Every occupation has its own vocabulary, and that holds true for electricians. So here is a primer on electrical terminology from A to Z.
Amps – a measurement of electric current flowing through a conductor.
Blackout – a total loss of electric power. As opposed to a brownout, which is a temporary reduction of voltage.
Current – the movement of electricity through something that allows electricity to flow through it, which is called a conductor.
Direct current – electrical current flowing in one direction. That is in contrast to alternating current, which is current that reverses directions.
Electricity – The flow of electrons, which are negatively charged particles that produce electricity.
Fuse – A wire or strip of metal that melts and interrupts the electrical circuit (flow of electricity) when the current exceeds the preset amps.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) – a fast-acting circuit breaker designed to shut off electric power in the event of a ground fault. It works by comparing the amount of current going to and returning from equipment along the circuit conductors.
Hydroelectricity – Electricity created by flowing water.
Insulator – A material that electricity cannot easily flow through.
Joule – A unit of work.
Kilowatt – A unit for measuring the demand for electricity.
Load – A device that uses electrical power.
Megawatt – One million watts.
Neutron – A part of an atom that has a neutral electrical charge. Protons and the parts of an atom that have positive charges. As mentioned above, electrons are negatively charged products and are what produces electricity.
Ohm – The unit of measurement of the electrical resistance of a material.
Power – The energy used to do work – measured in watts.
Resistance – The resistance to the flow of electricity through a material.
Surge – a duration of increased voltage that could cause power outages.
Transformer – A device that can raise or lower electricity’s voltage and current.
Voltage – The amount of force used to produce an electric current.
Watt – The measurement of the rate of energy transfer as measured by the number of joules that can convert into power every second.
Contact Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric for Your Electrical Needs
Ravinia Plumbing can help you with all your electrical systems from A to Z, including installing and repairing electrical equipment to standby generators to smart devices. We’ve been in business since 1928, and we’ve made a name for ourselves as one of the most trusted and reliable plumbing, sewer, heating and air conditioning, and electrical companies in Chicagoland. Contact Ravinia Plumbing today to schedule an appointment.
