Electricity

Introduction

Electricity is the energy generated by the flow of electrons. A basic electric circuit consists of a Conductor, the actual flow of electrons (Current), an electric potential difference to cause the electrons to move (Voltage) and some type of Resistance. The circuit can be interrupted with a switch.

Power Lines are normally located above ground, however, public pressure has forced more of them underground. They are generally better underground in every single way, except for cost and ease of maintenance.

• Underground is better because it avoids clutter of overhead wires and protects the lines from UV rays, snow, wind, and other potentially damaging conditions.
• When the service is connected to the building via an above ground wire, the wire must be 12’-0” above the ground. Local jurisdictions may dictate more or other specific requirements.
• Because electricity does not depend on gravity, there is a lot of flexibility with where it is laid out and how the building is located in respect to the utility. Regardless, total distance should be minimized, but considerations like slope are not a worry.

Standard Electricity For Applications

• 120/208V - Three Phase = Small Commercial applications
• 120/240V - Single Phase = Residential
• Higher Voltage - Three Phase = Industrial

Equations

Amp: Unit flow of electrons in a conductor

Energy (E): The product of power (P) and time (T), also sometimes called Work

• E = P * T