Use of this web site signifies your agreement to the terms and conditions. Electronics glossary a quick reference guide for electronic terms and abbreviations. Appendix a contains the standard symbols used in electrical and electronic diagrams. Glossary page 1 of 5 general terms advanced metering system ams. Cable a cable is a set of wires, usually encased in an outer protective jacket. Electrical parts and materials should be approved for the specific project and. Battery a device that stores and produces electricity from chemical cells.
Aa an ansi american national standard institute cooling class designation indicating open, naturaldraft ventilated transformer construction, usually for drytype transformers. Abbreviation for american national standards institute. A vocabulary list featuring electrical engineering. Understanding electricity requires knowledge of these basic electrical terms. Normally used in uk houses at 240v rms alternating at 50 times per second 50 hertz. The following are basic terms associated with electricity and have been defined in a general manner.
A glossary of electrical terms become an electrician electricians are skilled tradespeople working in a variety of different residential and industrial settings. Electrical wire and cable glossary terms allied wire and. New definitions have been added in the fields of wireless technology, robotics, and artificial intelligence. This article contains definitions and explanations of terminology used and will help you understand what he. Ammeter an instrument for measuring the flow of electrical current in amperes. Here is your chance to take a look at a glossary of terms that will help you in your electrical repairs and maintenance research. This type of current is commonly supplied by power companies. Glossary all terms and definitions listed alphabetically maxim. The standard unit of measurement for electric current that is equal to one coulomb per second. This compilation only compiles the terms in the publications issued before 2015.
The output may be scaled or have increased drive, or it may provide isolation so changes in output conditions do not affect the input or other outputs. The pictorial glossary includes definitions and illustrations for many terms that are frequently used in the electrical industry. The funds to perform the work are derived from rates and go into a sinking fund that is used at the discretion of the municipality the electric line is in. The iec glossary is a compilation of electrotechnical terminology in english and french extracted from the terms and definitions clause of iec publications those issued since 2002. Ground a conducting connection, whether intentional or accidental, between a circuit or piece of equipment and the earth, or some body serving as earth. Using comparison functions, we can list each document that uses specific terms and determine which documents use the same definitions of that term. Air cooled a transformer that is cooled by the natural circulation of air. Standard household electrical cable ranges from 14 awg american wire gauge to 6 awg, with 14 having the smallest conductors and 6 having the largest. It defines the quantity of electrons moving past a given point in a circuit during a specific period. Otherwise this is a great era to be out there, with digikey 12.
Diode an electronic component that only allows current flow in one direction. Capacitor a basic electrical component that stores electric charge. While an effort has been made to avoid superfluous mathematics, equations are sometimes necessary to completely and effectively define a term. Electric current that rises from zero to a maximum in one direction, falls to zero and then rises.
The field of electronics, like other areas of science and engineering, employs a wide range of technical words, abbreviations and symbols. An electromechanical device that converts mechanical power into ac electrical power. Home electronic tutorials glossary dictionary of electronics terms a. Coulombs law a law of physics that describes the electrostatic interaction between charged particles. Electrics electrical glossary is a resource to help you understand terms that electricians use. The magnet can be a permanent magnet, an iron rotor in which a magnetic field is induced, or an electromagnet powered by an externally applied current. Allied wire and cable presents an atoz glossary of wire and cable product terms to help you familiarize yourself with industry language. In household electrical systems 14 gauge wire is used for 15 amp circuits, 12 gauge for 20 amp circuits, 10 awg for 30 amps, 8 awg for 40amps, and 6 awg for 50 and 60 amp circuits. The system also creates new efficiencies and capabilities for.
French terms for common electricalengineering words reply to thread. Glossary of terms frequently used in electric utilities. Nfpa glossary of terms 4 term definition document edition document definining same term document using same definition acceptance an agreement between the purchasing authority and the contractor that the terms and conditions of the contract have been met. Kids learn about electricity glossary and terms in the science of physics. Glossary of electrical terms electrical repairs electrical. Alternating current ac an electric current that reverses direction on a periodic basis. Copper wiring is the most widely used electrical conductor. Oct 02, 2019 northeast power coordinating council, inc. It is widely used to transport power on power lines.
Pictorial glossary the pictorial glossary includes definitions and illustrations for many terms that are frequently used in the electrical industry. An electrical wiring device that disconnects a circuit whenever it detects that the electric current is not balanced between the energized conductor and the return neutral conductor. A load in electrical terms is the power consumed by a. M2000 ac motors that meet iec dimensional and mechanical standards and nema electrical standards. In the wind power industry, this term refers to the combination of the a wind turbines generator, converter and transformer. Mar 11, 2006 french terms for common electricalengineering words reply to thread. The resistance between metallic contacts and the semiconductor. This site aims to provide all the information you need to get started in this indemand profession.
Ampere the ampere is the standard unit of measure of electric current. In some cases terms and definitions have also been collected from earlier. This is a great resource for electricians and people who work around electricity. The material through which electricity is transmitted, such as an electrical wire, or transmission or distribution line. Electricians are skilled tradespeople working in a variety of different residential and industrial settings. An enhancement to the electric grid that allows residential customers to use more technologically advanced electric meters that will provide greater detail and increased control over their electric usage. One amp is produced by an electric force of 1 volt acting across a resistance of 1 ohm. The illustrated dictionary of electronics8th editionhas been revised, clarified, and updated, reflecting technological advances of recent years.
Ohm the standard unit for measuring resistance to flow of an electrical current. In some literature the terms actor or effector are also used. It wakes us up in the morning, lights up our homes, cooks our food, powers our computers, tv sets and other appliances. Typically, a magnet spins inside a coil, inducing alternating current in the windings. The term effector is preferred by programmers, whereas engineers tend to favor actuator. For a more thorough explanation, please inquire with cep.
Understanding of electrical terms is compulsory for engineers. Scroll through our collection of slang terminology used in the electrical industry. These systems include hardware, software, communications, consumer energy displays and controllers. An agreement between the purchasing authority and the contractor that the terms and conditions of the contract have been met. Discover the licensing requirements for each state, job outlook, salaries and the best local schools to get your career on the road. Electrician certification glossary of terms english spanish. Glossary of electrical engineering terms and definitions listed alphabetically. An annual forecast of the states peak electric demand load where there is a 10percent chance that the actual system peak load will exceed the forecasted value in any given year or, stated another way, it is expected that on the average the forecast will be exceeded once every ten years.
Ohm the standard unit for measuring resistance to flow of. Ground the reference point in an electrical circuit from which voltages are measured, a common return path for electric current, or a direct physical connection to the earth. Words and definitions you need to know such as current, voltage, resistance, and more. Hence, not only a capaci tance is measured in terms of capacitance in. Ac drive an electronic device used to control the speed of an ac motor. You can help enhance this page by adding new terms or writing definitions for existing ones.
Glossary dictionary of electronics terms hobby projects. As you study electricity in your engineering program, and as you work with electricity in the power plants, industrial plants, you will hear, read, and use. An electrical circuit that produces an output that is a replica of the input. Electrical wire and cable glossary terms allied wire. Index of electrical engineering terms maxim ee glossary.
Every effort has been made to be concise and accurate, without talking down to the. Curious about what these and other slang terms mean. Glossary all terms and definitions listed alphabetically. Ampacity the maximum amount of electric current a conductor or device can carry before sustaining immediate or progressive deterioration. Glossary of electric systemrelated terms learning center. A glossary list made up of common terms and phrases used by professionals in the electrical industry. This resource of electronics and electrical terms should be bookmarked as a handy reference, to be used by students. The term variable speed drive applies to both dc drives and ac. Whether you are an electrician, contractor, or just someone trying to understand what your local electrician is jabbering about, use the glossary to learn trade slang and. Ammeters are always connected in series with the circuit to be tested. What is the term given to explain the process of pulling wires through the walls and installing electrical connection boxes of a house during the construction phase. Leaded chip carrier, also called plcc or plastic leaded chip carrier. The glossary of terms got is an nfpa staff managed project. A dictionary of electrical words, terms and phrases survivor library.
Alternating current ac the type of mains electricity used in the uk having a cyclical current waveform. A motor that converts direct current electrical energy into. Discussion in electronic design started by email protected, mar 11, 2006. Glossary of power transformer terms photo by radar. Reliance electric motor glossary iec complete lines of reliance ac and dc motors that meet iec electrical and mechanical standards.
Definitions are extracted from each code and standard and compiled into a pdf. The abbreviations ac and dc are often used to mean simply alternating and direct. Adapter a cord or block style device with different ends that allows different devices to connect ac alternating current. Delivering full text access to the worlds highest quality technical literature in engineering and technology. Amp the measurement of the electrical current flowing in a circuit at any given moment. As you study electricity in your engineering program, and as you work with electricity in the power plants, industrial plants, you will hear, read, and use various electrical terms. Glossary of electrical and electronics engineering wikipedia. It is easy to get a little confused when you are talking to an electrician that has been called out to your home or office.
Identify the electrical circuits found in the project area, turn them off and tag them with a note before working with the electrical wiring. This article contains definitions and explanations of terminology used and will help you understand what he or she is talking about. This highvoltage vocabulary list covers circuits, conductors and insulators, electromagnetism, energy, and much more. Conductor a material that allows the free flow of electric charge. A square surface mount chip package in plastic with leads pins on all four sides. Relief typically added to a sheet metal part to relieve stress, or the tear, that occurs when a portion of a piece of material is bent. Arc flash is the passage of current through air between phase conductors or phase conductors and neutral and ground. Electrical parts and materials should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes. Terms that are underlined and italicized are included in the glossary as a separate definition. Such an imbalance is sometimes caused by current leakage through the body of a person who is grounded and accidentally touching the energized part of the circuit. Glossary of caddrafting terms glossary bend relief.
Electricity is one of our most widely used forms of energy. A cord would be a cable by this definition so far, but a cable is part of a permanent installation. Alternating current ac an electric current that reverses its direction many times a second at regular intervals. Electrician certification glossary of terms electrical nonmetallic smurf tube tubing tuberias electricas no metalicas tubo smurf electrical nonmetallic tubing ent caneria electrica no mecanica ent sic. Ieee standard dictionary of electrical and electronics. Basic electrical terms and definitions electricalmag. Glossary of terms for the electric utility industry. This glossary of electrical and electronics engineering pertains specifically to electrical and electronics engineering. Generator a device which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
Electric current in which the flow of electric charge periodically reverses direction, whereas in direct current dc, also dc, the flow of electric charge is only in one direction. Ac alternating current acts as it implies, the current flows in one direction and then back the other. The sum of all electrical equipment required for safe and coordinated operation of various parts of a power plant. The third planet from the sun in astronomy, but in electrical terms it refers to a. Advanced metering infrastructure ami systems that measure, collect, and analyze energy usage, and communicate with metering devices such as electric meters, gas meters, heat meters, and water meters, either on request or on a schedule. French terms for common electricalengineering words.
An installation is accepted if it has been inspected and found by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to conform to specified plans or to procedures of applicable codes. For your convenience, ehazard has put together a list of terms commonly used in relation to the electrical industry and electrical and arc flash safety. Ability of wire or cable to withstand surface wear. Mathematics beyond the highschool level has not been used. A abbreviation for ampere a unit of electrical current absorption loss or dissipation of energy as it travels through a medium, example. Otherwise this is a great era to be out there, with digikey 12 days. Direct current an electrical current that travels in one direction and used within the computers.