Electrical Terms and Definitions: A-Z Glossary
Alternating Current (AC)
Alternating current (AC): Electric current that reverses its flow direction at constant intervals.
Ampere (A)
Ampere (A): The unit used to measure an electric current.
Circuit Breakers / Fuses
Circuit breakers / fuses: These devices are installed in the service panel of your home to limit the flow of current through a circuit. The rating of the breaker will determine its maximum flow.
Circuit Extensions
Circuit extensions: This is when you extend or add on to an existing circuit to provide an additional source of power.
Cycle
Cycle: Electric current which flows in one direction and then reverses its direction.
Demand
Demand: This is the size of any electrical load that is expressed in kilowatts that is averaged over a specified period of time.
Direct Current (DC)
Direct current (DC): Electric current that flows only in one direction.
Distribution Equipment
Distribution Equipment: A device that provides electricity to multiple connections.
Distribution System
Distribution system: This refers to the system that delivers electricity to customers. This system transforms high voltages to lower, more usable levels.
Electric Current
Electric current: Charged particles (electrons) flowing through a conductor (for electricity, a cable).
Energy
Energy: Energy is the source of power that enables your devices and appliances to work.
Export Load
Export load: Energy that is produced beyond the needs of the area is sold to other areas.
Frequency
Frequency: This refers to the number of completed cycles that an electric current or voltage goes through in one second.
Generator
Generator: This is a machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
Gigawatt (GW)
Gigawatt (GW): The unit of electrical power which is equivalent to one billion watts or one million kilowatts.
High Tech Troubleshooting
High Tech Troubleshooting: This is a procedure performed by a qualified electrician to detect any problems within an electrical system.
Kilovolt (kV)
Kilovolt (kV): The unit of electrical pressure, or force, equivalent to 1,000 volts (V).
Kilowatt (kW)
Kilowatt (kW): The unit of electrical power equivalent to 1,000 watts (W).
Kilowatt-hour (kWh)
Kilowatt-hour (kWh): This is the unit by which electrical energy is measured.
Load
Load: This refers to the amount of electricity required by a system or device.
Load Center
Load Center: This is the central distribution for your home, which is the source of power for your home. All your circuits will originate from this load center or service panel. The circuit breakers are also located within this panel.
Low Voltage
Low Voltage: This refers to a wiring system that provides a lower voltage to an electrical system or appliance, which is lower than the standard 100 volts. Examples of such devices are doorbells or thermostats.
Megawatt (MW)
Megawatt (MW): The unit of electrical power which is equal to one million watts or 1,000 kilowatts (kW).
Motors
Motors: These are electric devices that are used to move, switch or adjust systems in your home.
Ohm
Ohm: The unit of measurement of electrical resistance against the flow of electric current.
Peak Load
Peak load: This is the record of the maximum amount of electricity used in a given time period.
Power
Power: This refers to the rate of using electrical energy, usually measured in watts, kilowatts or megawatts.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: These are sensors used to detect any deadly gases or smoke that might be in the air stream in your home. They are generally mounted on the ceiling or on the wall.
Switches
Switches: These are also known as circuit interrupters and they are used to start or stop the flow of electricity.
Thermostat
Thermostat: This is a low voltage electronic device that monitors temperatures inside the home.
Transfer Switch
Transfer Switch: This is used to change your source of power from one to another.
Volts or Voltage
Volts or Voltage: This is a measure of the rate or force of electricity.
Watts
Watts: This is used to measure power. Watts is referred to the rate at which electricity is used.
Wiring
Wiring: This is what your power distribution network is called. It is a collection of receptacles, network of wires, conduits and switches that supply power to where it is needed.