Understanding Electrical Terms: A Comprehensive Glossary
Welcome to our Electrical Glossary, designed to help you navigate and comprehend various electrical terms and concepts. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a curious learner, this resource aims to provide clarity on all things electrical. If you have questions or encounter terms you’re unfamiliar with, this glossary is here to assist you.
A
AC Load
An AC load refers to an electrical component or device that operates using alternating current (AC), a type of electric current that periodically reverses direction. Examples of AC loads include household appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and televisions, which are designed to function with the AC power supplied to homes and buildings.
Ampere (Amp)
An ampere (amp) is the unit used to measure the flow of electricity through a circuit. It indicates how much electrical current is flowing at any given time. One ampere represents the amount of electricity that passes through a conductor, such as a wire, when one coulomb of electric charge moves through it per second. For homeowners, understanding amps can help in managing electrical systems and ensuring that circuits are not overloaded.
C
Circuit
A circuit is a closed loop that allows electricity to flow through it, powering devices and appliances along the way. For example, the lights in your home are connected to one circuit, while your air conditioning system might be on a separate one. When electricity flows through a circuit and completes the loop, it powers the connected devices, such as turning on a light bulb. If someone receives an electrical shock, they complete the circuit by allowing the electrical current to flow through their body.
Circuit Breaker
A circuit breaker is a safety device that automatically stops the flow of electricity in a circuit if there’s too much current or a short circuit. Unlike a fuse, which needs to be replaced once it blows, a circuit breaker can simply be switched back on once the issue is fixed. It helps protect your home’s wiring and appliances from damage and reduces the risk of electrical fires. Circuit breakers are commonly found in your home’s switchboard.
Conductor
Conductor refers to a material that allows electric current to flow through it easily. Good conductors have low resistance, meaning they don’t block the flow of electricity much. Metals like copper and aluminium are commonly used because they’re excellent conductors. That’s why most electrical wiring in homes and buildings is made from copper or aluminium—they efficiently carry electricity to power your lights, appliances, and other devices.
Conduit
A conduit is a protective covering or tube that electrical wires are placed inside to shield them from damage and prevent potential harm to people nearby. It is commonly used when electrical wiring needs to be exposed, such as outside your home or workplace, or when it’s difficult to run wires through walls, like on the lower floor of a two-storey house. The conduit not only provides a layer of safety for the wires but also ensures that the electrical system is more secure and accessible for maintenance or repairs.
Current
Current is the flow of electric charge through a conductor, such as a wire. It’s similar to how water flows through a pipe—just like water moves from one point to another, electrical current moves through a circuit to power devices in your home. Electrical current is measured in amperes (amps), and it’s what makes your appliances, lights, and other electrical items work once the circuit is complete and electricity is flowing.
F
Frequency
Frequency refers to the number of times an electrical current completes a full cycle in one second. It’s measured in hertz (Hz). For example, if the current goes through one complete cycle every second, the frequency is 1 Hz. In Australia, household electricity typically operates at 50 Hz, meaning the current changes direction 50 times per second. Frequency is an important part of how electrical systems stay consistent and reliable.
Fuse/Circuit Breaker
A fuse is a safety device designed to protect an electrical circuit from too much current. It contains a small strip of conductive material that melts and breaks the circuit if the current gets too high. This helps prevent damage to appliances, wiring, or even fire. Once a fuse has blown, it needs to be replaced before the circuit can be used again. Fuses are commonly found in older homes and some appliances, although many modern systems now use circuit breakers instead.
G
GPO (General Purpose Outlet)
A General Purpose Outlet (GPO), also known as a socket outlet or power point, is a standard electrical receptacle in Australian homes and buildings. It allows appliances and devices to connect to the electrical supply by accommodating plugs of various types. GPOs are designed to meet the general power requirements of a wide range of devices.
H
Hertz (Hz)
A unit used to measure frequency—how often something happens in one second. In electricity, it refers to how many times the current changes direction per second. For example, in Australia, most homes use electricity at a frequency of 50 hertz, meaning the current changes direction 50 times every second.
R
RCD (Residual Current Device)
An RCD is a safety device that quickly cuts off electricity if it detects a fault, such as current leaking to the ground—something that can happen if you accidentally touch a live wire. Its main job is to protect people from electric shock. Unlike a circuit breaker, which protects against overloads and short circuits, an RCD is specifically designed to protect you. It constantly monitors the flow of electricity and will trip (shut off power) within milliseconds if it senses even a small imbalance. RCDs are usually found in your switchboard and are a legal requirement in most Australian homes.
S
Switchboard
A switchboard is the central point in your home where electricity is distributed to different circuits, such as lighting, power points, or appliances. It contains important safety devices like circuit breakers, fuses, and RCDs (Residual Current Devices) that help protect your home from electrical faults. The switchboard is usually located on an external wall or in a utility area and is essential for managing and controlling the electrical flow throughout your property.