Electrical Terms and Definitions
Use this glossary to better understand common terms that may appear during an electrical construction, service, or upgrade project.
Understanding electrical terminology can help you make informed decisions about your home, building, or construction project. The VoltEdge electrical glossary offers clear, straightforward explanations of common terms related to wiring, lighting, electrical panels, safety, and other essential systems. Whether you’re a homeowner exploring an upgrade or a building professional reviewing project requirements, this resource can help you better understand your options and communicate confidently about your electrical needs.
AFCI
An arc-fault circuit interrupter is a protective device designed to reduce the risk associated with certain electrical arcing conditions.
Ampere or Amp
A unit used to measure electrical current.
Branch Circuit
The wiring and protective device that carry power from a panel to outlets, lighting, or equipment.
Circuit Breaker
A protective device designed to interrupt power when a circuit experiences an overload or certain fault conditions.
Dedicated Circuit
A circuit intended to serve a specific appliance, piece of equipment, or electrical load.
Electrical Panel
An enclosure containing breakers or other protective devices that distribute electricity to circuits throughout a property.
EVSE
Electric vehicle supply equipment is the equipment that delivers electricity from a building’s electrical system to an electric vehicle.
GFCI
A ground-fault circuit interrupter is a protective device designed to interrupt power when it detects certain current leakage that may present a shock hazard.
Grounding and Bonding
Related safety methods used to create effective fault-current paths and connect conductive components as required by the electrical system design.
Load Calculation
A calculation used to estimate electrical demand and help determine appropriate service, feeder, panel, or circuit capacity.
Service Upgrade
Work that increases or modernizes the electrical service supplying a property.
Surge Protection
Equipment designed to help limit transient overvoltage that may damage electrical or electronic equipment.
Transfer Switch
Equipment that transfers selected electrical loads between normal utility power and an alternate source such as a generator.