Electrical Codes Phoenix

This is an electrical code terminology page. This page is meant to help Phoenix residents understand electrical terminology. We have other articles published on our blog that have the actual electrical codes. We know how hard it can be to find electrical codes Phoenix homeowners and residents. That is why our company, Arizona Electrical Solutions of Phoenix, is going to start posting many of the electrical codes Phoenix residents need. We believe it is important for homeowners, do-it-yourselfers, and Phoenix residents as a whole have access to such information. We know that most people want to make sure their electrical work in their home is up to code. Our electrical company feels it is part of our responsibility to help homeowners access Phoenix electrical codes. We want to help protect Phoenix residents from the hazards that come from unsafe electrical work. We will be creating many other articles that will discuss electrical codes Phoenix residents, so we can be your source to find everything about electrical codes in Phoenix. If you want to find out more about our company you can click here to visit our homepage. If you do not see the electrical code terminology you need on this page you can feel free to check out some of our other electrical code articles on our blog. You can also click on the following hypertext links.

Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI)

Answer: A device that recognizing characteristics unique to arcing and de-energize the circuit when and arc-fault begins to happen. 

Attachment Plug

Answer: A flexible cord that can be permanently to a receptacle. 

Battery system

Answer: Consists of more that one storage batteries and chargers. This could also include converters and inverters. 

Bonding Jumper,System

Answer: Connection between ground circuit conductor and the ground side.

Branch Circuit

Answer: Circuit that supplies only one equipment.

Cabinet

Answer: Enclosure for surface or flush mounting, usually has a swing door or can be hung. 

Cable Routing Assembly

Answer: System used to route communications cables and wires and fiber optics along with low voltage fire alarm. 

Circuit Breaker

Answer: This device opens and closes a circuit, it is used to kill power or to trip when there is an issue on that electrical line. 

Communications Raceway

Answer: A channel designed expressly for holding communications wiring. 

Conductor Bare

Answer: This is a conductor or "Electrical Wire" that has no electrical insulation covering it anywhere. 

Continuous Load

Answer: Is when a current load is expected to last for 3 hours or more.

Controller

Answer: A ground of devices or a single stand alone that controls the electrical power to an apparatus of which it is connected to.

Copper-Clad Aluminum

Answer: Only about 10% of the aluminum rod core is copper

Cutout Box

Answer: Enclosure used for installation of outlets and switches in a wall location. These can be made out of plastic or Metal.

Dead Front

Answer: This is the metal that protects the circuits and wire on the inside of the electrical panel from the operating side.

Demand Factor

Answer: The total maximum load demand for that electrical circuit for breaker or electrical service. 

Disconnect

Answer: A means by which a conductor can be disconnected from its current power supply. 

Enclosure

Answer: Where the electrical device is fenced or walled in surrounding and installation to prevent others from accidentally contacting with any of the electrical parts.

Energized

Answer: A source of voltage or electrically connected to. 

Exposed

Answer: Nearer than a safe distance for a person, can be inadvertently touched. 

Feeder

Answer: Circuit conductors between the source and the service equipment. 

Festoon Lighting

Answer: Outdoor lighting that is suspended between two points. 

Ground

Answer: This is the Earth

Ground-Fault

Answer: A connection between ungrounded conductor and the non-current carrying conductors

Grounding

Answer: Means of connecting to ground or a conductive body that extends to the ground. 

Grounding Conductor

 Answer: A system or circuit that is intentionally grounded.

Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) 

Answer: When a current to ground exceeds values for this device, the functions de-energize the circuit. 

Grounding Electrode

Answer: Direct connection to earth is established through a conducting object. 

Handhole Enclosure

Answer: This is used for underground systems as a means to pull in wire over greater distances. Give the ability for contractor to access wires or pull in new wire in the future. 

Hybride System:

Answer: A power system made up of many different kinds of power systems. Example; Wind, generators, photovoltaic,hydro power.

Interactive System:

Answer:Electric power system that is operating in parallel with and delivering energy to primary electric supply system.

Lighting Outlet: 

Answer: Outlet for use in direct connection of luminaire or lamp holder. 

Live Parts: 

Answer: Energized conductive components 

Dry Location:

Answer: A location that is not normally subject to wet or damp conditions.

Wet Location:

Answer: Unprotected areas exposed to the elements. Also underground locations and washing locations. Example; Car wash. 

Luminaire: 

Answer: The amount or light that is put out in an individual  fixture unit.

Motor Control Center:

Answer: Assembly of one or more sections with a common bus and containing motor control system.

Neutral conductor:

Answer: A systems neutral point that is intended to carry current under normal conditions.

Non-linear load:

Answer: The shape of the wave and it's steady-state from the applied load, does not follow the wave shape of applied voltage.

Outline Lighting:

Answer: An arrangement of lamps, that call attention to certain features of the building or windows they are accenting. 

Over Current:

Answer: Current that exceeds the rated current for that conductor or equipment. It may lead to an short circuit or overload. 

Over Load:

Answer: Equipment that is in excess of normal, full-load rating. This can cause overheating that will lead to damage of equipment. 

Panelboard:

Answer: Can be a group of panels or a single unit, including buses and automatic over current devices. Had no switches to control of lights or power circuits. accessible only from the front. 

Photovoltaic (PV) System: 

Answer: Is a total system used to convert solar energy into electric energy suitable for a load.

Power Outlet:

Answer: Receptacles, fuse holders,fused switches,circuit breakers, for the use of operating temporarily installed equipment. 

Raceway: 

Answer: Enclosed channel of EMT, Rigid or PVC that is designed expressly for holding wires, cables, etc.

Rainproof:

Answer: Treated to prevent rain form from getting inside the connection.

Receptacle outlet:

Answer: Outlet where one or more outlets are installed. 

Remote Control Circuit:

Answer: Any electrical circuit that controls another through a relay or similar. "Your tablet or device"

Service: 

Answer: The conductors for delivering electricity from the utility company through wiring from power lines or underground service.  

Service Drop:

Answer: Overhead Conductors between the utility electric supply system and the service point. 

Service equipment: 

Answer: Equipment consisting fo circuit breakers and switches. Fuses and any of the accessories that are connected to the load end of the service. 

Service Lateral:

Answer: The system between the service point and the utility supply where underground conductors lay. 

Surge Arrester:

Answer: Protective device for limit of surge voltages by discharging the surge or bypassing the current. 

Surge-Protective device:

Answer: A device that limits transient voltages by diverting surge current. It also prevents the continued flow of the current. 

Switch Tranfer

Answer: An non-automatic or automatic device for transferring one or more loads form one power sources to another.

Switchgear: 
Answer: An assembly completely enclosed on all sides and top with sheet metal (except for ventilating openings and inspection windows) and containing primary power circuit switching, interrupting devices, or both, with buses and connections. The assembly may include control and auxiliary devices. Access to the interior of the enclosure is provided by doors, removable covers, or both.
 
Informational Note:  All switchgear subject to NECrequirements is metal enclosed. Switchgear rated below 1000 V or less may be identified as “low-voltage power circuit breaker switchgear.” Switchgear rated over 1000 V may be identified as “metal-enclosed switchgear” or “metal-clad switchgear.” Switchgear is available in non–arc-resistant or arc-resistant constructions.
Thermal Protector (as applied to motors). A protective device for assembly as an integral part of a motor or motor-compressor that, when properly applied, protects the motor against dangerous overheating due to overload and failure to start.
 
Note:  The thermal protector may consist of one or more sensing elements integral with the motor or motor-compressor and an external control device.
Thermally Protected (as applied to motors). The words Thermally Protected appearing on the nameplate of a motor or motor-compressor indicate that the motor is provided with a thermal protector.
 
Ungrounded:
 
Answer: Not connected to ground or to a conductive body that extends the ground connection. 
 
Uninterruptible Power Supply: 
 
Answer: A power supply used to provide alternating current power to a load for some period of time in the event of a power failure. 
 
 Note:  In addition, it may provide a more constant voltage and frequency supply to the load, reducing the effects of voltage and frequency variations. 
 
Utility-Interactive Inverter:
 
Answer: An inverter intended for use in parallel with an electric utility to supply common loads that may deliver power to the utility. 
 
Utilization Equipment: 
 
Answer: Equipment that utilizes electric energy for electronic, electromechanical, chemical, heating, lighting, or similar purposes.
 
Ventilated:
 
Answer: Provided with a means to permit circulation of air sufficient to remove an excess of heat, fumes, or vapors.
 
Voltage (of a circuit):
Answer: The greatest root-mean-square (rms) (effective) difference of potential between any two conductors of the circuit concerned.
 
Note:  Some systems, such as 3-phase 4-wire, single-phase 3-wire, and 3-wire direct current, may have various circuits of various voltages.
Voltage, Nominal. A nominal value assigned to a circuit or system for the purpose of conveniently designating its voltage class (e.g., 120/240 volts, 480Y/277 volts, 600 volts).
 
Note No. 1:  The actual voltage at which a circuit operates can vary from the nominal within a range that permits satisfactory operation of equipment.
 
Voltage to Ground:
 
Answer:
For grounded circuits, the voltage between the given conductor and that point or conductor of the circuit that is grounded; for ungrounded circuits, the greatest voltage between the given conductor and any other conductor of the circuit.
 
Watertight:
 
Answer: Constructed so that moisture will not enter the enclosure under specified test conditions.
 
Weatherproof:
Answer: Constructed or protected so that exposure to the weather will not interfere with successful operation.
 
Note:  Rainproof, raintight, or watertight equipment can fulfill the requirements for weatherproof where varying weather conditions other than wetness, such as snow, ice, dust, or temperature extremes, are not a factor.
 
 
 
 
Arizona Electrical Solutions LLC is your electrician in Phoenix, Arizona and also offers electrical services in Scottsdale Arizona,Mesa Arizona, Tempe Arizona,Glendale Arizona, Chandler Arizona Gilbert Arizona and Goodyear Arizona. We can provide installations of ceiling fans and replacement of your outlets and switches. We install landscape lighting and repair work for your existing system. If you  need a complete electrical overhaul? We do electrical panel upgrades for 100 amp, 150 amp, 200 amp, 225 amp and 400 amp services for residential. Call Today for more information! 602-960-9669 or visit our website at https://phoenixarizonaelectrician.com/

As you can see, learning about electrical codes Phoenix homeowners, can be a very involved process. If you would rather talk to a licensed and knowledgeable electrician about electrical codes, you can call us directly anytime. We can answer any questions you may have about electrical codes Phoenix.