Electrical Definitions

[Executive]

In the interest of education, I thought I would post the correct terms and definitions for many of the common electrical items discussed here. This list is by no means complete, but it represents many of the terms that are often misused or improperly identified here. I will be happy to update and add to this post periodically. Please post any questions in this thread. Last update 8-10-12

You should not be posting dumbed down definitions in hope of clarifying meanings.

 

[mrb]

add receptacle, outlet, bonding
perhaps OCPD,

and add GFCI (5ma personnel protection), GFEP(30ma) and GFP (the one found on large commercial services) and their differences

 

[aandpdan]

How about including:

Outlet: a point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment.

Receptacle: a contact device installed at the outlet for the connection of an attachment plug.

 

[flyingw]

And to think, I've been using receptical as a pet name for my wife.... Now it all makes sense why she got pissed whenever I called her that. I always thought is was the PMS..... Who knew

 

[DekeT]

Thanks but I will stick to the non-wiki definitions that don't beg more questions than it answers.

 

[Executive]

Thanks but I will stick to the non-wiki definitions that don't beg more questions than it answers.

These are not "wiki" terms. They are the industry accepted vocabulary and I have actually dumbed down the definitions a little bit for the laymen on this site. If you can't follow these you probably should not be doing electrical work.

Chris

 

[DekeT]

These are not "wiki" terms. They are the industry accepted vocabulary and I have actually dumbed down the definitions a little bit for the laymen on this site. If you can't follow these you probably should not be doing electrical work.

Chris

You should not be posting dumbed down definitions in hope of clarifying meanings.

 

[Executive]

Less than 24 hours and someone on this site has a problem.

I'm done.

My advice from now on: HIRE A LICENSED AND INSURED PROFESSIONAL TO DO YOUR ELECTRICAL WORK.

Chris

 

[DekeT]

Oh I'm sorry, your definitions are . Most of the discussions on the GJ break down because of loose defintions rather than using clear and precise definitions to discriminate between concepts.

 

[ishiboo]

Less than 24 hours and someone on this site has a problem.

I'm done.

My advice from now on: HIRE A LICENSED AND INSURED PROFESSIONAL TO DO YOUR ELECTRICAL WORK.

Chris

Previous thread:

I guess I'll have to turn in my Master License, give up my 30 years of experience in the trade, 18 years teaching the National Electrical Code, and look for a new line of work.

My definition of a GFCI is spot on.

I've been posting here trying to lend my expertise to guys who obviously don't have a clue. I'm not looking for an on-line argument but in all my years, I have never seen an intact conductor of any length leak sufficient current to trip a GFCI.

I have about a dozen textbooks, handbooks, white papers, and the UL "white book". I guess my definition of how a GFCI operates is wrong along with all of them.

Good luck.

Chris

Bad attitude to have... you have to have a thicker skin than that if you're going to play on the Internet. People are going to disagree, argue, etc. And even with 20 years experience, there are times when you'll be wrong.

While 1-2 people may speak up with a disagreement, 30 others may appreciate your post.

**** it up, buttercup!

 

[pattenp]

While DekeT's comment wasn't a pat on the back for posting your definitions you did kinda over react. For what it's worth, it was nice of you to take the time to post the definitions. Don't let your good deeds be hindered by the sarcasm of a few people, in this case, just by one person.

 

[ddawg16]

What? Drama? And I missed out on it?

I gotta stop working on the house and waste more time here.....

 

[MrMark]

What a bunch of primadonna's, thinking that because they post up a bunch of "credentials" people will bow down to them and they must know what they are talking about. Whenever I have someone bellow I've been doing thus and such for "X" number of years as a reason for accepting what they say I know they are full of it. Impress us with your knowledge, not your "credentials".

 

[nwav8tor]

Is there a link or thread missing? I see no definations...

Paul

 

[gatchel]

Is there a link or thread missing? I see no definations...

Paul

This might be a clue in the OP.

"Last edited by Executive; Today at 11:41 AM."

Come on man...

 

[ddawg16]

In defense of the OP....you come here....have a lot of experience in one area....and as you read the posts you see the same questions over and over....and it's on stuff that you know a lot about....

So....you put up a post to address those issues................and then the GJ regulars chime in........

Well...unless you have been here awhile.....or already have real thick skin.....

Anyway....would have liked to have seen the list....but, oh well....time for another beer.....

 

[gatchel]

Anyway....would have liked to have seen the list....but, oh well....time for another beer.....

I always thought this was a good idea too (The list and the beer). There are lots of people that contribute information and know what they are taking about. If there were a sticky with a running list of Q and A there would be less of the same questions over and over and over and over...People don't know how to search and think that everything on the internet should be just handed to them for free.

Usually such a list would be handled by a moderator of some sort, or at least that how I have seen it done on other sites. Every site is different. (Not slamming the mods here either)

 

[DekeT]

I always thought this was a good idea too (The list and the beer). There are lots of people that contribute information and know what they are taking about. If there were a sticky with a running list of Q and A there would be less of the same questions over and over and over and over...People don't know how to search and think that everything on the internet should be just handed to them for free.

Usually such a list would be handled by a moderator of some sort, or at least that how I have seen it done on other sites. Every site is different. (Not slamming the mods here either)

Links to independent authoritative sites is a considerably more efficient and effective way to define terms. Posting your own definitions will rapidly create miscommunication and confusion among readers because you don't know which one is correct. Unabridged industry standard definitions are the best way to achieve meeting of the minds and promote understanding. Editing of those standard definitions in an attempt to make the concept simpler only reveals unintended bias or point of view of the editor. My take on a definition is better suited as a comment in a post over the subject, certainly not as a stickie replacement for the real thing.

 

[hidollartoys]

Links to independent authoritative sites is a considerably more efficient and effective way to define terms. Posting your own definitions will rapidly create miscommunication and confusion among readers because you don't know which one is correct. Unabridged industry standard definitions are the best way to achieve meeting of the minds and promote understanding. Editing of those standard definitions in an attempt to make the concept simpler only reveals unintended bias or point of view of the editor. My take on a definition is better suited as a comment in a post over the subject, certainly not as a stickie replacement for the real thing.

There are "facts", "preception of the facts", and the "editorialization of the preception of the facts".

Lets just stick to the facts (ma'am).

 

[sberry]

What is the correct defintition for "letting the smoke out"