Plain-language definitions
Electrical Glossary
Understand common terms used when discussing electrical repairs, inspections, panels, protective devices, wiring and new equipment.
- AFCI
- Arc-fault circuit interrupter; a protective device designed to detect certain arcing conditions and interrupt the circuit.
- Bonding
- Connecting conductive parts to establish electrical continuity and help provide an effective fault-current path.
- Branch circuit
- The conductors between the final overcurrent device and the outlets or connected loads served by that circuit.
- Circuit breaker
- A resettable overcurrent protective device designed to open a circuit under specified conditions.
- Dedicated circuit
- A branch circuit intended to serve a particular appliance or load rather than multiple general-use outlets.
- Electrical panel
- The enclosure containing overcurrent devices and distribution connections that route electrical power to building circuits.
- GFCI
- Ground-fault circuit interrupter; a protective device designed to interrupt certain ground-fault conditions and reduce shock risk.
- Grounding
- Connecting an electrical system or equipment to ground in a manner that supports voltage stabilization and fault protection.
- Knob-and-tube wiring
- An older wiring method that uses separate conductors supported by ceramic knobs and protected through framing by ceramic tubes.
- Load calculation
- A method used to estimate electrical demand and evaluate service, feeder or circuit capacity for connected and planned loads.
- Level 2 EV charging
- Alternating-current vehicle charging commonly supplied by a dedicated higher-voltage branch circuit, subject to equipment and site requirements.
- Overcurrent
- Current above the rated capacity of equipment or conductors, which may result from overload, short circuit or ground fault.
- Service equipment
- Equipment at the electrical service that provides the principal control and means of disconnect for supplied power.
- Surge protective device
- Equipment designed to limit transient overvoltage by diverting or restricting surge current.
Talk to an electrician
Call 844-335-0814Need an electrician in Orange County?
Tell us what is happening. Call now for electrical repair, installation, upgrades, inspections or urgent assistance.