ELECTRICAL TERMS

ABSORPTION-RESISTING: Incapable of taking up water (or any other liquid deleterious to the material
under consideration, to which such material is liable to be exposed) sufficiently to affect electrical or
mechanical properties to an appreciable extent under conditions of use.

ACCESSIBLE: (As applied to wiring methods) Not permanently closed in by the structure or finish of the
bldg; capable of being removed without disturbing the building of finish.

(As applied to equipment) Admitting close approach because not guarded by locked doors, elevators or
other effective means.

ACCESSORIA TYPE BLDG: A building that has partitions from the first floor up to the last floor with
each bay or section intended for different and independent occupants.

APPLIANCE: Appliances are current consuming equipment, fixed or portable;

AIR CIRCUIT BREAKER: An air circuit breaker is one in which the interruption occurs in air.

AIR TERMINAL: (For lightning protection) An air terminal is the combination of elevation rod and brace,
or footing placed on upper portions of structures, together with tip or point if used.

AIR SWITCH: An air switch is one with contacts the separate in air.

ALIVE: means electrically connected to a source of potential difference, or electrical charged so as to have
a potential different from that of the earth.

APPROVED: Acceptable to the authority enforcing this Code. When used with reference to any particular
electrical equipment means that such equipment has been submitted for examination and test to the Govt
agency concerned and that formal approval has been given to the effect that it conforms to the Standards
established under the provisions of this Code.

APPROVED FIREDOOR: a fire door and hardware of a type approved for the class of service to which it
is applied and labeled or certified by competent and recognized authority.

ARC WELDING: arc welding is a group of welding processes wherein coalescence is produced by heating
with an electric arc or arcs, with or without the application of pressure and with or without the use of filler
metal.

* ARC VOLTAGE: arc voltage is the voltage across the welding arc.

ARMOUR: a wrapping of galvanized interlocking steel strip forming an integral part of the assembly of
certain insulated cables, wires or cords, which are capable of withstanding certain mechanical tests.
* ARMORED CABLE: (In interior wiring) An armored cable is a fabricated assembly of insulated
conductors and a flexible metallic covering.

ARMORED CABLE: (in interior wiring) Is a provided cable with a wrapping of metal, usually steel wires
or tapes, primarily for the purpose of mechanical protection.

ASKAREL: A synthetic nonflammable insulating liquid which, when decomposed parts included in an
electric arc, evolves only non-explosive gases.

ASSEMBLY: is a combination of all or of a portion of component parts included in an electric apparatus,

mounted on a supporting frame or panel, and properly interwired.

ATTACHMENT PLAG: (Plug Cap) An attachment plug is a device which by insertion in a receptacle,
established connection between the conductors or attached flexible cord and the conductors connected
permanently to the receptacle.

AUTHORIZED PERSON: A qualified person who by the nature of his duties or occupation is obliged to
approach or handle electrical equipment; or a person who having been warned on the hazards involved, has
been instructed or authorized to do so by someone in authority.

AUTOMATIC CONTROLLER: an electric controller in which the influence directing the performance of
its basic functions is automatic.

AUTOMATIC WELDING: is welding with equipment, which performs the entire welding operation
without constant observation and adjustment or is controls by a person. The equipment may or may not
perform the loading and unloading of the work.

Auxiliary gutter: A sheet-metal enclosure for conductors, cables and bus bars at switchboards, meter
centers, distribution centers and similar points.

B & S GAUGE: the Brown and Shaped (or American) wire Gauge as applied to non ferrous conductors and
non-ferrous sheet metal.

* BASE LOAD: Is the minimum load over a given period of time.

* BRACH CIRCUIT: A branch circuit is that portion of a wiring system extending beyond the final over
current device protecting the circuit. A device not approved from branch circuit protection such as thermal
cutout or motor overload protective device, is not considered as the overcurrent device protecting the
circuit.

BRANCH CIRCUIT-APPLIANCE: is a circuit supplying energy to one or more outlets to which

appliances are to be connected; such circuits to have no permanently connected lighting fixtures not a part
of an appliance.

BRANCH-CIRCUIT DISTRIBUTION CENTER: is a distribution center at which branch circuits are

supplied.

BRANCH-CIRCUIT GENERAL PURPOSE: a branch circuit that supplies a number of outlets for
lighting and appliances.

BRANCH-CIRCUIT INDIVIDUAL: A branch circuit that supplies only one utilization equipment.

BREAKDOWN: (Puncture) A Breakdown is a disruptive discharge through insulation.

BUILDING: a structure which stands alone or which is cut off from adjoining structures by fire walls with
all opening therein protected by approved fire doors.

BUS: Is a conductor, or group of conductors, in switchgear assemblies, which serves as a common

connection for two or more circuits.

BUSWAY: An approved, completely assembled metal roughing and fittings therefore containing bare
conductors intended for use as feeders, the conductors being suitably supported on insulators.

CABINET: an enclosure designed either for surface or flush mounting and provided with a frame, mat or
trim in which swinging doors are hung.

CABLE: is either a stranded conductor with or without insulation and other coverings, or a combination of
conductors insulated from one another.

CAGE: Is a system of conductors forming an essentially continuous conducting network over the object
protected and including any conductors necessary for interconnection of the object protected and an
adequate ground.

CAPACITY FACTOR: The capacity factor is the ratio of the full load rating to the average load on a
machine or equipment for the period or time considered.

CIRCUIT BREAKER: A device designed to open under abnormal conditions a current carrying without
injury to itself. The term applies only to the automatic type designed to trip on a determined overload of
current.

CLEARANCE (Transmission & Distribution): clearance is the minimum separation between two
conductors, between conductors, and supports, or other objects between conductors and ground.

CLEAT: is an assembly of two pieces of insulating material provided with groovers for holding one or
more conductors at a definite spacing from the surface wired over and from each other, and with holes for
fastening in position.

CLIMBING SPACE: is the vertical space reserved along the side of a pole or tower to give linemen ready
access to equipment and conductors installed thereon.

COMBINED MECH & ELEC STRENGTH OF AN INSULATOR: the combined mechanical and
electrical strength of an insulator is the loading in pounds at which the insulator fails to perform its function
either electrically or mechanically, voltage and mechanical stress being applied simultaneously.

COMMUNICATON CIRCUIT: A circuit which is a part of a so called central station system. Includes
telephone , telegraph, fire and burglar alarms, watchmen, and sprinkler supervisory circuits.

CONCEALED: Rendered inaccessibility by the structure circuits or finish of the bldg. Wires in concealed
raceways are considered concealed, even though they may become accessible by withdrawing them.

* CONDUCTOR: A conductor is a wire or combination of wires not insulated from one another, suitable
for carrying electric current.

BARE: a bare conductor is one having no covering or insulation.

COVERED: a covered conductor is one having one or more layers of non-conducting materials that are not
recognized as insulation.

CONDUIT FITTING: A conduit fitting is necessary which serves to complete a conduit syStem, such as
bushings and access fittings.

CONE OF PROTECTION: Is the space enclosed by a cone formed with its apex at the highest point of a
lightning rod or protecting tower, the diameter of the base of the cone having a definite relation to the
height of the rod or tower.

CONNECTED LOAD: The connected load is the sum of the continuous ratings of the load consuming
apparatus connected to the system or any part thereof.

CONNECTOR: (Splicing sleeve) is a metal sleeve, usually copper that is slipped over and secured to the
butted ends of the conductors in making up a joint.

CONNECTOR, PRESSURE: (Splicing sleeve) a pressure wire connector is a device which establishes the
connection between two or more conductors and a terminal by means of mechanical pressure and without
the use of soder.

CONTACT SURFACE: Contact surfaces are the surfaces which meet and through which the current is
transferred when the contacts are closed.
CONTINUOUS CURRENT RATING: The continuous current which may be carried for an unlimited
period without causing any of the established limitations to be exceeded.

CONTROL: is broadly the methods and means of governing in some predetermined manner, the electric
apparatus to which it is connected.

COOKING UNITS, COUNTER MOUNTED: an assembly of one or more domestic surface heating
elements for cooking purposes designed for flush mounting in or supported by a counter and which
assembly is complete with inherent or separately mountable controls and internal wiring.

* CORONA: is luminous discharge due to ionization of the air surrounding a conductor caused by a voltage
gradient exceeding a certain critical value.

CURRENT-PERMIT: written permission from the corresponding Govt. electrical or inspection

department to the electric power supply company to the effect that electric energy may be supplied to a
particular installation.

CUTOUT BOX: An enclosure designed for surface or flush mounting and having swinging doors or covers
secured directly to the walls of the box proper.

DUMP PLACE: any place in which moisture is present , either permanently or impertinently, to such an
extent that it would be likely to impair the effectiveness of an installation conforming to the minimum
requirements for ordinary conditions.

DEAD: means free from any electric connections to a source of potential difference from that of the earth.
The term is used only with reference to current-carrying parts which are sometimes alive.

DEAD-FRONT MOUNTING: is the method of mounting a circuit breaker or switch with all exposed
operating parts adequately insulated, so that a protective grounded and/or insulated barrier is interposed
between all parts carrying electric current and the operator.

DEMAND FACTOR: demand factor of any system, or part of a system, is the ratio of the maximum
demand of the system, or parts of a system, to the total connected load of the system, or of the part of the
system under consideration.

DEVICE: A unit of an electrical system, which is intended to carry but not utilize electric energy.

DISCONNECTING MEANS: a device, or grp of devices, or other means whereby the conductors of a
circuit can be disconnected from their source of supply.

DISCONNECTING SWITCH: a disconnecting switch is the one used for closing, opening or changing the
connections in a circuit or system, or for isolating purposes, and is intended to be operated only after the
circuit has been opened by some other means.

DISRUPTIVE DISCHARGE: is the sudden and large increase in current through an insulating medium due
to the complete failure of the medium under electrostatic stress.

DISTRIBUTION CENTER: is a point at which energy is divided among feeders or branch circuits or
combinations of both, and where over current devices are usually located.

DISTRIBUTOR DUCT: is a duct installed for occupancy of distribution mains.

DIVERSITY FACTOR: is the ratio of the sum of the individual maximum demands of the various
subdivisions of a system to the maximum demand of the whole system.

DRIP-PROOF: means so constructed or protected that successful operation is not interfered with when
falling drops of liquid or solid particles strike the enclosure at any angle from 0 to 15 degrees from the
downward vertical unless otherwise specified.

DRIPTIGHT: means so constructed or protected that drops of liquid or solid particles striking the enclosure
at any angle from 0 to 15 degrees from the downward vertical unless otherwise specified, cannot enter the
enclosure either directly or by striking and running along a horizontal or inwardly inclined surface.

* DUCT: is a single enclosed runway for conductors and cables.

DUMBWAITER: a hoisting and lowering mechanism equipped with a car, which moves in guides in a
substantially vertical direction, the floor area of which does not exceed 9sq ft, whose compartment height
does not exceed 3ft 6in, the capacity of which does not exceed 500lbs, and which is used exclusively for
carrying freight.

DUST IGNITION PROOF MACHINES: is a totally enclosed machine whose enclosure is designed and
constructed in manner which will exclude ignitable amounts of dusts or amounts of dust which might affect
performance with the Philippine Electrical Code.

DUSTPROOF: so constructed or protected that dust will not interfere with successful operation.

DUST-TIGHT: so constructed or protected that dust will not enter the enclosing case.

DUTY: Duty is the requirement of service which defines the degree of regularity of the load.

CONTINUOUS: is a requirement of service that demands operation for alternate intervals of (1) load and
no load, or (2) load and rest; or (3) load, no load and rest.

INTERMITTENT: is a requirement of service that demands operation at a substantially constant load for an
indefinitely long time.

PERIODIC: is a type of intermittent duty in which the load conditions are regularly recurrent.
SHORT TIME: short time duty is a requirement of service that demands operation at a substantially
constant load for a short and definitely specified time.

VARYING: is a requirement of service that demands operations at loads and for intervals of time both of
which may be subject to wide variations.

ELECTRICAL METALLIC TUBING: metal pipe into which electric wires may be drawn and which has a
wall thinner than that of rigid conduit with an outside diameter sufficiently different from that of rigid
conduit to render it impracticable for anyone to thread it standard pipe thead.

ELECTRIC CONTROLLER: is a device or a group of devices, which serves to govern, in some

predetermined manner, the electric power delivered to the apparatus to which it is connected.

ELECTRIC ELEVATOR: one which the motion of the car is obtained through an electric motor directly
applied to the elevator machinery.

* ELECTRIC MOTOR: is a machine which transforms electric power into mechanical power.

ELECRIC SIGN: a fixed or portable, self-contained electrically illuminated appliance with words or
symbols designed to convey information or attract attention.

ELEVATOR: a hoisting and lowering mechanism equipped with a car or platform which moves in guides
in a substantially vertical direction.

ELEVATOR MACHINE: The machinery and its equipment used in raising and lowering the elevator car or
platform.

ELEVATION ROD: (for lightning protection) an elevator is the vertical portion of conductor in an air
terminal by means of which it is elevated above the object to be protected.

EMERGENCY LIGHTS: all lights, in a theatre, or other building used for public assembly, which are kept
lighted continuously while the theatre or building is being used to provide safe exit and entry.

EMERGENCY SERVICE: is an additional service intended only for used under emergency conditions, that
is when the normal source of power fails.

ENCLOSED: surrounded by a case which prevents a person from accidentally contacting live parts.

EQUIPMENT: a general term including material, fitting, devices, appliances, fixtures, apparatus and the
like, used as a part of, or in connection with, an electrical installation.
EXPLOSION-PROOF: enclosed in a case which is capable of withstanding an explosion of a specified gas
or vapor which occur within it, and of preventing the ignition of a specified gas or vapor surrounding the
enclosure by sparks, flashes or explosion of the gas or vapor within.

EXPOSED: (as applied to wiring method) exposed means that an object or device can be inadvertently
touched or approached nearer than a safe distance by any person. It is applied to objects not suitably
guarded or isolated.

EXPULSION TYPE ARRESTER: is an arrester having a characteristic element in which an arc is confined
and brought in contact with gas evolving or other arc extinguishing material in a manner which enables it to
interrupt power follow current.

EXTENSION CORD: is an assembly of a flexible cord with an attachment plug on one end and a
connector on the other.

EXTERNALLY OPERABLE: capable of being operated without exposing the operator to contact with live
parts.

FEEDERS: is the circuit conductors between the service equipment, or generator switchboard of an isolated
plant, and the branch circuit overcurrent device.

FIREPROOF: as applied to buildings or portions thereof, means that hey are constructed of approved
masonry, reinforced concrete or other non-flammable materials.

FIXTURE: an integral, separate or self-contained unit which may contain one or more bulbs or fluorescent
tubes.

FLAME-RETARDANT: means so constructed or treated that it will not readily burn or convey flame.

FLAMMABLE: applied to readily combustible or ignitable materials such as straw, hay, wood shavings,
light draperies, celluloid oils, gasoline, etc.

FLASHOVER: is a disruptive discharge around or over the surface of a solid or liquid insulator.

FLEXIBLE CONDUIT: non-rigid metal conduit into which conductors may be drawn.

FLEXIBLE TUBING: non-metallic and non-rigid tubing commonly known as loom, into which a
conductor may be drawn.

FOOTCANDLE, FC: is the unit of illumination when the foot is taken as the unit of length. It is the
illumination on a surface one square foot in area on which there is uniformly distributed flux of one lumen,
or the illumination produced at a surface all point of which are at a distance of one foot from a uniform
point source of one candle.

FOOTINGS: are structure set in the ground to support the bases of towers, poles or other overhead
structures.

FUSE: is an overcurrent protective device with a circuit-opening fusible member which is heated and
severed by the passage of overcurrent through it.

FUSE CURRENT RATING: the current rating of a fuse is designed RMS alternating, or direct current
which will carry continuously under stated conditions.

FUSE CUTOUT: is a form of use and its holder or enclosure characterized by the ready and safe replace
ability of the fuse unit.

FUSE HOLDER: is a device to support a fusible, link and to complete the contact between the fusible link
and the fuse clips.

FUSE VOLTAGE RATING: the voltage rating of a fuse is that RMS alternating or direct voltage for which
it is designated.

GAS-TIGHT: so constructed that gas cannot enter the enclosing case.

GENERAL-USE SWITCH: a switch intended for use in general distribution and branch-circuits. It is rated
in amperes and is capable of interrupting its rated current at rated voltage.

GROUND: is a conducting connection, whether intentional or accidental, between an electrical circuit or

equipment and earth, or to some conducting body which serves in place of the earth.

GROUNDED: means connected to earth or to some conducting body which serves in place of the earth.

GROUNDED CIRCUIT: is a circuit in which one conductor or point is intentionally grounded, either
solidity or though a grounding device. Usually the neutral conductor or neutral point of transformer or
generator windings.

GROUNDED-ELECTRODE: a buried metallic water-piping system, or metal object or device buried in, or
driven into, the ground to which a grounding-conductor is electrically and mechanically connected.

GROUNDING CONDUCTOR: a conductor used to connect an equipment, device or wiring system with a
grounding electrode or electrodes.

GUARDED: Covered, shielded, fenced, enclosed or otherwise protected, by means of suitable covers or
casings barriers, rails or screens, mats or platforms, to remove the liability of dangerous contact or
approach by persons or objects to a point of danger.

GUY: is a tension member usually galvanized wire, having one and secured fixed object on the ground and
the other end attached to a pole, cross arm or other structural part which it supports.

GUY INSULATOR: is an insulating element, generally of elongated form with traverse holes or slots for
the purpose of insulating two sections of a guy or provide insulation between structure and anchor and also
provide protection in case of broken wires falling on the guy.