TERMINOLOGY
Electricity - Energy made available by the flow of electric charge through a conductor.
Volt - The measurement of electrical force.
Amp - Measurement of the flow of electricity.
Watt - Measurement of total electricity used. Equals volts (force) x amps (flow).
Kilowatt-hour-KWH - This is how the power company measures your electric usage. Equals watts x hours used / 1000. Commercial rates are usually slightly higher.
Ohm - Measures resistance to electric flow in electrical conductors.
AFCI - Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter. 2006 National Electrical code requires AFCI protection on all circuits serving bedrooms. AFCI's detect small electric arcs in wiring due to loose connections, frayed or kinked cords, wiring in walls which is nailed or screwed into.
GFCI - Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. Code requires GFCI protection (GFCI outlets) near most water sources, outside locations, garages, unfinished basements and crawl spaces. GFCI's prevent persons from being electrocuted due to accidental contact with electricity.
Single Phase Power - Primarily Residential Use. Usually consists of two "hot" legs, one "neutral" leg plus "ground." E.g.: "120/240volt single phase."
Three phase Power - Primarily Commercial/Industrial Use. Usually consists of three "hot" legs and one "neutral" leg plus "ground." E.g.: "277/480volt three phase" or "120/208volt three phase," among others.
Transfer Panel - For use with Back-up Generators. Code requires these panels for proper tie in of back-up generators to your electrical system. Transfer Panels prevent your generator's power from going back onto utility lines, possibly harming utility workers.
Volt - The measurement of electrical force.
Amp - Measurement of the flow of electricity.
Watt - Measurement of total electricity used. Equals volts (force) x amps (flow).
Kilowatt-hour-KWH - This is how the power company measures your electric usage. Equals watts x hours used / 1000. Commercial rates are usually slightly higher.
Ohm - Measures resistance to electric flow in electrical conductors.
AFCI - Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter. 2006 National Electrical code requires AFCI protection on all circuits serving bedrooms. AFCI's detect small electric arcs in wiring due to loose connections, frayed or kinked cords, wiring in walls which is nailed or screwed into.
GFCI - Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. Code requires GFCI protection (GFCI outlets) near most water sources, outside locations, garages, unfinished basements and crawl spaces. GFCI's prevent persons from being electrocuted due to accidental contact with electricity.
Single Phase Power - Primarily Residential Use. Usually consists of two "hot" legs, one "neutral" leg plus "ground." E.g.: "120/240volt single phase."
Three phase Power - Primarily Commercial/Industrial Use. Usually consists of three "hot" legs and one "neutral" leg plus "ground." E.g.: "277/480volt three phase" or "120/208volt three phase," among others.
Transfer Panel - For use with Back-up Generators. Code requires these panels for proper tie in of back-up generators to your electrical system. Transfer Panels prevent your generator's power from going back onto utility lines, possibly harming utility workers.