Week 1 Definitions Flashcards
Ampacity
The maximum current, in amperes, that a conductor can carry continuously under the conditions without exceeding its temperature rating
Appliance
Utilization equipment, generally other than industrial, that is fastened in place, stationary, or portable; is normally built in a standardized side of type; and is installed or connected as a unit to perform one or more functions such as clothes washing, air-conditioning, food mixing, deep frying and so forth
Branch Circuit
The circuit conductors between the final overcurrent device protecting the circuit and the outlet(s)
Appliance Branch Circuit
A branch circuit that supplies energy to one or more outlets to which appliances are to be connected and that has no permanently connected luminaries that are not part of an appliance.
General-purpose branch circuit
A branch circuit that supplies two or more receptacles or outlets for lighting and appliances
Individual Branch Circuit
A branch circuit that supplies only one utilization equipment
Multiwire Branch Circuit
A branch circuit that consists of two or more ungrounded conductors that have a voltage between them, and a neutral conductor that has equal voltage between it and each ungrounded conductor of the circuit and that is connected to the neutral conductor of the system
Circuit Breaker
A device designed to open and close a circuit by non-automatic means and to open the circuit automatically on a predetermined overcurrent without damage to itself when properly applied within its rating
Arc-fault circuit interrupter
A device intended to provide protection from the effects of arc faults by recognizing characteristics unique to arcing and by functioning to de-energize the circuit when an arc-fault is detected.
Inverse time circuit breaker
A qualifying term indicating that there is a delay purposely introduced in the tripping action of the circuit breaker, and the delay decreases as the magnitude of the current increases.
Instantaneous trip circuit breaker
A qualifying term indicating that no delay is purposely introduced in the tripping action of the circuit breaker
Interrupting rating
The highest current at rated voltage that a device is identified to interrupt under standard test conditions.
Short-Circuit current rating
The prospective symmetrical fault current at a nominal voltage to which an apparatus or system is able to be connected without sustaining damage exceeding defined acceptable criteria
Overcurrent
Any current in excess of the rated current of equipment of the ampacity of a conductor. It may result from overload, short circuit or ground fault.
Overload
Operation of equipment in excess of normal, full-load rating, or of a conductor in excess of its ampacity that, when it persists for a sufficient length of time, would cause damage or dangerous overheating. Not a short circuit or ground fault.
