Electrical Glossary: A Detailed Glossary of All Electrical Terms

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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

[G]

 

 

Garage:

A building or portion of a building which one or more self-propelled vehicles carrying volatile flammable liquid for fuel or power are kept for use, sale, storage, rental, repair, exhibition, or demonstration purposes.

 

 

 

Generator:

A rotating machine which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. In the automotive industry traditional terminology uses generator to refer to only those machines designed to produce dc current through brushes and a commutator (as opposed to alternator).

 

 

 

Global Warming:

Global warming is the gradual increase in global temperatures caused by the emission of gases that trap the sun's heat in the Earth's atmosphere. Gases that contribute to global warming include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxides, (CFC's) chlorofluorocarbons, and halocarbons (the replacements for CFC's). The carbon dioxide emissions are primarily caused by the use of fossil fuels for energy.

 

 

 

Grid:

In an electrical system, a term used to refer to the electrical utility distribution network.

 

 

 

Ground (Wire):

A conducting connection, whether intentional or accidental, between an electrical circuit or equipment and the earth, or to some conducting body that serves in place of the earth.

 

 

 

Grounded:

Connected to earth or to some conducting body that serves in place of the earth.

 

[H]

 

 

Heater:

A heat source (gas or electric) used to adjust the temperature inside a dwelling from a cold to a warm condition.

 

 

 

Heavy Duty:

A lightning impulse classifying current category for distribution class arresters defined by ANSI/IEEE C62.11. A heavy duty rated arrester has a 10,000 amperage impulse value crest

 

 

 

Hertz (Hz):

The unit of frequency (not just electricity, but also, for example, sound waves.

 

 

 

High-Tech Troubleshooting:

A procedure performed by a trained technician for the purpose of locating and identifying electrical problems within an electrical system.

 

 

 

Hoistway:

Any shaftway, hatchway, well hole, or other vertical opening or space in which an elevator or dumbwaiter is designed to operate.

 

 

 

Horsepower:

A unit of power equal to 746 watts.