Electrical VocabularyBy Carlin Bright
ElectricityThe flow of electrons in a conductor
ConductorA material that permits the flow of electricity
(like an electrical wire)
CircuitThe complete path of an electric current
VoltagePressure that forces current through a wire
CurrentThe volume of electrons flowing through the
conductor
AmpereThe base SI unit of electrical current
ResistanceA way to measure the amount of work a
component in a circuit can do. Something that is harder to run has more resistance.
OhmThe SI unit of electrical resistance
WattOne ampere under one volt of pressure (I×V)
Service DropAn electrical line running from a utility pole
to a customer’s building or other premises
Service EntranceThe fittings and conductors that bring
electricity into the building
Service PanelThe main distribution box that receives the
electricity and distributes it to various points in the house through branch circuits.
ConduitPipes or enclosed channels through which
conductors are run
ConnectorsSecure connections between two or more
conductors and conduit
Electrical WiringWires, boxes, and devices that control the
distribution and use of electricity
Circuit BreakerA device for interrupting an electric circuit to
prevent excessive current from damaging the equipment in the circuit or from causing a fire
FuseA safety device that breaks the circuit when
it is overloaded by melting a fusible link
SwitchingControls the current to lights and appliances
ReceptacleA contact device installed at an outlet for the
connection of a portable lamp, appliance, or other electric device by means of a plug or a cord
Lighting OutletAn outlet designed to provide use of a
lighting fixture
Convenience OutletA device attached to a circuit to allow
electricity to be drawn off for appliances or lighting
