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Electrician Terms and Definitions There are a number of electrical terms that are commonly used by electricians that have to do with the field of electricity. Many people are unfamiliar with these electrical terms, and in fact, the electrical definitions often vary in meaning between how people use them, as well as sometimes varying in meaning between countries. This glossary is meant to provide a brief overview of some of the more common electrician terms and electrical definitions. Appliance Appliances consume electricity instead of passing it on. The term appliance is not used to describe fixtures (such as lighting fixtures) or devices that simply pass electricity on. Arcing Current using the air instead of a wire to cross a gap. Breaker Switching device designed to disconnect power to a circuit when either heat or current exceeds the appropriate level for a designated period of time. Cable A set of wires, generally enclosed in an outer protective covering. Cables are part of a permanent installation, which is what differentiates them from a "cord". Circuit The most common use of the word circuit is actually in relation to "branch circuit", which is everything fed or interrupted by a specified fuse or breaker. It is the actual (or intended) path of the current. Current The flow of electrons within a wire or other conductor. Device An item which doesn't consume electricity, but instead interrupts or passes it on, such as with a switch, breaker or fuse. Dimmer Switch which can alter the voltage that it passes on, thus dimming the lights. Fixture An electrically-produced light assembly, which is non-portable. Fuse Device intended to melt apart, thus interrupting the flow of the current to its circuit. Fusebox Main source of circuits within a home, containing fuses instead of breakers. GFI (or GFCI) Ground-fault interrupter, a device that when properly connected can sense and disrupt ground faults at standard receptacles which are wired on from it, to prevent possible electrocution. Junction Box A box that is used only for making connections, and not for supporting a receptacle, light or switch. Outlet This term is usually used to refer to a receptacle for a cord to plug into. Overload An overload occurs when too many things are ran on the same circuit, causing the wires to get too hot, resulting in the breaker tripping. Panel Another term for "breaker box", which is a large metal box that contains the breakers for circuits. Receptacle Device that is an outlet that allows appliances or lights to be plugged in. Socket The part of a light fixture designed to hold the bulb or tube. Splice Unanchored electrical connector that joins two or more wires directly. Switch Device designed to interrupt the current to a part of the circuit. Terminal Pressure device or screw which has one or more wires connected for the purpose of passing along current and electrical continuity. Wire Bendable metal designed to carry electric current, which is coated with an insulating material, except in the case of a grounding wire.
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