Electrical

Question 1

AC (Alternating Current)

Answer 1

An electric current that reverses its direction many times a second at regular intervals

Question 2

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)

Answer 2

Protective devices that replace standard circuit breakers. They are used to protect against arc faults (a higher power electrical discharge between two conductors) which can very easily lead to an electrical fire

Question 3

Ceiling Fan

Answer 3

A mechanical fan, usually electrically powered, suspended from the ceiling of a room that uses hub-mounted rotating paddles to circulate the air

Question 4

Circuit Breaker

Answer 4

A modern fuse. It serves the same function of a fuse but has the ability to be reset when a current becomes too high resulting in a “tripped” breaker rather than having to replace the fuse

Question 5

Conduit Bender

Answer 5

Allow electricians to curve the piping to accommodate the routs needed to ensure that that the conduits remain nonintrusive and are placed efficiently placed in a customer’s home

Question 6

DC (Direct Current)

Answer 6

An electric current that flows in only one direction

Question 7

Disconnect

Answer 7

A disconnect, disconnect switch or isolator is used to ensure that the electrical circuit is completely off. Disconnects are not used for regular control of the circuit, but are employed as a safety precaution.

Question 8

Disconnect Switch

Answer 8

Typically mounted on the side of the home, this serves as an emergency shut off of the electricity in the event of a flash flood or fire where entering the house can become dangerous. If it is not outside then the circuit breaker is the system disconnect

Question 9

Electric Meter

Answer 9

Also referred to as an energy meter, is a device that measures the amount of electric energy is consumed by a building, tenant space, or electrically powered equipment. Electric utilities use electric meters installed at a customer’s premises to measure electric energy delivered to their customers for billing purposes.

Question 10

Electrical

Answer 10

Our smallest segmentation of customers. Typically, this industry is demand-based - i.e. customer calls with an issue (see Demand call)

Technicians are typically paid a mixture of commission and hourly, depending on the company.

Large Customer Examples: Gen 3 Electric, George Brazil

Common Associations: Nexstar

Question 11

Electrical Service Connection and Meter

Answer 11

This is the meter that is on the side of your home where the main electrical supply from the electrical company runs int your home. The meter measures the amount of electricity the house uses, charging you for electric used accordingly

Question 12

Fish Tape

Answer 12

Used to pull stranded or solid wire through conduit piping or other electrical components

Question 13

Fuse

Answer 13

An electrical safety device that prevents the over-current of an electrical circuit from reaching too high of a level. A fuse element that sits inside will melt and break the circuit if it becomes too high, protecting the device that it is connected to

Question 14

GFCI

Answer 14

A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is a type of outlet that has a mechanism installed that detects any type of ground fault. When it does detect, it will immediately cut the power. (Now required by law to be in bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor areas, swimming pool areas, laundry rooms, etc. anywhere there is water/moisture nearby)

Question 15

Ground

Answer 15

The reference point in an electrical circuit from which voltages are measured, a common return path for electric current or a direct physical connection to the earth

Question 16

Ground Fault

Answer 16

An unintentional, electrically conductive connection between an underground conductor of an electrical circuit and the normally non-current carrying conductors like metallic enclosures, equipment or earth

Question 17

Ground Fault

Answer 17

An unintentional, electrically conductive connection between an underground conductor of an electrical circuit and the normally non-current carrying conductors like metallic enclosures, equipment or earth

Question 18

Load

Answer 18

Anything which consumes electrical energy, such as lights, transformers, heaters and electric motors

Question 19

Main Electrical Panel

Answer 19

A steel box that holds multiple circuit breakers wired to circuits that distribute power throughout the home

Question 20

Neutral Conductor

Answer 20

The conductor connected to the neutral point of a system that is intended to carry current under normal conditions

Question 21

Non-Contact Voltage Meter

Answer 21

Used for quick safety checks to make sure there’s no voltage in electrical wire or device prior to work being done on it

Question 22

Parallel Circuit

Answer 22

A circuit in which there are multiple paths for electricity flow. Each load connected in separate path receives the full circuit voltage, and the total circuit current is equal to the sum of the individual currents

Question 23

Reaming Bit

Answer 23

Attachment that connects to an electric drill and can widen the opening on one end of the piping and complete a secure conduit (a conduit is a pipe/tube for protecting wires)

Question 24

Receptacles

Answer 24

A socket that connects an electrical device to an electricity supply. In buildings, electrical outlets are usually installed in the wall, although they can also be installed in the floor

Question 25

Series Circuit

Answer 25

A circuit in which there is only path for electricity to flow. All of the current in the circuit must flow through all of the loads completing its path to the source of supply

Question 26

Smoke Detectors

Answer 26

A smoke detector is a device that sense smoke, typically as an indicator of fire

Question 27

Switch

Answer 27

A device for making and breaking the connection in an electric circuit

Question 28

Tamper Resistant Receptacles (TRRs)

Answer 28

A special outlet that prevents electrical shock and burns (especially in children) by only allowing something to enter the outlet if equal pressure is applied into both shutters (i.e a plug). This prevents objects being poked into the outlet other than a plug that can cause electrical shock.

Question 29

Torpedo Level

Answer 29

Small level is used to make sure boxes, switches, and outlet covers are installed straight

Question 30

Wire Strippers

Answer 30

Used to cut and strip the insulation from electrical wires