Terms to Know When Talking to Your Electrician
Any kind of construction or renovation can be intimidating. The pressure to get things right is especially high for the pieces that will light and warm your home. Knowing a few key terms will make talking to your electrician easier, and help your vision come to life.
Voltage
Voltage, measured in volts (V), is the force that drives electric charges through a conductor. Voltage must be within the proper range for power systems to operate efficiently. Too high and equipment can overload. Too low and equipment may fail.
Current
Current, measured in amperes (amps), is the number of electrons passing a given point in a second. Too much current can cause overheating or fires. Too low can cause equipment shutdown or overheating.
Circuit
An electrical circuit is a set of electrical components in a loop. These components can be wires, switches, lightbulbs or other devices you use every day. The loop has to be closed for electricity to flow. When you flip a light switch off, it is interrupting the loop, and halting the flow of power to the connected light.
Overload
When a circuit takes too much current it can overheat and even cause fires. Proper wiring and the use of fuses and circuit breakers can prevent this danger.
Fuse
Fuses are safety devices that prevent overload in circuits. Fuses contain a metal wire or strip that melts when it takes on too much current. This breaks the circuit and stops the flow of electricity, preventing overload and fires.
Circuit Breaker
A circuit breaker, often just called a breaker, is a switch designed to halt the flow of power in case of a short circuit or overload. Breakers help prevent electrical fires and can be reset to resume operation, unlike fuses.
L.E.D.
LED (light emitting diode) lights are much more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. They provide thousands of hours more illumination than traditional bulbs. LEDs are a great choice for increasing the energy savings of your home.
Electrical Boxes
Electrical boxes are a key feature of your house's electrical system. They encase wire connections and prevent short circuits. You’ll find electrical boxes behind each switch and outlet in your home. Electrical boxes come in all shapes, sizes and materials, but a good electrician will know what to use in every situation.
These are just a few useful terms to know for your new build or renovation. If you have questions about the best systems and fixtures for your project, shoot us a message at info@eightyeightelectric.com
