Electrical VocabularyBy Carlin Bright

ElectricityThe flow of electrons in a conductor

ConductorA material that permits the flow of electricity

(like an electrical wire)

CircuitThe complete path of an electric current

VoltagePressure that forces current through a wire

VoltsThe SI unit for voltage

CurrentThe volume of electrons flowing through the

conductor

AmpereThe base SI unit of electrical current

ResistanceA way to measure the amount of work a

component in a circuit can do. Something that is harder to run has more resistance.

OhmThe SI unit of electrical resistance

WattOne ampere under one volt of pressure (I×V)

Service DropAn electrical line running from a utility pole

to a customer’s building or other premises

Service EntranceThe fittings and conductors that bring

electricity into the building

Service PanelThe main distribution box that receives the

electricity and distributes it to various points in the house through branch circuits.

ConduitPipes or enclosed channels through which

conductors are run

ConnectorsSecure connections between two or more

conductors and conduit

Electrical WiringWires, boxes, and devices that control the

distribution and use of electricity

Circuit BreakerA device for interrupting an electric circuit to

prevent excessive current from damaging the equipment in the circuit or from causing a fire

FuseA safety device that breaks the circuit when

it is overloaded by melting a fusible link

SwitchingControls the current to lights and appliances

ReceptacleA contact device installed at an outlet for the

connection of a portable lamp, appliance, or other electric device by means of a plug or a cord

Lighting OutletAn outlet designed to provide use of a

lighting fixture

Convenience OutletA device attached to a circuit to allow

electricity to be drawn off for appliances or lighting