Essential Electrical Vocabulary: Definitions for Wiring and Safety

Core Electrical Terminology and Definitions

This comprehensive glossary provides clear definitions for key terms used in electrical work, covering components, measurements, safety regulations, and professional qualifications.

A-C: Current, Components, and Connections

• AC (Alternating Current) (Abbreviation): Electrical current that periodically reverses direction.
• Adaptor (Noun): A device for connecting several electric plugs to one socket.
• Amp (Noun): The measure of electrical current (short for Ampere).
• Appliance (Noun): A device or piece of equipment designed for a specific task.
• Cable (Noun): Thick insulated wire used for the fixed wiring of electrical systems.
• Circuit (Noun): The complete path followed by electricity, usually along a wire.
• Conductor (Noun): Something that allows heat or electricity to pass through it easily.
• Conduit (Noun): A protective cover or tube for electrical cables.
• Connection (Noun): The linking or joining of two or more parts.
• Consumables (Noun): Items intended to be used up and then thrown away after use.
• Current (Noun): The flow of electricity through a circuit.

D-F: Direct Current, Safety Devices, and Faults

• DC (Direct Current) (Abbreviation): Electrical current that flows in only one direction.
• Disconnect (Verb): To break the connection of something.
• Earth (Adjective/Wire): The wire which is connected at one end to the ground where the mains supply comes in (grounding wire).
• Electrician (Noun): A person who installs and maintains electrical equipment and systems.
• Electrocution (Noun/Action): To receive an electric shock.
• Extension Cable (Noun): Wiring with one or more sockets at one end and a plug at the other, used to extend reach from an electrical socket.
• Fault (Noun): A defect or malfunction; when something is not working properly.
• Flex (Abbreviation): Short for flexible cord.
• Fuse (Noun): A safety device which breaks a circuit if it is overloaded.

G-M: Measurements, Installation, and Power Sources

• Gauge (Noun): The diameter or thickness of the fuse wire.
• HSE (Health and Safety Executive) (Abbreviation): UK regulatory body for workplace health and safety.
• Installation (Noun): The process of fixing or establishing electrical equipment or systems.
• Insulation Tape (Noun): Adhesive tape used to prevent or reduce the passage of electricity.
• Intermittent (Adjective): Irregular; not continuous.
• Junction Box (Noun): A casing used for electrical connections.
• Kilowatt (kW) (Noun): A unit of electrical power (1,000 watts).
• Live (Adjective): When electricity is connected to an electrical power source (energized).
• Mains Supply (Noun): The chief input point of electricity into a building.
• Manufacturer (Noun): The person or organization that produces goods.
• Measurements (Noun): Dimensions; the size of something.

N-R: Resistance, Overload, and Safety Reporting

• NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) (Abbreviation): A recognized vocational qualification standard.
• Neutral (Adjective/Wire): The wire which returns electricity to the main fuse box when a circuit is switched on.
• Ohm (Ω) (Noun): The unit of electrical resistance.
• Overload (Noun): A condition where too much electrical current flows along a wire, exceeding its safe limit.
• Pliers (Noun): A small hand tool used for gripping or bending.
• Plug (Noun): A device which connects an electrical appliance to the mains supply.
• Power Sockets (Noun): Electrical outlets into which items are plugged to receive electricity.
• RIDDOR (Reporting Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) (Acronym): UK regulations requiring the reporting of specific workplace incidents.

S-W: Tools, Specifications, and Voltage

• Screwdriver (Noun): A small hand tool used for turning screws.
• Specifications (Noun): Written instructions detailing required materials, dimensions, or performance standards.
• Supplier (Noun): Someone who provides goods or services.
• Switch (Verb): To turn an electrical device or circuit on or off.
• Transformer (Noun): Equipment used to increase or decrease the voltage of alternating current (AC).
• Voltage (V) (Noun): The force which drives electricity in a circuit (potential difference).
• Watt (W) (Noun): The unit of electrical power.
• Wire (Noun): Flexible metal thread used to carry electric current.