Introduction to Electricity By Mr Brock Terms Electricity

Introduction to Electricity By: Mr. Brock

Terms � Electricity- Source of energy that can be easily converted into light, heat or power � Ampere (Amp)- Unit of measure of the rate of flow of electricity through a wire � Volt- unit of measure of electrical pressure

Electricity

Terms � National Electrical Code- handbook that sets the minimum standards for electrical wiring (Revised every 3 years) � Underwriters Laboratory (UL)- a laboratory that tests electrical wiring materials. A UL stamp ensures the product meets the minimum safety standards.

National Electrical Code

Terms � Circuit- complete path through which electricity flows; from power source to lamp and back to source � Fuse- safety device which burns through when current becomes too great � Circuit Breaker- safety device that trips rather than burning

Terms � Conductors- wires through which electricity flows � Service Entrance Panel (SEP)- panel located inside the house from which every circuit branches � Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter- protects form shock, can be installed at SEP or on receptacle

SEP and GFCI

Terms �Branch Circuit- circuit between last breaker and one or more outlets �Feeder Circuit- circuit between the SEP and the fuse or circuit breaker protecting a branch circuit �Conduit- thin walled steel pipe used to protect electrical wires �Short Circuit- improper connection between the hot and neutral wires or between hot wires

Conduit

GFCI � The trip level of a GFCI is between 4 and 6 milliamps (thousandths of a amp) � GFCI disconnects in as little as 1/40 th of a second � GFCI disconnects circuits in situations where a breaker or fuse would not

Places where GFCI’s are required � 1) � 2) � 3) � 4) � 5) � 6) Within 6 feet of a sink In garages except where not accessible Unfinished basements Crawl Spaces Boathouses Bathrooms

GFCI

2 Types of Circuit Breakers 1) 2) Single Pole- used for 120 circuits Double Pole- used for 240 circuits

Things that operate on a 120 volt circuit �Most kitchen appliances �Ex: toaster, blender, garbage disposer, dish washer, freezer, refrigerator �Clothes Washer �Portable Heater �Hair Dryer �Electric Drills �Lamps �Electric Razor

Things that operate on 240 � Air conditioner � Large Water Heater

240

Formula for Watts, Volts and Amps � Watts= Volts x Amps � Volts= Watts Amps q Amps= Watts Volts

Examples � 100 watts and 120 volts, How many Amps? � 120 volts and 2 amps, How many Watts? � 0. 83 � 240 � 1 amp and 115 watts, How many Volts? � 115