Amp
Abbreviation for ampere, the measure of the rate of flow of electric current. Back to alphabetical list

Arc-fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI)
A breaker that shuts off current in a circuit instantly when an arc fault is detected. Code-required for bedroom circuits starting in 2002. Back to alphabetical list

Armored Cable
This cable contains two insulated conductors and a thin aluminum or copper bonding strip inside a metal sheath. The metal sheath is the ground, not the bonding strip. Also called Armor-clad, AC, or BX. Back to alphabetical list

Ballast
The device that provides the current for fluorescent lights. Ballasts have become quite small, allowing the creation of compact fluorescent bulbs that can be used in place of incandescent bulbs. Back to alphabetical list

Box
Device for mounting electrical fixtures and their wiring in walls and ceilings. Common varieties include new work, old cork, single gang, two-gang, fan, and junction. Back to alphabetical list

Branch Circuit
The portion of an electrical running between the breaker or fuse and the devices it powers. Can serve a single device or several. Back to alphabetical list

Bus
The heavy-duty, rigid connector that connects the circuit breakers or fuses to the incoming power. Also called a Busbar. Back to alphabetical list

BX
A brand name of armored cable. Back to alphabetical list

Cable
Typically, a group of individual conductors bundled together. Back to alphabetical list

Circuit
Branch circuit. Back to alphabetical list

Circuit Breaker
The overcurrent protection device (OCPD) most commonly in residential use. The circuit breaker can be opened and closed repeatedly to allow or stop power from flowing along the branch circuit. Back to alphabetical list

Conductor
A device intended to carry electric current, typically wire or a busbar. May also refer to anything that carries current, intended or not. Back to alphabetical list

Current
The rate of flow of electricity. Back to alphabetical list

Daisy Chain
When conductors run from one device to the next. Saves wire, but if one device fails, all downstream devices are affected. Back to alphabetical list

Device
The items installed in boxes that help control and distribute current, such as switches, receptacles, timers, thermostats, and dimmers. Back to alphabetical list

Feeder
The conductors that feed panels other than the service panel. Back to alphabetical list

Fish Tape
A coiled spring-steel line used for pulling, or fishing, cable and wire through enclosed spaces. Back to alphabetical list

Fitting
Accessories such as bushings and clamps that serve a mechanical rather than an electrical function. Back to alphabetical list

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