Circuit Breaker a device for interrupting an electric circuit to prevent excessive current, as that caused by a short circuit or current overload, from damaging the apparatus in the circuit or from causing a fire. Also called a breaker.

Breaker Panel is the electrical service panel which contains your house breakers. Most homes have an electrical panel outside, in the garage or basement which holds circuit breakers that supply power to heating, lighting and receptacle loads.

Two Gang is a term used to refer to a particular type of electrical box. A two gang box will hold two switches, two receptacles, or one switch and one receptacle.

Ground Rod a copper or aluminum rod which is 1/2 inch in diameter and normally eight feet long. It is driven in the ground near the outside electrical service and is used as an electrical ground for the house electrical service.

Home Run refers to the main line that runs from the electrical service panel to the first device in the electrical circuit.

Switch Leg is the wire connected to the switch which controls the on and off of the device.

Fuse is a protective electrical device. A fuse is rated for a maximum amount of current flow which is measured in amps. Electrical current is measured in amperes also called amps. When the current flow exceeds the amperage rating on the fuse, the fuse link in the fuse will open and stop the flow of current. Years ago everything, both AC and DC current, were protected with fuses. Today most have been replaced with electrical breakers.

Pig Tail is a temporary electrical light device. The pig tail consists of a light socket and two connecting wires. There is normally one white wire and one black wire. These wires are connected to the primary wire hung to provide temporary lighting for a project. These wires are connected with wire nuts and taped with electrical tape for safety.

Temporary pole is electrical pole made to provide electrical power during a construction project. The pole will consist of a breaker box and receptacles to allow construction tools to be plugged in.

Keyless is a single bulb electoral device used normally in a storage area or for temporary lighting. The fixture is a white porcelain fixture.

Receptacle is an electrical device used to furnish an electrical source for electrical tools or appliances. Receptacles can provide either 110 volt or 220 volt supply. Receptacles can also be switched from a light switch to operate a light.

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Volts Water inside a hose moves because it's under pressure from the water behind it. Likewise, electricity is also under pressure, and the force causing the current to flow is measured in volts. That pressure can fluctuate from roughly 115 to 125 volts, even within a single day. The utility company sets the household voltage level, most commonly at 120.'

Amperes The amount of current that flows past a given point in one second is measured in amperes (amps). Amps are basically a function of wire size; the larger the wire, the higher the potential current-carrying capacity.

Watts The energy per second consumed by a light bulb or an appliance is expressed in watts. Household electrical usage is usually figured in kilowatt-hours (units of 1,000 watts multiplied by the time of usage in hours). The relationship between these three basic units is represented in this formula: volts x amps = watts. If you know two of these values, you can figure the third by multiplying or dividing. For example: A 20-amp circuit at 120 volts can deliver 2,400 watts; a microwave oven that uses 1,000 watts of 120-volt power consumes 8.3 amps.

Conductors The general term "conductor" applies to anything that permits, or conducts, the flow of electricity. Electricity flows in the path of least resistance, and certain materials allow energy to flow more freely than others. Copper, for example, is a good conductor; most wires are made of copper, although aluminum and copper-clad aluminum wires are also used.

Resistance This is the property of an electrical circuit that restricts the flow of current. Electrical resistance or impedance is measured in ohms.

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