When you’re gathering information about electrical installation work prior to a job being done at your property, it can get confusing fast. Just like any other industry, electrical work has its own set of technical jargon that the average person is likely unfamiliar with. Understanding what your technician is talking about can help you feel more confident and comfortable throughout the initial electrical installation, as well as during any future services.
If you’re preparing for an electrical installation and want to be able to understand what’s going on when you speak with your electrician, here are a few key terms you’ll want to know.
Circuit – An electrical circuit is a closed loop or pathway that electricity flows through. Think of it as a highway that allows electricity to travel to your outlets, switches, and other electrical elements.
Load– The load refers to the devices on a particular circuit that use energy. For example, the load on a circuit in your kitchen might include your refrigerator, the lights above the fridge, and any outlets next to it.
Electrical Panel– Also called the breaker or circuit breaker box, the electrical panel is an essential component in any electrical installation. It’s the control center for the entire system that distributes and controls electricity for your building.
Breakers– Circuit breakers are individual switches that control the different circuits of an electrical system. The breakers can “trip” or cut off if there is an issue with the corresponding circuit, helping prevent issues like fires or system overloads.
Main Breaker– This is a single circuit breaker that can turn off the entire electrical system in a building. It’s usually located on or near the top of the electrical panel.
Grounding– Grounding is a safety precaution that provides a path for excess electrical energy to dissipate safely into the ground.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) – GFCIs are specialized outlets that are used in wet areas like the bathroom or kitchen. They detect when an electrical current strays from the intended path (circuit) and trip to protect you from electrical shock. They typically have a “reset” button that allows you to manually reset it after it trips.
These are just a few of the basic terms that it’s helpful to be familiar with prior to an electrical installation. Remember, you can always ask questions and try to learn from your electrician so that you can take good care of your electrical system.
