AC Power
A key electrical term you should be familiar with is AC. Since the Tesla-Westinghouse power station began operating at Niagara Falls in 1895, alternating current (AC) electricity has become the norm across North America and ultimately around the globe. This type of electric current is generated through rotating turbines, causing it to fluctuate like a wave as it moves back and forth.
“Imagine it as water moving through a pipeline,” explains Vasilevski.
Power stations generate AC because it is easy to step up to high voltages for efficient transmission across power lines and then step it back down using transformers for use in homes or businesses. That means centralized generating stations using
wind, solar, water
Nuclear fuel or fossil fuels have the capability to supply energy to communities located hundreds of miles apart. Additionally, alternating current comes with a specific frequency. In North America, this frequency is set at 60 cycles per second.
On the contrary, DC voltage is utilized for small-scale uses such as operating electric vehicles, smartphones, laptops, batteries, and various gadgets that demand constant and stable energy. Additionally, solar panels produce direct current (DC) power.
Batteries inherently generate direct current since the chemical reactions within them propel the current in one consistent direction,” explains Vasilevski. “This flow moves in a singular direction continuously, much like water steadily streaming in one direction through a hose.
Grasping AC electrical jargon may assist property owners in comprehending how electricity enters their home, what occurs once it arrives, and how to manage it effectively.
Voltage
John Williamson, who serves as the electrical operations supervisor at the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, draws comparisons between different voltages during his work.
electrical circuit
Due to the pressure applied to water moving through a pipe. Similar to how increased pressure boosts the volume and flow rate of water in the pipes, raising the voltage generates greater electrical power.
The voltage from alternating current (AC) varies sinusoidally with time.
power generator
Isn’t steady because it comes from an alternating current (AC) source such as household electricity, which fluctuates between positive and negative cycles. Unlike the unchanging voltage provided by direct current (DC) sources like batteries, electricians determine an average nominal voltage for AC systems. This calculated value represents the typical AC voltage (VAC), which is what you typically find labeled on various appliances and electronic devices.
In North America, any gadget that connects to a regular outlet
wall outlet
Is rated for 120 VAC; however, due to voltage variations, the operational range actually spans from 110 to 125 VAC.
Transformer
The transformer plays the biggest role in making the
electrical grid
What we have today is a device called a transformer, which has the capability to either boost or reduce electrical voltage.
If you’ve ever passed by an electric power station, you’ve noticed the several big cylindrical structures linked to the transmission lines.
power lines
If you observe the utility poles near your home, you’ll notice small cylindrical objects attached to them; these are called transformers. The big ones located at the power station boost the electrical voltage up to thousands of volts, whereas the smaller versions on the distribution lines step down this high voltage so it can be safely used within homes and businesses.
A number of electronic gadgets include a transformer within them to step down household voltage to a safer level suitable for delicate components. This transformer can typically be found inside the squared-off housing located at the tip of the cable where the prongs connect to the socket.
Service Panel
The service panel serves as the primary hub for the electrical system, where cables from the transformer link up and distribute power to various individual circuits throughout the house. This component is essentially a rectangular metal enclosure featuring a door that opens to reveal its contents.
circuit breakers
For each of the separate circuits.
Every electric wire bringing power into your home from the utility line transformer links up with a copper or alloy strip located at the rear of the electrical panel. Known as hot busbars, these strips have connections for every circuit breaker in the house.
Electrical current requires a full loop to circulate properly; hence, the control panel features a neutral terminal for establishing an electric pathway back to the transformer. Additionally, there’s a connection to the ground which ensures every household appliance remains safely earthed.
The panel is typically located in the basement, inside a closet, or outdoors, and having easy access to it will be necessary when you aim to address any issues.
electrical problems
It should be accessible easily, so make sure to keep the area in front of it free.
Circuit Breaker
That set of black switches within your device
home’s service panel
encompasses every electrical pathway within the residence. Every switch forms an integral component of what is referred to as a circuit breaker system. Should your dwelling predate 1950, it could potentially retain a fuse box setup. These fuse systems utilize screw-in fuses rather than toggle-activated breakers.
Circuit breakers are
overload protection
Each device connects to one of the panel’s live buses and manages a circuit containing one or more light fittings or electrical outlets. In case the circuit encounters an abrupt increase in current, the breaker will activate to stop this.
home fire
.
“If multiple appliances are used at the same time on one circuit, they could be consuming more electricity than the circuit can safely manage,” explains Daniel Mock, who serves as the vice president of operations.
Mister Sparky
This leads to the circuit overheating and triggers the breaker.
Every circuit breaker comes with an “amperage characteristic,” which indicates the highest current level it can handle before triggering a trip. The majority of 120-volt breakers typically come with ratings of either 15 or 20 amperes. For larger devices running off 240 volts, dual-pole breakers are generally used, usually carrying ratings ranging from 20 to 60 amperes.
Branch Circuit
Imagine the service panel as the root system of a plant; this makes it simple to picture each branch circuit like individual roots extending outwards. Every one of these branch circuits operates via a separate circuit breaker. Collectively, they fulfill the entire electricity demands for the structure.
The electrical code encompasses three varieties of branch circuits. One type is the all-purpose circuit which provides electricity to both receptacles and light fixtures. Then there’s the appliance circuit designed specifically for powering devices, excluding lighting. Lastly, we have what is referred to as an individual or dedicated circuit, intended solely for one particular device.
Kitchen circuits are typically necessary in the cooking area and occasionally in other spaces too. Certain appliances necessitate dedicated circuits.
large appliances
, including the
central air conditioner
,
electric range
and
water heater
, among others.
Neutral Conductor
When you attach a device like a light to a battery, the hot conductor refers to the wire extending from the battery’s positive terminal to the light. Conversely, the neutral conductor is the connection that runs back to the battery’s negative terminal. This return path is essential for completing the direct current (DC) circuit; without it, the light will not function.
In AC circuits, the current continually reverses directions periodically, with both wires from the power supply being live. The voltage measured across these two energized wires is 240 volts. Conversely, when measuring the voltage from either of the live wires to the neutral wire, the reading will be 120 volts.
The majority of branch circuits in a home operate at 120 volts. According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), the neutral conductor must be used as follows:
electrical cables
Must be white. The NEC does not specify a color for hot conductors, but they typically appear as black or red.
Grounding Conductor
In addition to the neutral terminal, the electrical panel includes a grounding terminal. This is usually linked to a metal rod driven into the earth outside the house, though it might alternatively be attached to another grounded component.
copper water pipe
This operates underground. Each branch circuit includes either a bare or green grounding conductor which connects to the grounding bus.
The electrical code acknowledges both system grounding and equipment grounding as crucial for safety. Connecting the electrical system to the ground assists in stabilizing voltage levels during regular operation. Additionally, it aims to channel surges of electric current away safely during faults.
lightning strike
To Earth so it doesn’t cause any harm.
Electric equipment grounding offers a continuous low-impedance route for faulty electricity to return to the main electrical panel, ensuring that either a fuse blows or a circuit breaker trips. This ground wire extends throughout the wiring system, linking with each component as well as every metallic electrical enclosure involved.
Ground-Fault
Despite having grounded circuitry, electricity can still potentially flow to the ground via a person’s body or a faulty wire connection. This might occur if an individual makes contact with a
damaged power cord
Or due to a defective appliance switch, or when an exposed live wire directly touches the grounding wire or a grounded metallic object. This situation is referred to as a ground fault. Such an occurrence triggers a sudden increase in electric current which may lead to overheated wiring, damage to electrical devices, and potential electric shocks.
“The unpredictability of ground faults increases their danger because they occur whenever electricity takes an unexpected route to the ground,” explains WG Hickman, who owns the company.
Tri-County Air Service
.
A common scenario involves a person touching an electrified device while standing on a wet surface. In this situation, electricity may utilize their body as a path to earth, resulting in severe—or even lethal—electric shocks. While standard 15- and 20-amp circuit breakers are intended to interrupt power flow during these surge events, they do not guarantee protection against injury to individuals.
electrical shocks
.
Human bodies transmit electricity effectively since they consist of water and salts,” explains Vasilevski. “As little as a tiny electric current can lead to muscle spasms, burns, or shocks. More intense currents may halt your heartbeat or inflict serious harm. A mere 30 milliamps of electrical flow can become lethal, highlighting why ground faults should not be taken lightly.
GFCI
A ground-fault current-interrupting (GFCI)
receptacle
or
circuit breaker
It safeguards individuals from harm due to electric shock and prevents machinery from being damaged as a result of a ground fault. Unlike standard circuit breakers, which have lower sensitivity, a Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) responds quickly to even minor surges in electrical current resulting from a ground fault. It trips whenever it senses an increase of at least 5 milliamps. Current levels exceeding this threshold could potentially disrupt normal heart function in humans.
“Even under regular conditions, concealed problems such as exposed wires or compromised insulation can unexpectedly lead to a ground fault, making the installation of GFCI outlets crucial,” explains Hickman.
GFCI receptacles
feature two buttons on the front panel. One button tests the internal workings of the device, while the second one resets the system once it has been tripped. According to the NEC guidelines, Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets must be installed in areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms, and outdoor spaces—locations where water can pose an electrocution risk due to its conductive properties. These GFCI outlets are progressively being superseded by newer alternatives.
GFCI breakers,
Which safeguard complete circuits from a centralized point within the service panel.
Short Circuit
Like a ground-fault, a short circuit causes a current surge, but it happens for a different reason. A ground-fault occurs when electricity finds an unintentional pathway to earth. A short circuit happens when electricity finds a low-resistance pathway through the circuit itself.
Shorts usually happen when a neutral wire comes into contact with a live wire due to poor connections, damaged insulation, or incidents like accidents.
tree branch falling
on a power line.
“If a hot wire touches a neutral wire in your home’s wiring system or in an outlet or fixture, current will flow between them at rapid speed, which also causes overheating,” says Mock.
When a short circuit occurs, it typically triggers the breaker switch. However, should this mechanism respond too sluggishly, the resulting surge could instantly elevate wire temperatures to thousands of degrees Fahrenheit. Should the wiring be near each other without making contact, an electric arc may develop as well. This phenomenon transforms the surrounding air into extremely hot plasma capable of swiftly starting a blaze.
AFCI
Electrical arcing and a ground fault represent distinct occurrences. Consequently, the protective devices designed for each vary, even though they share some commonalities.
A circuit-breaking arc fault current (AFCI)
receptacle
It features the same dual-button design found in a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI), along with a sophisticated sensor system. This advanced technology not only identifies potential arc faults prior to their occurrence but also differentiates between hazardous arcs and the usual sparking that takes place during routine actions like switching lights on or off, activating appliances, or turning on fixtures.
The aim of arc fault protection is to
prevent fires
, and the National Electrical Code (NEC) has progressively expanded the number of spaces where Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) must be installed, now covering almost the entire home. It is increasingly becoming standard procedure to incorporate them.
dual-function
AFCI/GFCI breakers installed in the primary electrical panel instead of separate combination outlets around the home. This method is less expensive, and the breakers offer broader protection.
Polarized Plug
Certain appliance plugs feature just two prongs. If they do,
different sizes
The plug has a polarization feature. You can only fit it into a socket where both slots match the size of each prong. Additionally, insertion is possible in just one specific orientation. This design serves as a protective measure against potential ground faults. For proper wiring, ensure that the wider prong connects to the neutral wire.
Household appliances and mobile lights with
polarized plugs
are set up internally such that the live wire of the circuit ends at the switch. Power will only reach the internal components or light bulb once you activate the switch.
A prime illustration is a table lamp. The broader prong links to the neutral wire in the electrical circuit. Consequently, this connection extends to the metal threading within the lamp socket. Meanwhile, the live wire goes through the switch before connecting to the brass contact at the base of the socket, ensuring it remains inaccessible during use. Reversing these connections would pose an electric shock risk whenever someone attempts to replace the bulb.
light bulb
fumbling for the lamp switch in the darkness.
Outlet
Various electrical terminologies carry distinct connotations for everyday individuals versus professionals. Typically, people often use “wall plug” interchangeably with “outlet.” However, this usage differs from how electricians define the term. For them, an outlet refers to any point within a wiring system designed to deliver electricity. This could include feeding energy to items such as lighting fixtures, fire alarms, or built-in appliances, not just wall plugs—more accurately termed receptacles.
The placement of electrical outlet boxes usually occurs during the initial construction phase.
the initial installation stage of electrical wiring
Before installing the drywall over the framing, the electrician installs cables to the designated outlet box positions and properly fastens them within the electrical boxes. Next, they return to connect all the wires and perform any necessary splicing inside each of the outlet boxes, followed by adding appropriate labels for identification.
Once the walls have been finished with wallpaper or paint, the electrician easily hooks up the predetermined cables to whichever gadget, lighting component, or electrical appliance is meant to be positioned in those spots.
Electrical Box
If you’re unfamiliar with what an electrical box is, you may overlook its presence entirely. However, each spot in your home where a gadget or lighting fixture hooks up to the structure’s wiring system has one of these boxes installed; this adherence to NEC regulations ensures safety. The primary function of these boxes is to keep wire connections separate from combustible materials like wood framing and insulation, preventing potential fires caused by overheated wires.
The most basic electrical enclosures come in either circular or square shapes, usually crafted from plastic materials and often secured with nails into the framework. However, certain components necessitate metal boxes which include a grounding screw enabling them to be attached to an earth connection.
When you’re adding a new gadget to your current electrical setup, it’s typical to utilize a remodeling box, often a shallow plastic container (since plastic does not require grounding). It offers
anchors
This enables you to secure it to the drywall rather than to the framing.
Multimeter
Certain electrical terminology pertains directly to electricity itself, whereas some other terms denote specific tools used in the field.
multimeter
is among the most potent diagnostic instruments available
electrician’s tool
belt. This
inexpensive measuring device
includes a device for measuring voltage, current, and resistance along with a set of test leads. It has numerous applications such as verifying whether devices and wiring have power to ensure safety, and identifying interruptions within an electrical circuit.
To perform a voltage test on an apparatus like a switch, ensure the power is turned on and the switch is integrated into the circuit. The meter assesses the voltage across either the live wire and neutral line or ground connection. Conversely, testing a circuit breaker or fuse involves what’s known as a continuity check. This procedure requires the electricity to be shut down first and the section under scrutiny should be disconnected from the overall wiring system. In this process, the meter passes a minimal electric flow through the circuit then gauges the level of resistance encountered.
Wire Strippers
Wire strippers
are another crucial electrician’s tool, and every
Do-it-yourself homeowner tackling electrical tasks
It should include a pair of spring-loaded pliers featuring different diameter notches along with wire strippers. These tools are essential for stripping insulation off single wires before joining them together or attaching them to a component.
The slots on the edges of a pair of wire strippers are designed to match closely different wire sizes. Place the correct slot around the section you want stripped. Afterward, twist the tool to slice into the outer covering. Finally, employ the jagged end to remove the insulation smoothly. Doing this is quicker compared to using a knife for insulation removal; plus, it offers greater safety and precision.
NEC
One entry on our list of electrical terminology doesn’t refer to a tool or a form of energy. When electricians discuss adhering to “the code,” they’re referring to the regulations and standards שצרصند
National Electrical Code
(NEC). This code was founded by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in 1897, with revisions and updates released at intervals of three years.
The National Electrical Code (NEC) is not a federal statute; however, it has been embraced by all 50 U.S. states along with regulatory bodies in Mexico and various other nations globally. Updates to this code predominantly affect new building projects and renovations. With only a handful of exceptions, these changes typically do not have backward applicability. This implies
wiring
Installed under an earlier version of the code, it can typically stay in place as long as it remains in good working order and is safely usable.
Nevertheless, as the primary aim of the NEC regulations is safety, homeowners contemplating modifications to their electrical systems ought to seek advice from an electrician. Doing so will help guarantee that the alterations align with current codes.
About the Experts
-
Daniel Mock
serves as the vice president of operations at
Mister Sparky
Additionally, he boasts over 15 years of expertise in home services along with the electrical field. -
Daniel Vasilevski
serves as both the director and proprietor of
Bright Force Electrical
and has been employed as an electrician for over ten years. -
WG Hickman is the proprietor of
Tri-County Air Service
In Mississippi, where they have been offering electrical and HVAC services for nearly two decades. -
Todd Trip
p
serves as a general contractor and is the founder of
Trip Mills Builders
in Upstate South Carolina, and an expert in home improvements with
JustAnswer
.
