We want to help you better understand the many terms that our electricians use to describe your electrical system.
Check out this list below and you’ll be on your way to better understanding the talk of the trade!
Amperage – Most commonly referred to as amps, is a measurement of the flow rate of electricity. Similar to calculating the wind in mph, you measure electricity in amps.
Ohm’s Law – Ohm’s Law is the mathematical relationship among electric current, resistance, and voltage and ohms is the standard unit for measuring resistance to flow of an electrical current.
Circuit – A circuit is a continuous loop of electrical current and this allows electricity to power your devices. If there is short in your circuit it means that there is something preventing the electrical current from successfully completing the full loop.
Service Box – This is the main electrical panel that every electrical circuit in your home or office starts and ends. Also commonly referred to as a service panel or fuse box.
Circuit Breaker – A circuit breaker gives protection and is designed to automatically cut off the flow of electricity when it detects an excess amount of electricity flowing through. An excess amount of electricity can cause serious damage to many components in the circuit and can create a fire hazard.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, GFCI – GFCIs greatly reduce this risk of electrocution by shutting off an electric circuit when it detects that current is following along an unintended path. GFCI outlets are installed in any area where electricity and water may come into contact, including basements, pools, spas, utility rooms, attached garages and outdoors.
Conduit – This is the casing that electrical wires are concealed in. They provide protection against damage to the wires and electrical shock to anyone nearby.
Gauge – This refers to the diameter of the electrical wires; the larger the number, the thinner the wire.
Meter – A meter is used to measure the amount of electricity that a residence, business or electrically powered devices uses.
AC – This stands for alternating current and is the standard type of electricity that is found in your home or office.
