol that coincides with said fixture on an
electrical wiring diagram. These are very useful guide for an electrician or electrical
contractor, thus, making the wiring easier to install.

The following are General Electrical Symbols used in sketching wiring plan and diagram.

SELF-CHECK 2.2
ANALYZE ELECTRICAL SYMBOLS

A. Directions: Match the electrical symbols in column A with the corresponding

descriptions in column B. Write the letter of your answer in the space provided before
each number.

Column A Column B
______1. S3w a. Service entrance (Three wires)

______2. b. Three-way Switch

______3. c. Fuse Cutout

______4. d. Incandescent lamp

______5 e. Convenience Outlet

f. Power Panel boar

g. Crossed Wires Connected

B. Directions: Identify the electrical symbols used in the floor plan. Write your answer
in the grid provided below.

Quantity Description

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Lesson 3. Wiring Diagram

A Wiring Diagram is a fundamental conventional graphic illustration of an electrical circuit. It

shows the simplified shapes of power, lighting, and signal connections between the devices.

Pictorial Diagram is a type of electrical print that shows external appearance of each
component in a circuit. It is much like a photograph of a wiring installation. It shows more
detailed physical appearance of a circuit or wiring installation.

Schematic Diagram is a wiring diagram using standard electrical symbols for wiring
devices. It is a representation of the elements of a system using abstract and graphic symbol
rather than realistic pictures.

Line Diagram is a presentation of electrical connections of wiring devices using single line
and with slashes indicating the number of conductors in a line.

Actual Connection Diagram is a sketch of the actual connections of electrical devices in a

circuit or wiring installations. Like a schematic diagram it also uses electrical symbols but this
is more detailed because it shows the wire terminations and connections.

SELF-CHECK 2.3
o WIRING DIAGRAM

o DIRECTIONS: Based on the Pictorial Diagram of “one lamp controlled by a single

pole switch and a convenience outlet”, draw the following:
o Schematic diagram
o Actual connection diagram
o Line diagram

ACTIVITY SHEET 2.1

WIRING DIAGRAM

DIRECTIONS: Based on the Pictorial Diagram of “two lamps, first lamp is controlled by two
3-way switches and the second lamp is controlled by single pole switch”, draw the following
diagrams:
o Schematic diagram
o Actual connection diagram
o Line diagram

Lesson 4. Flexible Armored Cable Wiring

Flexible Armored Cable (type AC) is a fabricated assembly of insulated conductors walled in
flexible metal sheath. It is commonly known as BX. It consists of spiraled metal sheet
forming flexible steel tube through which the rubber covered wires are enclosed. The armor
protects the wires from injury and moisture.

Type of Flexible Armored Cable

1. Types AC – the conductors inside are insulated with rubber insulation.
2. Type ACT – The conductors inside are insulated with thermoplastic insulation.
3. Type ACL – It has a rubber and lead sheath between the conductor and the armor.

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 4. Type ACV – It has a varnish cambric insulation. The varnish cambric is a closely
woven fabric of cotton or linen impregnated with insulating varnish.

Usages of Flexible Armored Cable

 Type AC and ACT

 Used for both exposed and concealed work in dry locations.
 Can be embedded in plastic finish on brick or other masonry work
except in damp and wet locations.

 Type ACV
 Used only for exposed work in dry locations in buildings. Used for
industrial or commercial purposes.
 Shall not be smaller than 5.19 mm.

 Type ACL
 Can be used when exposed to weather or continuous moisture.
 Is for underground runs and embedded in masonry, concrete or buried
in building during constructions.
 Where exposed to oil, gasoline or other conditions having deteriorating
effect on the insulation.

Flexible Armored Cable must not be used in

o Theaters
o Motion picture studios
o Hazardous locations
o Where exposed to corrosive fumes and vapors
o Storage battery rooms
o Cranes and hoist
o Hoist ways or elevators

Supports

Flexible Armored Cable must be secured by approved clamps, straps or similar fittings so
designed and mounted not to injure people. The cable shall be secured at the wired surface
approximately every 1-meter interval and within 30mm away from outlet box or fittings.

Exposed Work

Expose runs of cables must follow closely the surface of the building finisher of running
board concept:
o lengths of not more than 60-cm where flexibility is desired;
o on the undesirable of floor joist in basements where supported at each floor joist and
so located as not to be subjected to mechanical injury;
o in accessible attics and roof spaces, cables shall be installed as follows:
 where run across the top floor joist of within approximately 2 meters of floor joist
across the face of rafters, the cable shall be protected by guard strips which are
at least as high as the cable. When this space is not accessible by permanent
ladders or stairs, protection can be required within 2 meters from the attic
entrance.
 where cable is insulated along the sides of rafters, studs, or floor joist guard
strips or running boards are not needed.

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Protection of Cable Ends

At all points, where the cable terminates, a fitting should be provided to protect the wires
from abrasion, unless the design of the outlet box can afford the equivalent protection to the
wires. An approved insulating bushing should be installed between the conductors and the
armor.

Electrical Continuity of Metal Enclosure

The metal enclosure consists of the cable armor and any outlet boxes or other box fitting, or
cabinets used as electrical continuity shall be ensured by setting up tightly all connectors,
clamps and locknuts.

Grounding

The cable armor and all other parts and enclosure will be effectively grounded if electrical
continuity is ensured through the wiring system.
Cutting

In cutting a flexible armored cable the appropriate tools to be used is hacksaw.

Bends

In making bends, precautions must be made in order not to injure the armor of the cable.
The diameter of any bends should not be less than 5 times the diameter of the cable.

Boxes at Outlets and Free Lengths of Conductor

A box shall be installed at each outlet, switch, or junction points of the armored cable. At
least 150mm of free conductor shall be left at each outlet and switch points for making up of
joints or connections of fixtures or devices, except where conductors are intended to be
looped without joints.

General Requirements for Wiring Methods

Protection against corrosion and mechanical injury in metal raceways, armored cable, boxes
cabinets, metallic elbows, coupling, and fitting, unless made of corrosion resistant material
inside and outside shall be coated with zinc, cadinium and enamel. Except that ferrous
raceways fittings and boxes protected solely with enamel may be only indoors and
occupancies not subject to corrosive subject to severe corrosion influences. The following
are subject to corrosive conditions:
o Meat packing plants
o Tanneries
o Hide cellars, glue houses
o Salt storage
o Metal refineries
o Pulp mills
o Sugar mills
o Casing rooms and stables

SELF-CHECK 2.4

_______1. A type of flexible armored cable with a rubber insulated conductors inside the armor.

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 A. type AC B. type ACT C. type ACL D. type ACV

_______2. A type of flexible armored cable that has varnish cambric insulation.

A. type AC B. type ACT C. type ACL D. type ACV

_______3. A type of flexible armored cable that has rubber insulation and a lead sheath between the
conductor and the armor.

A. type AC B. type ACT C. type ACL D. type ACV

_______4. The appropriate tool used in cutting flexible armored cable.

A. pliers B. hacksaw C. backsaw D. knife

_______5. The free conductor inside the outlets or switch points for making up of joints or
connections of fixtures and devices.

A. 100mm B. 120mm C. 160mm D. 180mm

Materials Needed:

Quality Description
3 meters BX Armored Cable #14/2AWG (1.60mm)
2 pcs. Junction boxes, octagonal, 2” deep (5cm)
1 pc. Lamp holder, flush type
1pc. Incandescent lamp 25 watts
1pc. Utility box 2”x 4” (5cm x 10cm)
1pc. Single Pole Switch, flush type
1pc. Switch/Face Cover, metal
1pc. Circuit Breaker, 20 amperes
6 pcs. BX Connections, straight, ½” diameter
6 pcs. Bushings
6 pcs. Metal Straps
10 pcs. Wood Screws, ¼”
1pc. Electrical tape
1pc. Wiring Board 4’ x 4’ x 3/4”

Work Instructions:

1. Detach knockouts on the bones where to anchor the armored cable with fittings.
2. Attach the boxes according to your working plan or working plan or layout.
3. Layout the armored cable and cut extra length according to desired distance. Give allowance
of 160mm for connection at both ends of the cable.
4. Cut the BX armored cable providing 160mm length of conductors at both ends.
5. Place the BX connectors in the armored cable.
6. Fasten the armored cable with a metal strap and anchor on both ends of the boxes.
7. Make the proper connections and wrap an electrical tape on the different joints.
8. Mount the incandescent lamps and test the wiring connections.

ACTIVITY SHEET 2.3

FLEXIBLE ARMORED CABLE WIRING INSTALLATION

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Directions: Based on the Actual Connection Diagram of “one lamp controlled by two 3-way
switches in different locations” given below.

1. Make a list of electrical materials needed.

Actual Connection Diagram of “one lamp controlled by two 3-way switches in different locations”

Electrical Materials Needed:

Quantity Descriptions

1 pc. Wiring Board 4’ x 4’ x ¾”

Lesson 5. Non-metallic Sheathed Cable (NM, NMC, NMS)

Nonmetallic-sheathed cable is sheathed is used more often in residential wiring installations than
any other wiring method. The Philippine Electrical Code permits this cable to be installed in a
building made of combustible material or of wooden frame construction. It may not be used in other
types of building construction without permission from the electrical inspection authorities.

Cable Construction

There are several basic types of non-metallic sheathed cable.

A. Non-metallic cable (NM) is used in normal residential circuits.

Type Nm cable shall be permitted as follows:

1. For both exposed and concealed work in normally dry conditions

2. To be installed or fished in air voids in masonry block or tile walls

For concealed work, nonmetallic-sheathed cable should be installed where it is protected from
physical damage often caused by nails or screws. Where practical, care should be taken to avoid
areas where trim, door and window casings, baseboards, molding, and so on, are likely to be nailed.

B. Type Non-metallic cable for wet locations (NMC) is used in farm buildings or similar
structures, similar structures, where there is usually more moisture. NMS cable can be
buried directly in the earth, providing adequate protection is given to the cable.

NMC cable shall be permitted as follows:

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 1. For both exposed and concealed work in dry, moist, damp, or corrosive locations.
2. In outside and inside walls of masonry block or tile
3. In a shallow chase in masonry, concrete, or adobe protected against nails or screws by a
steel plate at least 1.59 mm (1/16 in.) thick and covered with plaster, adobe, or similar finish

Type NMC (corrosion-resistant) cable is required for installation in dairy barns and similar farm
buildings where cable will be exposed to fumes, vapors, or liquids such as ammonia and barnyard
acids. Under such circumstances, ordinary types of nonmetallic-sheathed cable have in some cases
deteriorated rapidly due to ammonia fumes or the growth of fungus or mold.

C. Type NMS

Type NMS cable shall be permitted as follows:

1. For both exposed and concealed work in normally dry locations

2. To be installed or fished in air voids in masonry block or tile walls

Type NM, NMC and NMS cables shall not be permitted as follows:

1. In any dwelling or structure not specifically permitted above.

2. Exposed in dropped or suspended ceilings in other than one- and two-family and multifamily
dwellings

For example, cables installed above a dropped gypsum board ceiling or dropped gypsum board
would not be considered exposed cable, provided the are above the ceiling is not accessible (does
not have removable tiles or does not contain an access panel). Very often, hung or dropped ceilings
are accessible; therefore, cables installed above these types of ceilings would be considered exposed
cables if the cables do not have additional physical protection.

1. As service-entrance cable
2. In commercial garages having hazardous (classified) locations
3. In theaters and similar locations
4. In motion pictures studios
5. In storage battery rooms
6. In hoist ways or on elevators or escalators
7. Embedded inpoured cement, concrete or aggregate
8. In hazardous (classified) locations

Trade Names.

It was first produced by the Rome Wire and Cable Company, which named its new product Romex.

This name is still used often in trades.

Unless otherwise specifically permitted in the electrical code, the overcurrent protection for
conductor types should not exceed the following:

Copper Conductors

15 amps for #14 AWG

20 amps for #12 AWG

30 amps for #10 AWG

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Aluminum and Copper Clad Conductors

15 amps for #14 AWG

20 amps for #12 AWG

These specifications are determined after any connection factors for ambient temperature and
number of conductors have been applied. Specific conductor insulation types are determined based
on installation environmental factors such as free-air, dry or damp locations.

Installing Non-metallic Sheathed Cable

A non-metallic (NM) cable is easy to work with and inexpensive, so it is not surprising that it is the
most common type of cable used in household wiring.

NM cable is sold in lengths of 25, 50, or 100 feet, or more. When in doubt buy the larger package–it
does not cost much more and it may come in handy later.

NM’s plastic sheathing does not protect the wires much, so keep it out of harm’s way. If the cable
might get wet, install UF (underground feed) cable, which encases wires in molded plastic.
Whenever cable is exposed –in a garage or basement– many local codes call for armored cable or
conduit.

Codes call for running NM through the center of studs so drywall nails cannot damage it. If the cable
is 1-¼ inches or less from the edge of a framing member, install a protective nailing plate. Some
codes require metal plates even if the cable is in the center of a stud.

Take care not to damage wire insulation when working with NM cable. Slit the sheathing down the
middle using a sharp utility knife to avoid slicing the wire insulation, do not cut too deep. Or use a
sheathing stripper.

When cutting cable to length, leave yourself an extra foot or two. If you make a mistake while
stripping, you can re-cut the cable and try again.

Lay the cable on a flat work surface such as a small sheet of plywood. Starting 8-10 inches from the
end, insert the tip of a utility knife blade into the center of the cable, pushing just hard enough to cut
through the sheathing.

Slice the sheathing, exerting even pressure. You will feel the tip of the knife rubbing against the bare
ground wire as you slice. With practice you can cut evenly and quickly without damaging wire
insulation.

Pull back the plastic sheathing, as well as the paper that wraps the wires, exposing 8-12 inches of
wire. Snip the sheathing and paper with side cutters. If you use a utility knife, cut away from the
wires to avoid cutting or nicking the insulation. Insert the wires into the box. With this type of plastic
box, push the box through a hole, which has a tab that grabs the cable. Check that about ½ inch of
sheathing is visible inside the utility/junction box. Other types of boxes use other clamping methods.

Whenever possible, staple NM cable firmly to a framing member, out of reach of nails. Staple cable
within 8 inches of the box and every 2-4 feet along the run of the cable. Check your local building
codes.

PEC requires that a strap or a staple be placed within 30cm of every box. Doing so prevents any
undue strain on the cable from pulling the conductors out of the box.

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Cable supports may be placed as far as 1.5m apart on the runs between the boxes, but it is often a
good idea to place them together.

SELF-CHECK 2.5

A. Directions: On your answer sheet, write the word or words being describe in each of the
following statements.
1. It is the support used to hold the non-metallic sheathed cable in place.
2. It is the type of non-metallic sheathed cable that can only be used in dry and indoor
applications.
3. It is a type of non-metallic sheathed cable that can be used in dry, moist, and corrosive
environments.
4. It is the required short circuit protection rating for No. 12 AWG (3.5mm 2) non-metallic
sheathed cable.
5. It is the required short circuit protection rating for No. 10 AWG (5.5mm 2) non-metallic
sheathed cable.
B. Enumerate the steps in installing non-metallic sheathed cable.

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 Activity 2. Select what is being defined or described. Write the letter only.

IV – Answer Key
Activity 1. Please refer to the Learning Content.

Activity 2. Please refer to the Learning Content.

III – References

Electrical Installation and Maintenance Learner’s Material. First Edition 2018. pp. 97-100.

Prepared by:
MELVIN B. IBATUAN
TVL Teacher
Edited by:

ATHENA LOU Q. ABINES

SHS Teacher (English)

Reviewed by:

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 VILMA I. IBATUAN TITO B. FERNANDEZ
Sch. SHS Focal Person Head Teacher 1

Noted by:

AMALIA I. DOMINGO
School Principal

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