Electrician's instant answers (instant answer series) P16

start-of-run The first switch or outlet on a circuit.
stranded wire Wires that are spun together to form a single con-
ductor.
stripping The removal of insulation from wire or sheathing from
cable.
subpanel A subsidiary service panel that contains circuit breakers or
fuses and supplies a number of branch circuits.
switch A device that controls electrical current passing through hot
wires.
system ground A method by which an entire electrical system is
grounded.
task lighting Lighting that is directional for point-of-use operation.
three-way switch A switch used when two switches control a light.
through-switch wiring (in-line wiring) Wiring a switch so that
power runs to the switch box.
time-delay fuse A fuse that does not break the circuit during the
momentary overload that can happen when an electric motor starts
up. However, the fuse will blow if the overload continues.
transfer switch A device that switches a load from its main source
to a standby power source. The switching action may be automati-
cally or manually operated.
transformer A piece of electrical equipment that changes voltage
in a circuit. If the voltage is increased it is called a step-up trans-
former. If the voltage is decreased it is called a step-down trans-
former.
transponder A control device that receives a remote signal and
then sends out its own signal to another device.
travelers Two conductors that run between switches in a three-way
installation. They are connected to the two like colored terminals on
the switches.
twistlock A receptacle or plug that can be locked in place to pre-

vent accidental removal.
type S fuse A plug fuse that can only fit into a fuse holder or
adapter having the same amperage rating.
UL An abbreviation for Underwriters Laboratories.
ultrasonic sensor A device that emits high frequency sound and
then listens for changes in the echo.
Glossary
343
ultraviolet (UV) light Range of invisible light just beyond violet in
the spectrum.
Underwriter’s knot A knot that ensures electrical wiring connec-
tions in a fixture will withstand the strain on a cord that is jerked.
voltage (volts) A measurement of electricity in terms of pressure.
voltage detector A tool that senses electrical pressure.
voltage tester A tool that senses the presence of electrical pressure
when its probes touch bare wire ends. Some voltage testers are
capable of telling how many volts are present.
watertight A term given to devices that are designed to be tem-
porarily immersed in water.
wattage (watt) A measurement of electrical power in terms of total
energy consumed. A product of voltage and amperage. Watts =
volts x amps.
weatherproof A means of construction to allow a device to func-
tion without interference from weather.
wire connector A plastic device with a metal spring on the interior
of the connector that is used to connect multiple wires safely.
zip cord A two-wire cord that is made to split down the middle
when pulled apart.
Glossary
344

359
A
AC circuits, 159
Accent lights, 128
Accessories, 253
Advertising expenses, 295
Air-powered tools, 314
Allen wrenches, 246
Attics, 55, 109
Automated lights, 27
B
Back injuries, 326
Baseboard heating units, 148
Basement lighting, 97
Basement wiring, 34
Bathroom exhaust fans, 136
Bathrooms, 105
Bending metal conduit, 63
Bedrooms, 107
Bid process, 276
Bid sheets, 272
government, 273
Bidder agencies, 272
Bleeding, 320
Blisters, 326
Bollard light, square exterior
architectural, 130
Bollard light, round exterior
architectural, 130
Bonds, 273

bid, 273
performance, 273
security, 273
Box placement, 52
Boxes, 45
cast-aluminum, 52
metal, 50
plastic, 49
plastic retrofit, 49
standard, 49
Branch circuits, 6
Budgets, 287, 292, 293
Burns, 329
Business budget, 293
C
Capacitor tests, 248
Cash-flow problems, 274
CEBus protocol, 77
Ceiling fans, 61, 136
Chandeliers, 117
Circuits, 1
AC, 159
branch, 6
DC, 152
delta, 161
divided, 4
feeder, 5
INDEX
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high pressure sodium ballast, 89

main, 5
metal halide ballast, 90
mercury ballast, 91
multiple, 5
parallel, 1
parallel-series, 2
series, 1
series-parallel, 4
sizing, 41
subfeeder, 5
submain, 5
tap, 6
wye, 161
Circuit breakers, 168
troubleshooting, 263
Clock receptacle, 186
Close-to-ceiling fixtures, 114
Closets, 108
Commercial building electrical
distribution system, 160
Compact fluorescent fixture
data, 121
Commercial grade designer
receptacles, 191
Commercial lighting, 138
Commercial surface mounted
fluorescents, 140
Computers, 75
Conduit, 20, 24
metal, 62

PVC, 20
rigid, 20
Conduit benders, 247
Conduit bending distances, 63
Confirmation calls, 289
Connectors, 253
Consumption, 180
Continuity tester, 260
Cordless tools, 251
Cost adjustments, 183
Co-worker safety, 317
Cords, 256
Cramps, 330
Crawlspace installations, 55
Customer satisfaction, 271
Cutting holes, 59
D
DC circuits, 152
Delta circuits, 161
Demand, 182
Den, 103
Dimmer switches, 195
Dining room, 102
Direct-burial cable, 18
Directional light distribution, 131
Dishwashers, 61
Divided circuits, 4
Doorbells, 264
Drill bits, 241
Drill safety, 311

E
Electrical boxes, 45
cast-aluminum, 52
metal, 50
plastic, 49
plastic retrofit, 49
standard, 49
Electric heating units, 147
Electric rates, 177
Electric switches, 170
Electrician’s hammer, 244
Electronic relay, 171
Emergency lighting, 138, 144
Index
360
Employee expenses, 295
Entertainment, 81
Estimating techniques, 284
Equipment expenses, 284
Exhaust fans, 136
Existing space, 56
Expenses, 293
advertising, 295
employee, 295
equipment, 294
field, 294
growth, 296
insurance, 295
loan, 296
office, 294

retirement, 296
salary, 293
tax, 296
tool, 294
vehicle, 294
Exterior lights, 24, 110
Exterior luminaires, 127
Exterior wiring, 15, 35
Eye injuries, 324
F
Facial injuries, 325
Family room, 103
Fans, 61
ceiling, 61
whole-house, 61
Feeder circuits, 5
Field expenses, 294
Fire prevention, 317
First aid, 319
Fish tapes, 252
Fluorescent lighting, 86
Fluorescent fixtures, 258
Foot injuries, 326
Foyers, 104
Fuse bank, 169
Fuses, 168
G
GFCI receptacles, 20, 190
Growth expenses, 296
H

Hacksaws, 242
Halls, 100, 104
Hand injuries, 327
Heat exhaustion, 331
Heat-related problems, 330
Heat sink, 158
Heating units, 147
baseboard, 148
electric, 147
wall, 149
HID, 88
ballast continuity, 93, 94
ballast testing, 92
High intensity discharge, 88
High pressure sodium ballast, 89
High pressure sodium luminaires, 96
Hole saws, 241
Holes, 59
cutting, 59
Home automation, 73
Home security, 78
Horizontal runs, 58
HVAC, 80
I
IMC conduit, 20
Incandescent lighting, 85
Index
361
Incandescent fixtures, 257
Infection, 322

Industrial grade plugs, 197
Insurance expenses, 295
Isolated ground receptacles, 189
J
Jelly jar fixtures, 114
Job budget, protecting your, 292
Job costing, 287, 298
accuracy, 301
percentage, 299
simple, 299
Job juggling, 290
K
Keyhole saws, 242
Kitchen lighting, 100
Kneepads, 309
Knives, 244
Knockout punches, 240
hydraulic, 240
one-shot, 241
ratchet, 240
stud, 241
L
Ladders, 239. 315
Landscape lighting, 111, 127
Lamp, 95
holders, 113
mercury vapor, 95
metal halide, 95
switches, 194
Leg injuries, 326

Lighting, 83
basement, 97
commercial, 138
emergency, 138, 144
exterior, 110
fluorescent, 86
high intensity discharge, 88
incandescent, 85
kitchen, 100
landscape, 111
living space, 99
office, 139
recessed, 132
residential, 96
track, 132
Lights, 24, 79
automated, 27
exterior, 24, 128
Living room, 103
Living space lighting, 99
Loan expenses, 296
LonWorks, 78
Low profile fluorescent light
fixture, 122
Low profile louvered fluorescent
light fixture, 122
Low profile surface mount
fluorescent light fixture, 126
M
Main circuits, 5

Materials, 33, 185
Meetings, 32
Mercury ballast circuits, 91
Mercury vapor lamps, 95
Metal conduit, 62
bending, 63
Metal halide ballast circuits, 90
Metal halide lamps, 95
Metal studs, 64
Meters, 248
Index
362
Middle-run receptacles, 59
Modular fluorescents, 120
Motor control center, 164
Multiple circuits, 5
Multi-tap tools, 245
N
Nail plates, 53
Neon tester, 259
Networking, 75
New construction, 31
New customer base, 271
Nosebleeds, 326
Nut drivers, 246
O
Office expenses, 294
Office lighting, 139
OSHA, 305
Outdoor systems, 81

Outside components, 21
Overhead wiring, 16
P
Parallel circuits, 1
Parallel-series circuits, 2
Pendants, 116
Permits, 32
Pipe threaders, 251
Pliers, 244
Plugs, 197, 256
240 volt, 256
industrial grade, 197
quick-connect plugs, 257
replacing round, 256
Plumbing, 80
Polarization, 262
Porcelain light fixtures, 194
Portable band saws, 247
Powder-actuated tools, 315
Power line carrier, 74
Power measurement, 177
Power pipe threaders, 314
Power saws, 313
Presentation, 281
Pricing, 281
Production schedules, 288
Profitability, 300
markup, 279
Protocols, 76
CEBus, 77

Push-in terminals, 60
PVC conduit, 20
Q
Quick-connect plugs, 257
R
Receptacles, 20, 185
30 amp, 187
50 amp, 187
230 volt, 187
clock, 186
commercial-grade designer, 191
exterior, 20
GFCI, 20, 190
isolated ground, 189
middle-run, 59
specification grade, 186
split-circuit, 60
surge-suppressor, 192
troubleshooting, 261
twist-lock, 189
Recessed light housings, 60
Recessed lighting, 132
Index
363
Reciprocating saws, 247
Referrals, 269
Remote control, 75
Repairs, 255
Residential lighting, 96
Residential luminaires, 113

Retirement goals, 296
Rigid conduit, 20
Rocker switches, 195
Roughing-in, 36
Round plugs, replacing, 256
S
Safety, 303
air-powered tools, 314
chisel, 317
clothing, 307
co-worker, 317
drill, 311
ear, 309
eye, 309
general, 306
jewelry, 308
knee, 309
ladders, 315
powder-actuated tools, 315
power pipe threaders, 314
saw, 313
screwdriver, 317
tool, 310
vehicle, 306
Salary, 293
Scalp injuries, 325
Schedule, 34, 287
Scheduling obstacles, 291
Sconces, 119
Screwdrivers, 245

Series circuits, 1
Series-parallel circuits, 4
Severe bleeding, 321
Shock, 327
symptoms of, 328
Sizing circuits, 41
Slab wiring, 34
Smart house, 78
Specification grade receptacles, 186
Specialty switches, 196
Splinters, 322
Split-circuit outlets, 60
Stairways, 100, 104
Steel fluorescent fixture data, 123
Structured wiring system, 74
Subcontractors, 290
Subfeeder circuits, 5
Submain circuits, 5
Subpanels, 71
Suppliers, 290
Surface wiring, 53
Surge control, 76
Surge suppressor receptacles, 192
Switches, 24, 193
dimmer, 195
electric, 170
key, 194
keyless, 194
pull-chain, 194
push-type, 194

rocker, 195
specialty, 196
time-delay, 197
troubleshooting, 259
turn-knob, 194
System specifications, 82
T
Take-offs, 277
Tap circuits, 6
Tape measures, 247
Index
364
Taxes, 296
Telecommunications, 81
Temporary service, 33
Temporary wiring, 11
Thermostats, 266
Time-delay switches, 197
Time management, 302
Timers, 74
Tip sheets, 71
Tool expenses, 294
Tool safety, 310
Tools, 239
Tourniquets, 321
Torpedo levels, 247
Track lighting, 132
Tracking production, 289
Transformer, 165
Three-phase conductor, 172

Trimming out, 38
Troubleshooting, 255
Twist-lock receptacles, 189
U
Under-cabinet lights, 120
V
Vehicle expenses, 294
Variable speed drives, 163
Volt-Ohm-Amp meters, 248, 250
Volt-Ohm testers, 248, 250
Voltage meters, 248
W
Wall heaters, 149
Wall lights, 118
Wall mounted fluorescent
light fixture, 126
Wall plates, 198
Whole-house fans, 61
sizing, 61
Wire applications, 199
Wire connectors, 199
Wire lube, 252
Wire sizes, 199
Wireless, 75
Wiring, 11, 151
basement, 34
exterior, 15, 35
overhead, 16
slab, 34
surface, 53

temporary, 11
Wires, 173
properties of standard copper, 174
Wood boring bits, 242
Wood framed fluorescent light
fixture data, 124
Working wire, 56
Wounds, open, 320
Wye circuits, 161
X
X-10 technology, 77
Index
365