accent lighting
Accent lighting is a decorative lighting source that provides variable degrees of light and may distribute light in multiple directions to emphasize décor or home and yard features. Common accent lighting methods include recessed lighting, track lighting and wall-mounted picture lighting.
Also known as: visual interest lighting, interior lighting, highlight lighting, track lighting, recessed lighting, uplighting, downlighting, wall-mounted lighting, specialty lighting
alternating current
An electric current that changes direction with regular frequency is known as alternating current, or AC power. Most home and business power is in the form of ac or alternating current.
Also known as: AC, ac
ampere
The unit that measures the rate of flow of electric current.
ampere-hour
The use of one Ampere for one hour.
BTU
The standard unit for measuring heat energy. One BTU is the amount of energy necessary to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit.
Also known as: British Thermal Unit
commercial lighting
Commercial lighting services include repair, installation and rewiring for commercial buildings. Commercial accent lighting, ceiling lighting, wall lights, outdoor lighting and emergency lighting are common types of commercial lighting.
Also known as: business lighting, restaurant lighting, store lighting, commercial building lighting
compact fluorescent light bulbs
A type of fluorescent light bulb suited for use in homes and businesses. CFLs are known as energy efficient bulbs that fit into most existing light fixtures created for traditional incandescent light bulbs.
Also known as: CFL, CFLs, compact fluorescent lamps, compact fluorescents, Energy Star lightbulbs, energy efficient light bulbs, low-energy light bulbs, fluorescent lighting, energy saving light, compact fluorescent tube, compact fluorescent light, compact fluorescent lights
direct current
Direct current is an electric charge that flows in one direction only.
Also known as: DC, dc
fluorescent lamps
Fluorescent bulbs produce light by passing electricity through a gas, usually mercury vapor, which causes the gas to glow and produce ultraviolet light. Fluorescent lamps produce less heat than incandescent lamps and are more energy efficient. Fluorescent tube lamps have long been used in homes and businesses. Compact fluorescent light bulbs are becoming more common and replacing incandescent light bulbs in homes and commercial uses.
Also known as: fluorescent light bulb, fluorescent tubes, fluorescent bulbs, compact fluorescent lamps, CFL, CFLs
generator
An electrical generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. Generators are typically used as secondary and emergency power sources in the event of power failures.
Also known as: electrical generators, power generators, emergency power supplies, emergency power supply
ground wire
A conducting connection between electrical circuits/equipment and the ground, or to some conducting material or surface that takes the place of the ground. Ground wires can be intentional or accidental. Intentional ground wires may be set in order to prevent contact with dangerous voltage and to keep static electricity from building.
Also known as: grounded wire, grounding wire
high voltage
An electrical system or electric cable that operates between 46 kilovolts and 230 kilovolts.
Also known as: high voltage system, high voltage cable, high voltage wire, high voltage electrical system
incandescent light bulbs
Incandescent light bulbs produce light by heating a metal filament wire, which glows brightly when it becomes hot. The hot filament wire is encapsulated within a glass bulb filled with gas. Incandescent bulbs were the most common light bulbs used in homes and businesses, but are being replaced with more energy-efficient CFL bulbs.
Also known as: incandescent bulbs, incandescent lightbulbs, incandescent lamps, incandescent light globe
inverter:
An inverter is a device designed to convert direct current into alternating current of any required voltage and frequency. Inverters are commonly used to take power from fuel cells, solar panels and batteries and turn it into usable AC electricity for homes and businesses.
Also known as: electrical inverters, inverter, power inverter, DC-to-AC inverter, modified sine wave inverters, pure sine wave inverters
kilovolt
A unit of electricity that equals 1,000 volts.
Also known as: kV, KV
kilowatt
A kilowatt equals 1,000 watts.
Also known as: kW
kilowatt hour
The term kilowatt hour refers to the amount of energy equal to the use of one thousand watts for one hour. Kilowatt hours are the most common billing unit for home electric usage
Also known as: kilowatt-hour, kWh, kW-h, kWh, kwh
low voltage
An electrical system that provides power to electronic devices that operate on a voltage level lower than the standard 110 volts. Low voltage devices include doorbells, low-voltage lighting and thermostats.
Also known as: low-electric devices
National Electrical Code
Guidelines for safeguarding people and property from potential electrical hazards. Electricians who comply with the National Electrical Code can install electrical systems that are essentially free from hazards. The N was first instituted in 1897 and is regularly updated.
Also known as: NEC
photovoltaic system
Photovoltaic systems, including solar panels and converters are used to turn sunlight into energy that can be used in homes and businesses.
Also known as: PV systems, PV, solar energy systems, solar electricity, solar power
residential electrical systems
Residential electrical systems found in single-family homes, town houses, small apartment buildings and other residential structures.
Also known as: home electricity, residential electricity, residential electric services
ultra high voltage
Electric systems in which the voltage exceeds 800,000 volts.
Also known as: UFV
volt
A unit of electrical force.
Also known as: V, voltage
watt
A watt is a measurement of power that is equal to one joule per second. Watts are broken into submultiples and multiples, including fetowatt, picowatt, nanowatt, microwatt, nilliwatt, kilowatt, megawatt, gigawatt, terawatt and petawatt.
Also known as: W
watt-hour
The power of one watt operating for one hour.
wiring
A network of wire, conductors and devices that conduct electricity throughout a building or home to provide electricity.
Also known as: home wiring, electrical wiring, residential wiring, electric wiring, commercial wiring, house wires, electrical wires, rewiring, building wiring
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