GoFormative Electrical Vocab
Alternating Current (AC): The type of power delivered by the utility grid where the flow of electrons reverses direction periodically (usually 60 times per second or 60Hz in North America).
Arc: jump of current caused by poor or damaged electrical connections. Fire hazard.
AFCI: Safety feature in an outlet or breaker that shuts power down when arcing conditions are detected
Cable: Jacketed bundle of insulated conductors
Circuit breaker: Special switch installed in the load center for each branch circuit that limits amperage if overloaded
Conductor: single wire that conducts electricity from one connection to another
Conduit: Metal or plastic tube used to protect conductors that are not concealed in a structure from weather and abrasion
Continuity: continuous electrical path that allows flow of current
Current (I): The actual flow of electrons through a wire. Measured in Amperes (or Amps).
Direct Current (DC): Power that flows in only one direction, typical of batteries and solar panels.
Double pole: switch that controls two circuits
Gang: width of a junction box that holds one outlet or switch
GFCI: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter - Shock prevention device that shuts off power if a problem is detected
Ground: safety wire in a circuit identified by a bare copper or green insulated wire and a green terminal
Junction box: Plastic or metal enclosure that houses outlets, switches, wire ends, and connections for user and fire safety purposes
Line: wire used to feed electricity to a circuit usually identified by black conductor insulation and a gold colored terminal
Load center: Metal enclosure that holds main supply wires, a main disconnect, and individual branch circuit wires and circuit breakers
Neutral: wire used to complete a circuit usually identified by a white insulated conductor and a silver terminal
NM: “Non-Metallic” (plastic) jacketed multi conductor cable. Color coded for gauge sizes commonly used in concealed spaces like walls floors and ceilings. Often Called Romex
Ohm’s Law: The mathematical relationship between voltage, current, and resistance:
V = I x R
Power (P): The rate at which electrical energy is used. Measured in Watts. In construction, this is crucial for sizing circuits for appliances.
P = V x I
Resistance (R): The opposition to the flow of current. Measured in Ohms (Omega).
Romex: See NM
Service wires: Large wires that supply power to the load center from the meter
Single pole: switch that controls one circuit
Stranded wire: conductor made of several smaller strands of wire bundled together. More flexible than solid wire
Strap: hardware used to secure conduit to a surface. Comes in one hole or two hole design
Solid wire: single thicker strand of material used as a conductor
Terminal: screw connection on a switch or outlet that secures a wire end
Voltage (V): The electrical "pressure" or potential difference that pushes charge through a conductor. Measured in Volts.
Wire gauge: thickness of a wire. Lower numbers indicate thicker wire
Wire nut: device for securing two or more wire ends together and insulating the bare ends from arcing or electrical shock
Wire staple: simple fastener for securing Romex wire to framing