CHAPTER 2
CONSTRUCTION METHODS AND MATERIALS:
ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
The responsibility for the design of electrical and
mechanical systems rests with the engineering officer.
However, as an EA assisting the engineering officer, you
should be familiar with the methods, materials, and
terminology used in the design and construction of these
systems. This chapter provides that familiarity.
This chapter expands on the EA3 TRAMAN discus-
sion of exterior electrical distribution systems. You should
find it helpful to review chapter 9 of that TRAMAN
before beginning the study of the following text.
This chapter also discusses water distribution and
sewage collection systems that are exterior to buildings.
You will find that some of the materials and terminology
used in the design and construction of these systems are
the same as those used for building plumbing.
Therefore, you also should find it helpful to review
chapter 8 of Engineering Aid 3.
ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEM
Overall, an electrical power system includes the
electrical lines, or circuits, and all of the associated
equipment that are necessary to supply power from a
generation point to the users of the supplied power.
Generally, the power system is considered to consist of
two parts: the transmission system and the distribution
system. Figure 2-1 shows a typical electrical power
Figure 2-1.—Typical electrical power system.
2-1
