Alternating Current (AC): Alternating Current is electric current that reverses directions at regular intervals.

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1 Glossary Alternating Current (AC): Alternating Current is electric current that reverses directions at regular intervals. American National Standards Institute (ANSI): American National Standards Institute is a private non-profit organization that oversees the development of standards for products, services, processes, systems, and personnel in the United States. American Wire Gauge (AWG): American Wire Gauge is a system used for determining the round, solid, non-ferrous electrically conducting wire that will be used (typically 12 or 14 AWG is used). Amp or Ampere: Amp or Ampere is the unit of measurement for electrical current flow through a conductor. Symbol: A Ampacity: Ampacity is the maximum amount of current a cable can carry before sustaining immediate or progressive deterioration. Unit of Measurement: Amps or Amperes / Symbol: A Atom: Atom is the smallest unit of matter. Everything in the world is made of different combinations of atoms. Bound Electrons: Bound Electrons are electrons that orbit an atom s nucleus on the inner rings. Bound electrons have a strong magnetic attraction to the nucleus. Boundaries: Boundaries are minimum approach distances surrounding hazardous areas. Capacitance: Capacitance is the ability of a component to store an electrical charge. Unit of Measurement: Farad / Symbol: F. Circuit Breaker: A circuit breaker is the automatically-operated electrical switch designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by overload or short circuit. Clamp-Around Amperage Meter: A clamp-around amperage meter is a device that detects and measures electrical current flowing through a conductor. Page 1

2 Conductor: A conductor is a substance or material that allows electrons, or electrical current, to flow through it. Control device: Control devices are equipment, such as distribution panels, that turn the electrical current flow on and off. De-energized: De-energized is the term used for removal of the source of energy from a piece of equipment. Digital Voltage-Ohm Meter (DVOM): A Digital Voltage-Ohm Meter is an instrument used to take accurate electrical measurements such as AC and DC voltage, resistance, amps and volts. Direct Current (DC): Direct Current is electric current flowing in only one direction. Direct Current (DC) Circuit: A Direct Current circuit has two wires through which current flows from a source of electricity. Distribution Panel: A distribution panel is an electrical supply system that divides an electrical power feed into separate circuits and provides a protective fuse or circuit breaker for each circuit. Dynamic Electricity: Dynamic electricity, or electric current, is the uniform motion of electrons through a conductor. Electric Current: Electric Current is the number of electrons in motion flowing through a conductor in a circuit. Unit of Measurement: Amps or Amperes / Symbol: A Electrical Charge: Electrical charge is the electricity produced by a surplus or a shortage of electrons in an object. An electrical charge can be either positive or negative. Electrical Circuit: Electrical circuit is the path followed by a flow of electric current. Electrical Energy: Electrical energy is measured in watt-hours units. A watt-hour is equivalent to one watt (1 W) of power expended for one hour (1 h) of time. Symbol: Wh. Page 2

3 Electrical Hazard: An electrical hazard is any exposure to live, energized electrical equipment that can result in an injury (i.e. electric shock, thermal burn, etc.), blast, or fire. Electrical Safe Work Practices: Electrical safe work practices are procedures or guidelines designed to protect associates from accidental contact with live electrical parts. Electrocution: Electrocution is death caused by an electric shock. Electron: An electron is a negatively charged particle that orbits the nucleus of an atom. The flow of electrons produces electricity. Electron Flow Theory: Electron Flow Theory is movement of free electrons in the outermost shell (Valence Ring) from atom to atom. Energized: Energized is having a source of live, energized electricity available to a piece of equipment. Energy Isolating Devices: Energy isolating devices are mechanical devices that physically prevent the transmission or release of energy. For example, include a manually-operated switch by which the conductors of a circuit can be disconnected from all ungrounded supply conductors. Exposed (as applied to live parts): Exposed is the ability to come into contact with ungrounded, energized, electrical equipment. Farad: Farad is the unit of measurement for Capacitance which is the ability of a component to store an electrical charge. Symbol: F Free Electrons: Free electrons are electrons located in the outermost shell (Valence Ring) of an atom that are free to move from atom to atom. Fuse: A fuse is an electrical safety device consisting of a wire or strip of fusible metal that melts and interrupts the circuit when the current exceeds a preset amperage. Ground: Ground is an electrical connection between non-current-carrying metallic parts of equipment and the earth. Page 3

4 Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI): Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is a device designed to de-energize a circuit or portion thereof. Hot Wire: A hot wire is a conductor that carries current. Insulator: An insulator is any material that will not allow electricity to easily flow through it. Insolation Transformer: An Isolation Transformer is a device used in electrical testing, trouble shooting, and servicing to contain the exposure of electric shock. Kilovolts: Kilovolts (KV) is 1,000 volts. Lockout/Tagout (LO/TO): Lockout/Tagout is the safety procedure used to ensure that machinery is properly shut down according to SHC Lockout/Tagout policies and procedures. Locks and Tags: A lock is a mechanical device that physically prevents the transmission or release of energy by a machine or equipment being serviced. The equipment being controlled cannot be re-energized until the locking device is removed. A tag is attached to energy isolating devices that have been locked. Tags display visible, understandable warnings to any associate who operates, uses or works in the area of the equipment being serviced. Examples of tag warnings include: Do not start, Do not energize, Do not operate, etc. Tags may not be removed without the specific authorization of the person responsible for them. Milliamp (ma): Milliamp is one thousandth (10-3) of an ampere. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): National Fire Protection Association is a U.S. organization that creates minimum standards and requirements for fire prevention and suppression activities, training, and equipment. Neutral: A neutral is a wire in certain circuits that completes the circuit. Neutron: A neutron is a basic particle in an atom s nucleus that has a neutral electrical charge. Page 4

5 Nominal Voltage: Nominal voltage is the measurement of the voltage present in electrical equipment. Nucleus: The nucleus is the center of an atom that contains both protons and neutrons. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Occupational Safety and Health Administration is a federal agency of the United States that regulates workplace safety and health. Ohm: Ohm is the unit of measurement for electrical resistance which is the opposition to the flow of electricity through a conductor. Symbol: Greek symbol Ω (Omega) or the letter R. Ohm s Law: Ohm's Law is a math formula for understanding the relationship between resistance, voltage and current. The equation for Ohm's Law is I = V / R where I is current in Amps, V is Voltage in Volts and R is Resistance in Ohms. Open Neutral: Open Neutral is a condition when a neutral is shared by several circuits and becomes disconnected from one of the hot wires. Overload: Overload is also referred to as over-current or excess current. Overload is a situation where a larger than intended electric current exists through a conductor, leading to excessive generation of heat, and the risk of fire or damage to equipment. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Personal Protective Equipment is protective clothing, hats, goggles, or other garments or gear designed to protect the wearer's body from injury. Power (energy): Power is energy that is used to do work. Unit of measurement: Watts. Symbol: W. Protection Devices: Protection devices are equipment used to prevent damage to electrical circuits caused by overloads or short circuits. Proton: A proton is a basic particle in an atom s nucleus that has a positive charge. Qualified Associate: A Qualified Associate is an associate with experience and knowledge of the operation, installation, and repair of certain electrical equipment. The Qualified Associate has completed all of the training as required by our Company. Page 5

6 Receptacle: A receptacle is a location in an electrical circuit where current can be obtained to run electrical devices. Resistance: Resistance is the opposition to the flow of electricity through a conductor. Electrical resistance is measured in Ohms. Unit of Measurement: Ohms / Greek symbol Ω (Omega) or the letter R Shock: Shock occurs when a human body comes in contact with electricity through the skin or muscles. The current may cause tissue damage or heart attack if it is sufficiently high. Short Circuit: A short circuit is abnormal low-electrical resistance usually caused by an equipment fault that results in an excessive amount of electric current and potentially causes circuit damage, overheating, fire or explosion. Single Phase Alternating Current (AC) Circuits: Single Phase Alternating Current (AC) Circuits have two wires connected to the source of electricity: an Active that carries the current and a Neutral that is the return line for the Active. Static Electricity: Static Electricity is an electrical charge built up due to friction between two dissimilar materials. Surge Suppressor: A surge suppressor is a device used to prevent damage to electrical equipment caused by voltage spikes. Underground Neutral: Ungrounded Neutrals are often used to connect equipment enclosures to ground. The voltage in these neutral conductors can increase to dangerous levels with respect to local ground. Unqualified Associate: An unqualified associate is not authorized or trained to work on electrical equipment. Valence Ring: The Valence Ring is the outermost shell of an atom. Volt: Volt is the unit of measurement for electrical voltage which is the pressure pushing electrons which causes electrical current to flow. Symbol: V. Page 6

7 Voltage: Voltage is the pressure pushing electrons which causes electrical current to flow. Unit of Measurement: Volts / Symbol: V. Watt: Watt is the unit of measurement for electrical power which is the rate at which electrical energy is being used. Symbol: W. Watt-Hour: Watt-hour is a unit of energy measurement equivalent to one watt power expended for one hour of time. Symbol: Wh. Page 7

SECTION 3 BASIC AUTOMATIC CONTROLS UNIT 12 BASIC ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM

SECTION 3 BASIC AUTOMATIC CONTROLS UNIT 12 BASIC ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM Unit Objectives Describe the structure of an atom. Identify atoms with a positive charge and atoms with a negative charge. Explain