Open Circuit
A circuit in which the flow of current is interrupted due to an open breaker or fuse. May be intentional or unintentional (as caused by a short). Back to alphabetical list

Outlet
Receptacle. Back to alphabetical list

Overload
To run equipment or wire in excess of its normal full-load rating. Back to alphabetical list

Pigtail
A short length of wire attached to an existing wire or wires. Back to alphabetical list

Polarized
A system in which the slots/blades for the hot leads are narrower than those for the neutral leads. Back to alphabetical list

Raceway
A plastic or metal channel used to conduct wires or cables from one point to another. Back to alphabetical list

Romex®
A brand of nonmetallic-sheathed cable. Back to alphabetical list

Service Entrance
The point where the electrical service enters the house, becoming your responsibility instead of the electric company's. Back to alphabetical list

Service Panel
Usually installed near the service entrance, this panel contains the main switch or breaker to disconnect the house system from the power source as well as circuit breakers. Back to alphabetical list

Short Circuit
An accidental connection between two conductors or between a conductor and ground or some other unintended surface. Back to alphabetical list

Single-pole Switch
A standard light switch with off and on positions for controlling flow of current to one or more devices. Back to alphabetical list

Split Receptacle
A receptacle in which each of the two outlets is wired on a different circuit or in which one outlet is always live and the other is switched. Also called split-wired. Back to alphabetical list

Three-way Switch
A pair of switches wired to control the same fixture or group of fixtures. Back to alphabetical list

UL
Underwriters' Laboratories is a nonprofit organization that tests electrical devices to assure their compliance with the NEC. Back to alphabetical list

Volt
The measure of electrical pressure. Back to alphabetical list

Watt
The basic measure of electricity. Amps x volts = watts. Back to alphabetical list

Wire Nut®
A brand of twist-on wire connector. Back to alphabetical list

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