Electrical Terms and Definitions

Front

AFCI – Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter

Back

Protects against electrical discharge in cords or wiring that can result in fire. These breakers immediately disconnect the damaged circuit before the arc builds up enough heat to catch fire.

Front

Ammeter

Back

An instrument for measuring either direct or alternating electric current, in amperes.

Front

Ampere (Amp)

Back

The base unit of electric current.

Front

Arc

Back

A continuous discharge that occurs when a circuit becomes overloaded, which can cause damage to the circuit breaker.

Front

Bonded

Back

To electrically connect all exposed metal items as protection from electric shock.

Front

Circuit Breaker

Back

Automatically operated electrical switch designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by excess current from an overload or short circuit.

Front

Conductor

Back

An electrical conductor conducts electricity. A good electrical conductor has high conductivity and low resistivity.

Front

Conduit

Back

A pipe, tube, or tile for protecting electric wires or cables.

Front

Copper

Back

The electrical conductor in many categories of electrical wiring, used in power generation, transmission, and distribution.

Front

Electrical Panel/Box

Back

A hub that connects a power source to the home; distributes electrical currents to different circuits in the home.