RESOURCE ARTICLES
GLOSSARY
- 220 range and dryer outlets
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220-volt outlet for large appliances such as washer, dryer, refrigerator and stereo equipment
- AC
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alternating current—current that changes direction on regular intervals
- Aluminum wiring repairs
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aluminum wiring was used in homes in the ’60s and ’70s and is now deemed unsafe and more likely to cause a fire. Industry standard today is copper
- Amp (Ampere)(A)
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unit of measurement for intensity of electrical current
- CCTV & card access systems
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security systems including Closed Circuit Televisions (CCTV) used to digitally record specific locations through strategically placed cameras. Card access systems require specific key cards to unlock high-tech security locks
- Circuit
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a complete circle from the source of energy through the conductors and then back to the energy source
- Circuit breaker
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equipment used to open and close circuits to predetermined currents without damage
- Code corrections
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making sure all electrical wiring is up to local code standards
- Conductor
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a substance that is able to transfer electricity
- Conduit
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a tube used to enclose electric wires or cables
- DC
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direct current—current that moves in a single direction
- Data cabling
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any type of cable that transfers data, ex. Ethernet
- Egress lights
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exit pathway and exit lighting
- Fuse
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an excessive current protective device that is broken when current exceeds determined levels
- Green-build
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making electrical more environmentally friendly by cutting material waste and using more environment friendly components
- Ground
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conduction to the earth that acts as a neutral element
- Infrared panel scanning
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a security measure that uses infrared technology to determine electrical panels out of date and more prone to fire hazard
- Kilowatt-hour (KWH)
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work done at a rate equivalent to 1000W/hr
- LED lighting
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light emitting diode—LED lights have a much longer life span and use less power than standard light bulbs, thus are more economical
- Ohm (Ω)
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unit of measurement for electrical resistance
- Photovoltaic known as PV
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This is energy produced by radiant energy (the sun), which can be stored in solar panels that are commonly used today
- PLC & motor controls
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Programmable Logic Controller—programmable systems that provide factory automation by monitoring sensors and actuators
- Standby and UPS systems
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Uninterruptible Power Systems, an offline system powering equipment through AC outlets. When power fails here, the standby UPS power kicks in.
- Surge Protector
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an appliance used to protect electronics from a detrimental spike in voltage
- Transformer
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equipment used for converting alternating electrical currents from high to low, or low to high voltages
- Volt (V)
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unit of measurement for electrical pressure
- Watt (W)
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unit of measurement for power of a current found by volt/amp