Electrician Glossary
Amperage (amps): A measure of electrical current flow.
Arc-fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI): Protection from fires caused by affects of electrical arcing in wiring. AFCI device will de-energize the circuit when an arc fault is detected.
Circuit Breaker or Fuses: Protect against over current and short circuit conditions that could result in potential fire hazards and explosion.
Electrical Faults: A partial or total failure in an electrical conductor or appliance.
Energized: Electrically connected to a source of potential difference, or electrically charged so as to have a potential different from that of the ground.
Gauge: Standard or scale of measure.
Ground-fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI): Protection against shock and electrocution. GFCI device will de-energize a circuit when it senses a difference in the amount of electricity passing through the device and returning through the device, or a "leak" of current from the circuit.
Grounded/grounding: A conducting connection, whether intentional or accidental, by which an electric circuit or equipment is connected to the earth, or to some conducting body of relatively large extent that serves in place of the earth.
Outlet: A contact device installed along a circuit for the connection of an attachment plug and flexible cord to supply power to portable equipment and electrical appliances. Also known as receptacles.
Three-pronged Plugs and Outlets: Protect against potential shock from the use of damaged products or electrical power cords designed to take stray electrical current safely to ground.
Short Circuits: An abnormal electrical path.
Voltage (volts): A measure of electrical potential.
Wattage (watts): A measure of the rate of energy consumption by an electrical device when it is in operation.
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