Home Inspection Terms Flashcards
A/C
An abbreviation for air conditioner or air conditioning.
A/C Circuit
Alternating Current. The flow of current through a conductor first in one direction, then in
reverse. It is used exclusively in residential and commercial wiring because it provides greater
flexibility in voltage selection and simplicity of equipment design.
A/C Condenser
The outside fan unit of the air conditioning system. It removes the heat from the Freon gas and
turns the gas back into a liquid and pumps the liquid back to the coil in the furnace
A/C Disconnect
The main electrical ON-OFF switch near the A/C condenser
ABS
(Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) Rigid black plastic pipe used only for drain lines
Absolute Humidity
Amount of moisture in the air, indicated in grains per cubic foot
Accelerator
Any material added to stucco, plaster or mortar which speeds up the natural set.
Access Panel
An opening in the wall or ceiling near the fixture that allows access for servicing the
plumbing/electrical system.
Accessible
Can be approached or entered by the inspector safely, without difficulty, fear or danger.
A-coil
A type evaporator coil in a cooling system that consists of double plates of coils connected at
the top, forming an “A” shape.
Acoustic Tiles
Ceiling tiles made of fiberboard, fiberglass, cork or mineral particles.
Acre
43,560 square feet.
Acrylic
A glassy thermoplastic material that is vacuum-formed to cast and mold shapes that form the
surface of fiberglass bathtubs, whirlpools, shower bases, and shower stalls.
Activate
To turn on, supply power, or enable systems, equipment, or devices to become active by
normal operating controls. Examples include turning on the gas or water supply valves to the
fixtures and appliances and activating electrical breakers or fuses.
Actual Dimension (Lumber)
The exact measurement of lumber after it has been cut, dried and milled.
