Electrical Glossary: A Detailed Glossary of All Electrical Terms

Choose a letter below to navigate to the definition you're looking for:

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

[O]

 

 

Ohm:

The unit of measure for resistance.

 

 

 

Outlet:

A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment.

 

 

 

Overload:

Operation of equipment in excess of normal, full-load rating, or of a conductor in excess of rated ampacity that, when it persists for a sufficient length of time, would cause damage or dangerous overheating. A fault, such as a short circuit or ground fault, is not an overload.

 

 

 

Overvoltage:

A voltage above the normal rated voltage or the maximum operating voltage of a device or circuit. A direct test overvoltage is a voltage above the peak of the line alternating voltage.

 

[P]

 

 

Peak Demand:

The maximum integrated demand during a time period.

 

 

 

Phase:

Classification of an AC circuit usually single-phase, two wire or three wire; two-phase, three wire or four wire; or three-phase, three wire or four wire.

 

 

 

Power:

The rate at which work is performed or that energy is transferred. Electric power is commonly measured in watts or kilowatts. A power of 746 watts is equivalent to 1 horsepower.

 

 

 

Power Outage:

An interruption of power.

 

 

 

Power Outlet:

An enclosed assembly that may include receptacles, circuit breakers, fuseholders, fused switches, buses, and watt-hour meter mounting means; intended to supply and control power to mobile homes, recreational vehicles, park trailers, or boats; or to serve as a means for distributing power required to operate mobile or temporarily installed equipment.

 

 

 

Primary Voltage Rating:

Designates the input circuit voltage for which the primary winding is designed.

 

 

 

Puncture:

Term used when a disruptive discharge occurs through a solid dielectric. A disruptive discharge in a solid dielectric produces a permanent loss of dielectric strength; in a liquid of gaseous dielectric, the loss may be only temporary.

[Q]

 

 

Qualified Person:

One familiar with the construction and operation of the equipment and the hazards involved.