Michael Petruccelli asks; Electrical terms for homeowners (14)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Reverse Polarity - A condition of reversed wiring. Remember the hot wire, usually black in residential wiring, should be wired to the small slot in an electrical outlet and the neutral wire, usually white, should be connected to the large slot. Another way to remember, black wire to brass connection, white wire to the silver connection.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Electrical terms for homeowners (13)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Main Panel- A metal box holding overload protection devices and/or disconnects for the home's electricity to the home. Usually located in a service box or main panel.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Electrical terms for homeowners (11)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Grounded Outlet - An electrical outlet with a ground wire that is connected to the grounding system. Usually identified by the round hole beneath the two vertical holes in the outlet, though no guarantee grounding is present unless properly tested.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Electrical terms for homeowners (10)

Michael Petruccelli says;   Grounding - The process of connecting electrically conducive items to the earth by various means, which then ensures excess or errant electrical current will be absorbed into the ground. We often refer to driven rod grounding or water service pipe grounding.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Electrical terms for homeowners (9)

Michael Petruccelli says;  GFCI or GFI - Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter is an electrical current monitoring device designed to detect a ground fault in as little as 1/40 of a second, subsequently stopping the flow of electricity. These are required in bathrooms, garages, kitchens, laundries, exteriors and more. GFI circuits are designed to prevent electrocution.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Electrical terms for homeowners (8)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Electrical Service Rating - Refers to the amperage rating supplied to the home, typically 100, 125, 150, or 200 amps.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Electrical terms for homeowners (7)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Drip loop - Overhead electrical service. Refers to slack in the electrical wires as they arrive at the roof masthead, which if configured properly, will prevent water from running into the conduit.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Electrical terms for homeowners (6)

Michael Petruccelli says;   Double Tapping - adding or "doubling" wires at a fuse or breaker connections for the purpose of increasing the number of circuits available to the electrician system. Most breakers are designed for one wire attachment. Double tapping is not allowed by electrical code and can be a serious safety issue unless such breaker is intentionally designed for multiple wire connections.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Electrical terms for homeowners (5)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Dedicated Circuit - A circuit provided for the exclusive use of an appliance or component such as a sump pump or sprinkler system.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Electrical terms for homeowners (1)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Some home owners are not afraid to tackle any sort of electrical fix or upgrade in their homes. Others would rather not deal with their electrical systems at all. But one thing is certain, no matter how comfortable you are with electricity, all homeowners should have a basic understanding of electrical terms and components in their home.