Electrical Definitions Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is Voltage?

The rate at which energy is drawn from a source that produces a flow of electricity in a circuit (correct)

The unit of frequency

A flow of electricity through a conductor

An electrical device that resists the flow of electrical current

What is Voltage Drop?

A decrease in voltage along a conductor through which current is flowing

What is Current?

A flow of electricity through a conductor

What is Resistance?

An electrical device that resists the flow of electrical current Signup and view all the answers

What is Hot Resistance?

Total allowable resistance without exceeding the wattage limit Signup and view all the answers

What is a Cable Tray?

A device for organizing cable runs in a drop ceiling Signup and view all the answers

What is Reactance?

Opposition to the flow of electric current resulting from inductance and capacitance Signup and view all the answers

What is Impedance?

A material's opposition to the flow of electric current Signup and view all the answers

What is Inductance?

The property in an electrical circuit where a change in the current induces an electromotive force Signup and view all the answers

What is Capacitance?

The ability of a conductor to store energy in the form of electrically separated charges Signup and view all the answers

What is a Volt?

A unit of potential difference between two points on a conductor when a current of 1 ampere dissipates 1 watt Signup and view all the answers

What is an Ampere?

Unit used to measure electric current Signup and view all the answers

What is a Watt?

The unit of power, 1 joule per second Signup and view all the answers

What is an Ohm?

A unit of electrical resistance or impedance Signup and view all the answers

What is a Kilowatt-hour (Kwh)?

The unit of measurement for electrical energy equal to one kilowatt of power over a one-hour period Signup and view all the answers

What is Hertz?

The unit of frequency Signup and view all the answers

What is Reactive Current?

The current in an A/C circuit that does not produce power and is perpendicular to the voltage Signup and view all the answers

What is Primary Current?

The current that exists within the primary coil of a transformer Signup and view all the answers

What is a Panelboard?

A single panel or group of panel units designed for electrical circuit control Signup and view all the answers

What is a Demand Charge?

Fee based on the highest rate of energy used during the billing period Signup and view all the answers

What is a Demand Interval?

The period of time where power usage is measured Signup and view all the answers

What is a Sheddable Load?

Loads that can be easily turned off and restarted without serious impact Signup and view all the answers

What is Single Phase Service?

Distribution of alternating current electric power using a single system Signup and view all the answers

What is a Grounded System?

A system that connects electrical equipment to the ground Signup and view all the answers

What is a Circular Mil?

Used for measuring the cross section of wires Signup and view all the answers

What is AWG (American Wire Gauge)?

The standard U.S. wire and cable industry for round cross-section conductors Signup and view all the answers

What is a Series Circuit?

A circuit in which the objects are connected in a single path Signup and view all the answers

What is a Parallel Circuit?

A closed circuit in which the current divides into two or more paths Signup and view all the answers

What is a Short Circuit?

An unintended path connecting one part of a circuit with another Signup and view all the answers

What is a Phase Angle?

The angle in degrees between voltage and current waveforms Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Electrical Concepts

Voltage: Represents electrical pressure; energy drawn from a source that facilitates electricity flow in a circuit.
Voltage Drop: Refers to a reduction in voltage along a conductor experiencing current flow.
Current: The movement of electricity through a conductor, measured in amperes.
Resistance: An element opposing the flow of electrical current; measured in ohms, quantifying friction in the electrical circuit.
Hot Resistance: The maximum allowable resistance without surpassing the wattage limit.

Electrical Components and Measurements

Cable Tray: A system for organizing cable arrangements, particularly in drop ceilings.
Reactance: The hindrance to electric current caused by inductance and capacitance, distinct from resistance.
Impedance: A resistor's opposition to AC circuits, measured in ohms, combining resistance, inductance, and capacitance.
Inductance: The property of an electrical circuit that generates an electromotive force opposing current changes.
Capacitance: The capability of a conductor to hold electrical energy in separate charges.

Units of Measurement

Volt: Denotes electrical potential difference; a volt is the difference that allows a current of 1 ampere to dissipate 1 watt.
Ampere: The foundational unit for measuring electric current.
Watt: The power measurement unit equivalent to one joule per second.
Ohm: Represents the resistance in a circuit that allows 1 ampere to flow with a voltage of 1 volt.
Kilowatt-hour (KWh): Measurement for electrical energy equivalent to a kilowatt of power used for one hour.
Hertz: The unit measuring frequency of alternating current.

A/C Circuit Concepts

Reactive Current: The current in AC circuits not responsible for power production, perpendicular to voltage.
Primary Current: Current flowing through the initial coil of a transformer.

Electrical Systems and Charges

Panelboard: A unit featuring buses and overcurrent devices, assembled in a single panel for the control of electrical circuits.
Demand Charge: A fee linked to the maximum energy usage observed during a billing cycle.
Demand Interval: A time frame measured for energy consumption, often related to sliding window billing methods.
Sheddable Load: Electrical loads that can be temporarily turned off without affecting processes, e.g., heating and air conditioning.

Circuit Configurations

Single Phase Service: Electric power distribution system for residential use, mainly for lighting and heating, featuring synchronous voltage.
Series Circuit: A configuration where components are linked in a single path, typically influencing current flow equivalently.
Parallel Circuit: A circuit design allowing current to split into multiple paths, then recombine, creating alternate pathways for flow.
Short Circuit: An unintended connection between circuit components leading to excessive current flow.

Other Electrical Terminology

Grounded System: A system designed for safety and device protection by grounding potential faults.
Circular Mil: A measurement for the cross-sectional area of wires, emphasizing wire thickness in calculations.
AWG (American Wire Gauge): A standardized system for sizing round cross-section electrical conductors, predominantly used in the U.S.

Advanced Concepts

Phase Angle: The degree measure indicating the relation between voltage and current in a circuit, significant in AC analysis.

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Description

This quiz features key electrical terms and their definitions, including concepts like voltage, current, and resistance. Use these flashcards to test your knowledge and understanding of fundamental electrical concepts essential for students and professionals alike.