Alternating current - Answers An electric current that regularity reverses direction; used in home wiring.
Arc-Fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) - Answers A device that can detect abnormal arcing, which might
cause a fire. AFCIs are required in many locations throughout a house
Branch circuit - Answers A single circuit running from a distribution panel.
Circuit - Answers A path for electrical power provided by wires (conductors) between a power source
and the power-using device (load).
Circuit breaker - Answers An over-current protection device that opens a circuit, preventing the flow of
electricity, when an overload or short is detected so that the circuit will not be damaged.
Conductor - Answers A material, such as copper wire, that carries an electric current.
Conduit - Answers A tube of metal or plastic in which wiring is installed.
Current - Answers Flow of electrons through electrical wiring.
Electric current - Answers Flow of electrons through a conductor.
Entrance panel - Answers Where the service ends inside of the house; contains the main breaker and
the circuit breakers or fuses for all of the homes circuits.
Fish tape - Answers A long, flexible steel tape used to pull electrical wires through conduit or walls.
Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) - Answers An over-circuit protection device that is able to detect a
short circuit more rapidly than a fuse or circuit breaker; used where water is present.
Home Run - Answers When the wiring is routed directly from the panel to the outlet.
Induction - Answers A process by which an electric is produced when a conductor cuts through a
magnetic field.
Mechanical systems - Answers Installations in a building including plumbing; electrical wiring; and
heating, ventilating, and air conditioning.
National Electrical Code (NEC) - Answers Collection of rules developed to control and recommend
methods of installing electrical systems.
Receptacle - Answers Devices that allow for current transfer between conductors and appliances. Also
called an outlet or convenience outlet.
Service - Answers The conductors that bring power from a transformer to a building.