Electrical Flashcards
AC (Alternating Current)
An electric current that reverses its direction many times a second at regular intervals
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)
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
Ceiling Fan
A mechanical fan, usually electrically powered, suspended from the ceiling of a room that uses hub-mounted rotating paddles to circulate the air
Circuit Breaker
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
Conduit Bender
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
DC (Direct Current)
An electric current that flows in only one direction
Disconnect
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.
Disconnect Switch
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
Electric Meter
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.
Electrical
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
Electrical Service Connection and Meter
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
Fish Tape
Used to pull stranded or solid wire through conduit piping or other electrical components
Fuse
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
GFCI
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)
Ground
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
Ground Fault
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
Ground Fault
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
Load
Anything which consumes electrical energy, such as lights, transformers, heaters and electric motors
Main Electrical Panel
A steel box that holds multiple circuit breakers wired to circuits that distribute power throughout the home
Neutral Conductor
The conductor connected to the neutral point of a system that is intended to carry current under normal conditions
Non-Contact Voltage Meter
Used for quick safety checks to make sure there’s no voltage in electrical wire or device prior to work being done on it
Parallel Circuit
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
Reaming Bit
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)
Receptacles
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
Series Circuit
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
Smoke Detectors
A smoke detector is a device that sense smoke, typically as an indicator of fire
Switch
A device for making and breaking the connection in an electric circuit
Tamper Resistant Receptacles (TRRs)
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.
Torpedo Level
Small level is used to make sure boxes, switches, and outlet covers are installed straight
Wire Strippers
Used to cut and strip the insulation from electrical wires
