Electrical System Design:

Branch Circuits
EEE 3 Lecture 12
Trivia
• Defibrillators: output is measured in power
• Current actually delivered is dependent on the resistance
between device and person’s skin
• Recommended 2-4 J/kg
• Electric chair: ranging from 500 – 2000 V
• For 30 sec, repeated until person is dead
• Again, dependent on person’s resistance

3
Sources:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/defibrillation
https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/descriptions-execution-methods?scid=8&did=479
 Design Process

2 4
• Loads • Branch • Feeders
• Outlets Circuits • Panel
• Switches Boards
1 3 5

7
• Service • Grounding
• Conduits
• Other Devices
6 8
4
BRANCH CIRCUIT REQUIREMENTS
5
Overcurrent Protection
VI. Branch Circuit Overcurrent Protection

1. General Rule
–The rating or setting of an overcurrent device in any
branch circuit must not exceed the current-carrying
capacity of the circuit conductors.
BC rating ≤ conductors
• If the device rating is greater than the capacity of the
conductors, the conductors will burn before the device
can actuate. 6
 Allowable BC
Type of BC Permissible Loads
Rating (A)
Individual Any Any
(serving one
outlet)
–General-purpose lighting load
15 or 20 –Rating of any one Cord-and-plug attached
equipment ≤ 0.8 (BC Rating)
–If supplying other loads, total rating of
equipment fastened in place (not including
luminaires) ≤ 0.5 (BC Rating)
Multi-outlet
- Serving –Luminaires with heavy-duty lamp holders not
multiple 30 in dwelling units
outlets –Cord-and-plug attached equipment ≤ 0.8 (BC
Rating)
40 or 50 –Cooking appliances fastened in place.
–Luminaires with heavy-duty lamp holders not7
in dwelling units, infrared heating units, etc.
>50 Non-lighting outlets
Selecting overcurrent protection
• When the maximum rating is not a standard
rating, the next higher standard rating may be
selected.

• Standard sizes for fuses and fixed trip circuit

breakers, per 240.6, are
• 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110,
125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500,
600, 700, 800, 1000, 1200, 1600, 2000, 2500, 3000, 4000
5000, and 6000 Amperes.

• Additional standard fuse sizes are

• 1, 3, 6, 10, and 601 Amperes. 8
 Maximum load of Branch Circuits

BC Rating ≥ Non-continuous load + 1.25*(Continuous load)

The conductor size is derated so that its size can carry

100% of the continuous load, with an allowance of 25%
→ so the wires are not stressed or will not heat up
during long periods of operation

9
Continuous load – maximum current (RMS) is expected
to continue for 3 hrs.
 Maximum Rating of Individual BC

If appliance is non-motor operated:

BC rating ≤ 1.5*(appliance rating)

10
NCL + 1.25CL ≤ BC rating ≤ conductors

1. Know all the loads to be

connected
2. Size the protective device (size of
protective device = size of BC)
3. Size the conductors
11
 Selection of Conductors/Wires
General Rule:
Branch circuit conductors shall have an ampacity of
not less than the rating of the branch circuit and
not less than the load to be served.

*ampacity – current that a conductor can carry continuously

under specific conditions of use without exceeding its
temperature rating.
Conditions:
Ambient temp.
Presence of neighboring conductors 12
Surrounding materials/enclosures
 Selection of Conductors
✓Insulation: The type of insulation of conductors must be
suited to the desired operation (e.g. damp, hot, conduit,
enclosed, etc.).
✓Temperature: Where ambient temperature exceeds 30°C,
the ampacities of the conductors shall be derated according
to correction factors given at the bottom of each of the
ampacity tables (Tables 3.10.1.16 to 3.10.1.21).
✓Neighboring conductors and enclosure: Where more than
three (3) conductors are used in a raceway or cable, the
conductor ampacities must be derated from the ampacity
values to compensate for increased heating due to reduced
ventilation of an enclosed group of closely-spaced
conductors (see Note No.8).
✓Voltage drop: A 1% to 2% voltage drop is recommended for 13
branch circuit conductors.
 Conductors - Table 3.10.1.16 Raceway

Table 3.10.1.6 Allowable Ampacities of Insulated Conductors

Rated 0 - 2000 Volts, 60º to 90º C

Not More Then Three Conductors in Raceway or Cable or Earth

(Directly Based), Based on Ambient Temperature of 30º C

Size Temperature Rating of Conductor. See Table 3.10.1.13 Size

60º C 75º C 85º C 90º C 60º C 75º C 85º C 90º C
Types Types Types Types Types Types Types Types
RUW, FEPW, V, TA, RUW, RH, V, TA,
T, RH, MI TBS, T, RHW, MI TBS,
TW, RHW, SA, TW, RUH, SA,
mm 2 UF RUH, AVB, UF THW, AVB, mm 2
(mm. dia.) THW, SIS, THWN, SIS, (mm. dia.)
THWN, †FEP, XHHW, †RHH,
XHHW, †FEPB, USE †THHN,
USE, †RHH, †XHHW*
ZW †THHN,
†XHHW*

14
 Conductors - Table 3.10.1.16 Raceway

ALUMINUM OR COPPER-CLAD
COPPER
ALUMINUM
2.0(1.6) 15 15 25 25 …. …. …. …. ….
3.5(2.0) 20 20 30 30 15 15 25 25 3.5(2.0)
5.5(2.6) 30 30 40 40 25 25 30 30 5.5(2.6)
8.0(3.2) 40 45 50 50 30 40 40 40 8.0(3.2)
14 55 65 70 70 40 50 55 55 14
22 70 85 90 90 55 65 70 70 22
30 90 110 115 115 70 85 90 90 30
38 100 125 130 130 80 95 100 100 38
50 120 145 150 150 95 115 120 120 50
60 135 160 170 170 105 125 135 135 60
80 160 195 205 205 125 150 160 160 80
100 185 220 225 225 145 170 180 180 100
125 210 255 265 265 170 200 210 210 125
150 240 280 295 295 190 230 240 240 150
200 280 330 355 355 225 270 290 290 200
250 315 375 400 400 260 305 330 330 250
325 370 435 470 470 295 355 380 380 325
400 405 485 515 515 330 395 420 420 400
500 445 540 580 580 370 440 475 475 500

15
Conductors - Table 3.10.1.16
Size Temperature Rating of Conductor. See Table 3.10.1.13
Raceway
Size
60º C 75º C 85º C 90º C 60º C 75º C 85º C 90º C
Types Types Types Types Types Types Types Types
RUW, FEPW, V, TA, RUW, RH, V, TA,
T, RH, MI TBS, T, RHW, MI TBS,
TW, RHW, SA, TW, RUH, SA,
mm2 UF RUH, AVB, UF THW, AVB, mm2
(mm. dia.) THW, SIS, THWN, SIS, (mm. dia.)
THWN, †FEP, XHHW, †RHH,
XHHW, †FEPB, USE †THHN,
USE, †RHH, †XHHW*
ZW †THHN,
†XHHW*
COPPER ALUMINUM OR COPPER-CLAD
ALUMINUM
CORRECTION FACTORS
Ambient For ambient temperature over 30º C, multiply the ampacities Ambient
Temp. ºC shown above by the appropriate correction factor to determine Temp. ºC
31-40 0.82 0.88 0.90 0.91 0.82 0.88 0.90 0.91 31-40
41-50 0.58 0.75 0.80 0.82 0.58 0.75 0.80 0.82 41-50
51-60 …. 0.58 0.67 0.71 …. 0.58 0.67 0.71 51-60
61-70 …. 0.35 0.52 0.58 …. 0.35 0.52 0.58 61-70
71-80 …. …. 0.30 0.41 …. …. 0.30 0.41 71-80
† The load current rating and the overcurrent protection for these conductors shall not exceed 15 amperes 16
for 2 mm2 (1.6 mm. dia.) 20 amperes for 3.5 mm2 (2.0 mm. dia.), and 30 amperes for 5.5 mm2 (2.6 mm. dia.)
copper; or 15 amperes for 3.5 mm2 (2.0 mm. dia.) and 25 amperes for 5.5 mm2 (2.6 mm. dia.) aluminum and
copper-clad aluminum.
* For dry locations only. See 75º C column for wet locations.
 Conductors - Table 3.10.1.17
Table 3.10.1.17 Allowable Ampacities of Insulated Conductors
Rated 0 - 2000 Volts, 60º to 90º C

Single Conductor in Free Air, Based on Ambient Temperature of 30º C

Size Temperature Rating of Conductor. See Table 3.10.1.3 Size

60º C 75º C 85º C 90º C 60º C 75º C 85º C 90º C
Types Types Types Types Types Types Types Types
RUW, FEPW, V, TA, RUW, RH, V, TA,
T, RH, MI TBS, T, RHW, MI TBS,
TW RHW, SA, TW, RUH, SA,
mm2 RUH, AVB, THW, AVB, mm2
(mm. dia.) THW, SIS, THWN, SIS, (mm. dia.)
THWN, †FEP, XHHW †RHH,
XHHW, †FEPB, †THHN,
ZW †RHH, †XHHW* 17
†THHN,
†XHHW*
Conductors - Table 3.10.1.17
ALUMINUM OR COPPER-
COPPER
CLAD ALUMINUM
2.0(1.6) 20 20 30 30 …. …. …. …. ….
3.5(2.0) 30 30 40 40 20 20 30 30 3.5(2.0)
5.5(2.6) 40 45 55 55 30 30 45 45 5.5(2.6)
8.0(3.2) 55 60 70 70 45 50 55 55 8.0(3.2)
14 80 95 105 105 60 75 80 80 14
22 105 130 140 140 80 100 110 110 22
30 130 160 170 170 100 125 130 130 30
38 155 185 195 195 120 145 155 155 38
50 180 220 235 235 145 170 180 180 50
60 205 250 260 260 160 195 205 205 60
80 250 300 320 320 195 230 245 245 80
100 290 355 370 370 220 270 285 285 100
125 335 400 420 420 260 310 325 325 125
150 375 440 475 475 290 350 370 370 150
200 440 540 570 570 350 420 445 445 200
250 505 620 655 655 400 480 510 510 250 18
325 600 720 770 770 475 570 610 610 325
400 675 810 875 875 535 645 695 695 400
500 770 930 995 995 620 745 795 795 500
Conductors - Table 3.10.1.17
Size Temperature Rating of Conductor. See Table 3.10.1.17 Size
60º C 75º C 85º C 90º C 60º C 75º C 85º C 90º C
Types Types Types Types Types Types Types Types
RUW, FEPW, V, TA, RUW, RH, V, TA,
T, RH, MI TBS, T, RHW, MI TBS,
TW RHW, SA, TW, RUH, SA,
mm2 RUH, AVB, THW, AVB, mm2
(mm. dia.) THW, SIS, THWN, SIS, (mm. dia.)
THWN, †FEP, XHHW †RHH,
XHHW, †FEPB, †THHN,
ZW †RHH, †XHHW*
†THHN,
†XHHW*
ALUMINUM OR COPPER-CLAD
COPPER
ALUMINUM
CORRECTION FACTORS
Ambient For ambient temperature over 30º C, multiply the ampacities Ambient
Temp. ºC shown above by the appropriate correction factor to determine Temp. ºC
31-40 0.82 0.88 0.90 0.91 0.82 0.88 0.90 0.91 31-40
41-50 0.58 0.75 0.80 0.82 0.58 0.75 0.80 0.82 41-50
51-60 …. 0.58 0.67 0.71 …. 0.58 0.67 0.71 51-60
61-70 …. 0.35 0.52 0.58 …. 0.35 0.52 0.58 61-70
71-80 …. …. 0.30 0.41 …. …. 0.30 0.41 71-80

† The load current rating and the overcurrent protection for these conductors shall
not exceed 20 amperes for 2 mm2 (1.6 mm. dia.), 25 amperes for 3.5 mm2 (2.0 mm. 19
dia.), and 40 amperes for 5.5 mm2 (2.6 mm. dia.) copper; or 20 amperes for 3.5 mm2
(2.0 mm. dia.) and 30 amperes for 5.5 mm2 (2.6 mm. dia.) aluminum and copper-
clad aluminum.
Notes to tables 3.10.1.6 through 3.10.1.13
More than 3 Conductors in a raceway or cable. Where the number
of conductors in a raceway or cable exceeds 3, the maximum
allowable load current of each conductor shall be reduced as shown
in the following table
Percent of Values in
Number of
Tables 5.3.2.4 and
Conductors
5.3.2.6
Raceway
4 thru 6 80

7 thru 24 70
25 thru 42 60
43 and above 50

Where single conductors of multi-conductor cables are stacked or

bundled without maintaining spacing and are not installed in
raceways, the maximum allowable load current of each conductor 20
shall be reduced as shown in the above table.
BRANCH CIRCUIT CALCULATIONS
22
Required Branch Circuits

• In dwelling units:
• 20-A Small-appliance BC (at least 2)
• 20-A Bathroom BC (for equipment in bathroom)
• 20-A Laundry BC

23
Required Branch Circuits
▪ For a dwelling unit with floor area not more
than 50sqm., it shall be permitted to have only
one 20-A BC provided that the total load shall
not exceed 3680 VA.
Assuming BC rating is 20 A (derated)
→ Actual total load = (BC rating)/1.25
= 20A/1.25 = 16A
o Default voltage to be used is 230V

→ Total VA = (16A)(230V) = 3,680 VA

24
 Grouping of Outlets
Small-Appliance BC (kitchen, etc.) Bathroom BC
May include:
outlets not in the bathroom
• receptacle outlets,
may not be included
• countertops, and
• refrigerator Individual BC (i.e., for high-
• no other except outlets for power appliances)
clock and a supplementary
equipment Other BC

Laundry BC Depending on the BC rating

allowed for specific loads;
other outlets NOT for laundry designers’ way & the rules of
may NOT be included thumb
25
Determining the No. of
Branch Circuits
• Step 1: List down groups of similar branch
circuits and their ratings.
• E.g. lighting bc, receptacle bc, small-
appliance bc, individual bc
• Step 2: Do load calculation for each group
• Step 3: Determine the number of branch
circuits per group based on the BC ratings,
allowances, and the load to be served
26
Calculation of branch circuit loads

Lighting and Receptacle Branch Circuits for

General Illumination

–Pick the rating that is larger between the two:

• VA/sqm of listed occupancies (Table
2.20.1.3(a))
• Actual load (light and load VA), if known
– Multiply by 1.25 (continuous)
– Branch circuit rating: 15 or 20 A 27
 Table 2.20.1.3(a) General Lighting Loads by Occupancies

Type of Occupancy Unit Load per Sq. M. (VA/m 2)

Armories and Auditoriums 8
Banks 28**
Barber Shops and Beauty Parlors 24
Churches 8
Clubs 16
Court Rooms 16
*Dwelling Units 24
Garages-Commercial (storage) 4
Hospitals 16
*Hotels and Motels, including apartment
16
houses without provisions for cooking by tenants
Industrial Commercial (Loft) Buildings 16
Lodge Rooms 12
Office Buildings 28**
Restaurants 16
Schools 24
Stores 24
Warehouses (storage) 2
' In any of the above occupancies except one -
family dwelling and individual dwelling units of two-
family and of multifamily dwellings: 28
Assembly Halls and Auditoriums 8
Halls, Corridors, Closets, Stairways 4
Storage Spaces 2
 Calculation of branch circuit loads
Notes:
• All receptacle outlets of rating 20 A or less in one-family,
two-family and multifamily dwellings and guest rooms of
hotels and motels except those connected to the receptacle
circuits specified in Section 2.20.1.3(b) shall be considered
outlets for general illumination.
No additional load calculations shall be required for such
outlets. … but you may do calculations.

*Lighting loads in 2.20.1.3(a) include:

• all general-use receptacles rated 20-A or less including receptacles
connected to the circuits in (2.10.1.11.c.3.) bathroom branch circuits
• receptacle outlets in 2.10.3.3(e) – (g). outdoor outlets, laundry areas, 29
basements and garages
• lighting outlets in (2.10.3.21.a - b) dwelling units and guest rooms
Calculation of branch circuit loads
Heavy-duty Lamp-holders in Fixed Lighting Units
Larger of:
- 600 volt-amperes per unit (sec2.20.1.3(b))
or
- Actual load, if known
Branch Circuit Rating: 30, 40, or 50 A

General Receptacles
- 180 volt-amperes per receptacle (sec2.20.1.3(b))
Branch Circuit Rating: 15 or 20 A

Note: A unit load of 8 VA/sqm. shall be included for general

purpose receptacle outlets when the actual number of 30
general purpose receptacle outlets is unknown.
Calculation of branch circuit loads
Specific Appliance
- Ampere rating of appliance
Branch Circuit Rating: depends of full-load current
(FLC) of appliance

Small Appliance for Dwelling Unit (sec 2.20.2.7(a))

- Branch Circuit Rating: 20 A

32
Calculation of branch circuit loads
Laundry Loads for Dwelling Unit
Branch Circuit Rating: 20 A

Electric Ranges and Cooking Equipment

- Ampere rating of equipment
Branch Circuit Rating: 40 or 50 A

Motor Loads
-Motor VA: 1.25 * Motor FLC*230V
Branch Circuit Rating: Any
33
Calculation of branch circuit loads

Minimum number of branch circuits (sec 2.10.1.11(a))

No. of BCs = Total computed load (in VA) per B.C. group
(B.C. Rating, Amperes) x (230V)

34
Example 1:
Determine the minimum number of branch circuits
required for an office building with the following lighting
and receptacle loads:

a. Floor area of 30 meters by 60 meters

b. 400 150-W incandescent lamps
c. Special lighting load of 100 fluorescent lighting
fixtures; each unit draws 2.5 amperes
d. 200 duplex receptacles

Use 20-Amp Branch Circuits

35
Solution:

a. General Illumination

Larger of:
–Using table of VA/sqm.:
30m x 60m x 28 VA/sq.m. x 1.25 = 63,000 VA
OR
–Using actual load data:
400 units x 150 VA/unit x 1.25 = 75,000 VA

No. of B.C. = 75,000VA

(20A) (230V)
= 16.3 or ~17 branch circuits

therefore, use 17 B.C.s (minimum) 36

or 400 UNITS/17 = 23 outlets per BC (maximum)
b. Special Lighting Load

-100 units x 2.5 A/unit x 230 V x 1.25

= 71,875 VA
No. of B.C. = 71,875 = 16 B.C.
230 x 20 (minimum)

37
 c. General Receptacles

- 200 units x 180 VA/unit = 36,000 VA

(if this is a dwelling unit: 200 units x 2 because duplex)

No. of B.C. = 36,000 = 7.8 ~~ 10 B.C.

230 x 20 (minimum)

38
Overcurrent Protection
Specific Rules
1. An overcurrent device must be placed at the supply end of
each ungrounded conductor of the circuit to be protected.
2. An overcurrent device must NOT be placed in a
permanently-grounded conductor, except where the device
simultaneously opens all conductors of the circuit.
3. Where the device protecting a conductor has a rating or
setting that also provides protection for smaller conductors,
there is no need to provide protection at the point where the
smaller conductors are tapped from the larger conductor.
4. Non-motor-operated appliance branch circuit protective
devices shall not exceed 150% of the appliance rating.
5. Overcurrent devices must be located such that they are 39
readily accessible.
 Allowable BC
Type of BC Permissible Loads
Rating (A)
Individual Any Any
(serving one
outlet)
–General-purpose lighting load
15 or 20 –Rating of any one Cord-and-plug attached
equipment ≤ 0.8 (BC Rating)
–If supplying other loads, total rating of
equipment fastened in place (not including
luminaires) ≤ 0.5 (BC Rating)
Multi-outlet
- Serving –Luminaires with heavy-duty lamp holders not
multiple 30 in dwelling units
outlets –Cord-and-plug attached equipment ≤ 0.8 (BC
Rating)
40 or 50 –Cooking appliances fastened in place.
–Luminaires with heavy-duty lamp holders not 40
in dwelling units, infrared heating units, etc.
>50 Non-lighting outlets
Motor Branch Circuits
• Identify the different elements of a motor branch circuit.
• Explain the function of each element.
• Calculate the minimum size of branch circuit conductors.
• Calculate the maximum rating of the overcurrent
protection.
• Calculate the minimum rating of the disconnecting
means.

41
Why are there
two protective
devices?

42
Why are there two protective
devices?
• Overcurrent protection: for short circuit
• Short circuit = unintentional connection of two points that are
normally at different voltage levels
• Overload protection: for overload (duh)
• Overload = overload operation due to mechanical load / loss of
lubrication / improper application of brakes

43
Disconnecting Means

• Used for maintenance, not

normally for operating the
machine.
• Must be within sight of the
equipment.
• Readily accessible.
• Must be at least 115% of the
nameplate full-load current
or the full-load current
according to the PEC.

44
Overcurrent Protection

• Should allow starting

current to pass.
• Maximum ratings are listed
in Table 4.30.14.6

45
Conductors: (Ungrounded
and/or grounded)

Minimum ampacity
• May be specified by the
manufacturer
• If not specified, equal to
125% of the full-load
current (from label or from
PEC – the larger one).
• If serving multiple loads,
equal to 125% of the full-
load current of the largest
motor plus the full-load 46
current of the other loads.
Full-load currents from PEC

47
Full-load currents from PEC

48
For motor branch circuits
• Still the same

1. Know all the loads to be

connected (load here = motor)
2. Size the protective device (size of
protective device = size of BC)
3. Size the conductors

49
Selecting overcurrent protection
• When the maximum rating is not a standard
rating, the next higher standard rating may be
selected.

• Standard sizes for fuses and fixed trip circuit

breakers, per 240.6, are
• 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110,
125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500,
600, 700, 800, 1000, 1200, 1600, 2000, 2500, 3000, 4000
5000, and 6000 Amperes.

• Additional standard fuse sizes are

• 1, 3, 6, 10, and 601 Amperes. 50
51
52
Stuff
• Compre exam: May 17, 3-5PM (tentative)
• Final project deadline: last day of finals week
• All demos must be scheduled on or before last day of finals
week
• Hard copies of documentation must be submitted as well
• Answer peer evaluation form – no answer: no release of
project grade
• All homeworks deadline: Friday 5PM (you may have your
answers checked through email) – NO EXTENSIONS

53