VOCABULARY OF ELECTRICAL Liceria & Co
A Automatic Transfer Switch: A device automatically switches between two power sources, such as utility power and a backup generator, during a power outage. Autotransformer: A type of transformer with a single winding tapped at different points to provide multiple voltage levels. Arcing: The phenomenon where an electrical current jumps across a gap between two conductors, producing a bright flash and potentially causing damage or fire. Armature: The rotating part of an electric motor or generator that interacts with the magnetic field to produce torque or generate electricity. Array: A group of solar panels or other electrical devices connected to increase power output. Alternator: A device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy by alternating current. Ambient Temperature: The temperature of the surrounding environment where electrical equipment is installed. AC/DC refers to devices operating on alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) power sources. Anode: The positive electrode in an electrochemical cell or battery. Antenna: A device that transmits or receives electromagnetic waves, such as radio or television signals. Asynchronous Motor: An electric motor that operates at a speed that is not synchronized with the frequency of the power supply.
B Balanced Load: A distribution of electrical loads in a system so that the demand on each phase is approximately equal. Ballast: A device that regulates the current in a fluorescent or HID lighting system, providing the proper voltage to start and operate the lamp. Base Load: The minimum level of electrical power demand required over a specific period. Battery: A device that stores electrical energy in a chemical form and converts it into electrical energy when needed. Bonding: The process of connecting metallic parts of an electrical system to establish electrical continuity and conductivity. Branch Circuit: A portion of an electrical wiring system that extends from the main panel and provides power to individual devices or outlets. Breaker: A protective device designed to automatically interrupt the flow of electrical current in case of an overload or short circuit. British Thermal Unit (BTU): A unit of heat energy often used to measure the heating or cooling capacity of appliances and systems. Brownout: A temporary reduction in voltage or power supply levels, typically caused by high demand on the electrical grid. Busbar: A conductive metal strip or bar that distributes electrical power within a panel or switchboard.
-Circuit breaker: An electrical switch that protects circuits from overloads. -Conductor: A material that allows electricity to flow through it. -Cable: A bundle of wires or conductors enclosed in a protective sheath used to transmit electrical power or signals. -Circuit: A closed path through which electric current flows, including various electrical components such as switches, resistors, and capacitors. -Circuit Breaker: A safety device designed to automatically interrupt the flow of electrical current in case of an overload or short circuit, protecting the electrical system from damage. -Conductor: A material, typically metal, that allows the easy flow of electrical current due to its low resistance. -Current: The flow of electric charge (measured in amperes) through a conductor or circuit. -Capacitor: An electronic component that stores and releases electrical energy, commonly used in alternating current (AC) circuits to regulate voltage or filter out unwanted frequencies. -Conduit: A protective tube or pipe to route and protect electrical wiring within a building or structure. C
D A transformer used to step down high-voltage electricity from transmission lines to lower voltages suitable for residential or commercial use. Distribution TransformerDistribution Transformer Distribution TransformerDistribution Transformer -DC (Direct Current): An electrical current that flows in one direction only, commonly used in batteries and solar panels. -Decibel (dB): A unit of measurement for the intensity of sound or the strength of an electrical signal, comparing the power levels of two signals. -Demand: The amount of electrical power a consumer or system requires at a given time. -Dielectric: An insulating material that does not conduct electricity but can store electrical energy when subjected to an electric field. -Differential Breaker: A safety device designed to protect electrical circuits from damage caused by excess current, typically due to short circuits or overloads. -Dimmer Switch: A device that allows you to adjust the brightness of a light by controlling the amount of electrical current flowing through it. -Diode: A semiconductor device that allows current to flow in one direction only, often used for converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC).
-Duct: A conduit or channel routes electrical cables or wires through a building. -Duty Cycle: The percentage of time during which an electrical device is actively operating, compared to the total time it is connected to a power source. -Dynamo: A machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy by generating a direct current (DC) through the rotation of a coil within a magnetic field.
E Electric Power The rate at which electrical energy is transferred by an electric circuit, typically measured in watts (W).
E ‘ -Earthing: The process of connecting electrical systems and devices to the earth to provide a safe path for fault currents and minimize the risk of electric shock -Eddy Currents: Circular electric currents induced within conductors by a changing magnetic field in the conductor due to relative motion between the conductor and the magnetic field. -Efficiency: A measure of how effectively an electrical device converts input power into useful output power or work. It is expressed as a percentage. -Electric Charge: A fundamental property of matter that causes it to experience a force near other electrically charged matter. It can be either positive or negative. -Electric Circuit: A closed path through which electric current flows, consisting of various electrical components such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors. -Electric Current: The flow of electric charge through a conductor, measured in amperes (A).
F Flexible Conduitmaterials, such as plastic or metal, that can be bent and shaped to accommodate different wiring configurations and installations. Flexible Conduit le Conduit
-Farad (F): A unit of measurement for capacitance, representing the ability of a capacitor to store electrical energy. -Fault: An abnormal condition in an electrical system, such as a short circuit or ground fault, can lead to equipment damage or failure. -Feeder: A conductor or group of conductors that supply electrical power from the main distribution panel to various circuits within a building. -Ferrite Core: A magnetic core made from a ceramic material containing iron oxide, used in transformers and inductors to improve efficiency and reduce electromagnetic interference. -Filament: The thin wire inside an incandescent light bulb that glows and produces light when heated by an electric current. -Filter: An electronic device or circuit that selectively allows specific frequencies or signals to pass through while blocking others, often used to remove noise or interference from electrical signals. -Flicker: A rapid fluctuation in the brightness of a light source, usually caused by variations in voltage or current. -Fluorescent Lamp: An energy-efficient light source that uses a phosphor coating to emit visible light when exposed to ultraviolet radiation produced by an electric discharge. -Frequency: The number of cycles of an alternating current waveform that occur in one second, measured in Hertz (Hz). -Fuse: A protective device consisting of a thin metal strip or wire that melts and breaks the circuit when the current exceeds a specified value, preventing overheating and potential fire hazards. -Fused Disconnect: A switch, combined with a fuse, disconnects power from a circuit and simultaneously provides overcurrent protection. -Fusion Splicing: A process that joins two optical fibers by melting their ends together, creating a single continuous fiber with minimal signal loss. F
: A conductive material, such as a metal rod or plate, buried in the ground and connected to the grounding conductor, providing a direct electrical connection to the earth. G Grounding Electrode ding Electrode
G GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter): A safety device that quickly disconnects a circuit when it detects an imbalance between the incoming and outgoing current, protecting users from electrical shocks. Galvanic Corrosion: A type of corrosion that occurs when two dissimilar metals come into contact with each other in the presence of an electrolyte, leading to one metal corroding faster. Gauge: A unit of measurement for the diameter of electrical wires, with lower numbers representing thicker wires and higher numbers representing thinner wires. Generator: A machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, providing power during outages or in remote locations. Ghost Voltage: An induced voltage that appears on electrical conductors due to electromagnetic coupling from nearby live conductors, which can give false readings on test equipment but does not pose a shock hazard. Grid: The interconnected network of power lines, substations, and generating facilities that distribute electricity to homes and businesses. Ground: A connection to the earth that allows electrical current to dissipate safely, reducing the risk of electric shock and damage to electrical systems. Grounding Conductor: A wire that connects an electrical system or device to the ground, providing a safe path for fault currents.
: Refers to electrical voltages above a certain threshold, typically greater than 1000 volts. High voltage systems are used for long-distance electricity transmission and are potentially dangerous if not handled properly. H High Voltage
-Home Energy Management System (HEMS): A system that monitors, controls, and optimizes energy consumption within a household. HEMS can include smart thermostats, energy monitoring devices, and integration with renewable energy sources like solar panels. -Hot Wire: The wire carrying electrical current from the power source to an electrical device or outlet. Hot wires are typically color-coded black or red in residential wiring. -Hybrid Inverter: A type of inverter that can manage power from multiple sources, such as solar panels, batteries, and the grid. Hybrid inverters are often used in solar-plus-storage systems to optimize energy use and reduce reliance on the grid. -Hydroelectric Power: Electricity is generated by converting the kinetic energy of flowing water into electrical energy. This is a renewable and environmentally friendly method of generating electricity. -Hydropower: A form of renewable energy that uses the movement of water to generate electricity. This can be achieved through various methods, such as dams, run-of-river systems, or tidal power stations. -Hyperlink: A connection between two documents or webpages, allowing users to navigate between them easily. In electrical terminology, hyperlinks may provide additional information or resources related to a specific term or concept. H
I High VInverter A device used to convert DC to AC power.
-Illuminance: The light falling on a surface, measured in lux (lx). It indicates the brightness of an area and is essential for determining appropriate lighting levels for -different tasks or activities. -Impedance: A measure of opposition to alternating current (AC) flows in an electrical circuit. Impedance combines resistance, inductance, and capacitance and is measured in ohms. -Inductance: The property of an electrical conductor that opposes changes in current flow due to generating a magnetic field. Inductance is measured in henries (H). -Insulation: Material used to prevent the flow of electric current between conductors or from conductors to other objects. Insulation is crucial for maintaining safety and preventing short circuits in electrical systems. -Integrated Circuit (IC): A compact arrangement of transistors, resistors, capacitors, and other electronic components on a single semiconductor chip. ICs are widely used in various electronic devices to perform specific functions. -Inverter: A device that converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Inverters are commonly used in solar power systems to convert the DC electricity solar panels generate into AC electricity suitable for home use. -Ionization Smoke Detector: A type of smoke detector that uses a small amount of radioactive material to ionize the air inside the device. When smoke particles enter the chamber, they disrupt the ionized air, triggering the alarm. I
J Jumper Wire A short electrical wire temporarily connects two points in a circuit, typically for testing or troubleshooting purposes.
-Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS): A set of national standards established by the Japanese government to ensure quality, safety, and efficiency in products and services across various industries, including electrical systems and components. -Jack: A female connector used in electrical systems to receive a plug or male connector, allowing for the transfer of electrical signals or power between devices. -Jacket: The outer protective covering of a cable or wire, typically made from plastic, rubber, or other insulating materials, protects against environmental factors and mechanical stress. -Joule Heating: The process by which electrical energy is converted into heat energy within a resistive material, such as a wire or component, due to the flow of electric current. -JFET (Junction Field Effect Transistor): A field-effect transistor that uses a semiconductor junction to control the current flow between the source and drain terminals, providing voltage-controlled resistance and amplification. -Joule's Law: A principle in physics that states the amount of heat generated in a conductor is directly proportional to the square of the current passing throughit, the resistance of the conductor, and the time for which the current flows. -Jitter: The undesired deviation or variation in the timing of a digital signal or clock, which can lead to errors in data transmission and processing. -Joint: A point in an electrical circuit where two or more conductors are connected, either by soldering, crimping, or other mechanical means. J
: A unit of electrical energy equivalent to one kilowatt of power for one hour. It is commonly used to measure electricity consumption and is the basis for billing by utility companies. Kilowatt-hour (kWh) att-hour (kWh) K
-Knob-and-tube wiring: An older form of electrical wiring used in homes, consisting of insulated copper conductors passing through porcelain tubes and supported by porcelain knobs. This type of wiring is considered outdated and potentially hazardous due to its lack of grounding and susceptibility to wear and damage. -KVA (Kilovolt-Ampere): A unit used to express apparent power in electrical systems, which is the product of voltage (in kilovolts) and current (in amperes). KVA is often used to describe the capacity of transformers and generators. -KVAR (Kilovolt-Ampere Reactive): A unit used to express reactive power in electrical systems, representing the power alternating between stored and released energy in inductive or capacitive loads. KVAR is essential in managing power factors and overall efficiency in electrical systems. -Kelvin (K): A unit of temperature measurement used in scientific applications, including electrical engineering. Zero Kelvin (-273.15°C or -459.67°F) is absolute zero, the lowest possible temperature. In electrical engineering, temperature can affect the performance and efficiency of components such as conductors, semiconductors, and insulators. -Keyed connector: An electrical connector designed with a unique shape or keying feature to ensureit can only be connected to a compatible mating connector. This helps prevent incorrect connectionsand potential damage to electrical devices. -K-factor: A rating used to describe the ability of a transformer to handle harmonic currents withoutoverheating. Transformers with a higher K-factor are designed to handle non-linear loads, such as electronic devices and lighting systems that generate harmonics, more effectively. K
L A small amount of electrical current that flows through an insulator or dielectric material, usually undesirable and indicative of a potential issue. Leakage Current e Current
-Linear Load: An electrical load with a constant impedance, resulting in a steady, predictable current flow. -Litz Wire: A wire made from multiple strands of individually insulated conductors that reduce skin effects and improve efficiency in highfrequency applications. -Lockout/Tagout: A safety procedure to ensure that electrical equipment is properly shut off and not accidentally re-energized during maintenance or repair work. L
M Manual transfer switch al transfer switch A switch that allows homeowners to manually change the electrical power source from the utility grid to a backup generator during a power outage.
-Mains electricity: The general-purpose alternating current (AC) electric power supply provided to households and businesses by utility companies. -Magnet: A material or object that produces a magnetic field, which attracts certain metals like iron, nickel, and cobalt. -Magnetic field: An invisible force field created by magnets and moving electric charges exerts a force on other magnets and movingcharges. -Magnetic flux: A measure of the total magnetic field that passes through a given area, often represented by the symbol Φ. -Magnetic induction: Inducing an electric current in a conductor by changing its magnetic field. -Motor: A device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, typically using electromagnets and rotating components. -Megawatt (MW): A power unit equal to one million watts, commonlyused to express the output of large electrical generators or the consumption of large loads. -Milliampere (mA): A unit of electric current equal to one-thousandth(1/1000) of an ampere, commonly used to express small currents in electronic devices. -Multimeter: A versatile test instrument that measures various electrical properties such as voltage, current, and resistance. -Mutual induction: The range in the current flowing through one coil induces an electromotive force (EMF) in another nearby coil. -Microfarad (µF): A unit of capacitance equal to one-millionth (1/1,000,000) of a farad, commonly used to express the capacitance of capacitors in electronic circuits. M
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