Plain definitions of 33 terms we use on the job in Miami.
Term Index
Open any term below for a dedicated definition page.
An AFCI is an arc-fault circuit interrupter that detects electrical patterns linked to unintended arcing and opens a circuit before the arc can continue. AFCIs help protect wiring and connected equipment from faults that may not create the steady overcurrent needed to trip a standard circuit breaker.
Also called: Arc-fault circuit interrupter
An aluminum conductor is an electrical wire or cable component made from aluminum that carries current through a circuit. Aluminum weighs less than copper and has different expansion, resistance, and connection characteristics. These properties affect wire sizing, terminal preparation, splicing, and inspection during aluminum wiring repair work.
Also called: Aluminum wire
Arc flash is a sudden electrical discharge that travels through air between energized conductors or between a conductor and ground. The discharge releases intense heat, bright light, sound, and pressure. Arc flash can damage equipment and injure people nearby, especially when loose connections, damaged insulation, contamination, or incorrect protective devices allow current to follow an unintended path.
Ballast is an electrical component that controls current in fluorescent or other gas-discharge lighting. The ballast helps the lamp start and keeps electrical flow within a usable range during operation. Without a compatible ballast, a fluorescent fixture may flicker, fail to start, overheat, or produce uneven light.
Bonding jumper is a short conductor that connects metal parts of an electrical system so those parts remain at the same electrical potential. The connection may join a service enclosure, metal raceway, grounding electrode conductor, or other conductive component. This jumper supports a continuous path for fault current during panel work.
A capacitor is an electrical component that stores and releases energy to support a motor or control electrical flow. In a ceiling fan, the capacitor helps create the phase shift needed for the motor to start and maintain rotation. Its value affects motor performance, fan speed, and operating behavior.
A circuit overload is a condition in which connected devices draw more current than the circuit wiring and protective breaker can safely carry. The excess demand raises conductor temperature and may cause the breaker to trip. Overloads usually result from too many high-demand appliances sharing one circuit, not from a direct fault between conductors.
A conduit is a protective raceway that encloses and routes electrical wires or cables. It may be made from metal or nonmetallic material and can run through walls, ceilings, floors, or exposed areas. Conduit helps protect wiring from physical damage, moisture, heat, and contact with surrounding building materials.
A dimmer switch is a wall control that adjusts the electrical power sent to a compatible light fixture, allowing you to change brightness. Unlike a standard light switch, which provides only on or off control, a dimmer manages light output through an internal electronic or mechanical control designed for the connected lamp type.
An electrical box is an enclosure that holds wire connections, switches, receptacles, or light fixture connections. The box protects connection points from physical damage and keeps conductors contained. Boxes may be made from metal or nonmetallic materials, and they must match the wiring method, device, and installation location.
Also called: Junction box
Electrical load is the amount of electrical power that connected equipment draws from a circuit or electrical system while operating. The load may come from lighting, appliances, motors, heating equipment, or electronic devices. Electricians assess load to match conductors, breakers, panels, and service capacity with the equipment being supplied.
Equipotential bonding is an electrical connection that joins accessible conductive parts so they remain at nearly the same voltage. The connection helps limit voltage differences between metal components, such as pool equipment, reinforcing steel, ladders, and other bonded parts. Proper bonding supports consistent electrical conditions around a pool system.
Also called: Equipotential grounding
EV load management is a system that controls electric vehicle charging to keep total electrical demand within a property's available capacity. The system can adjust charging speed, pause charging, or coordinate multiple chargers as other equipment operates. This approach helps prevent circuit overloads and supports reliable charging without requiring immediate service upgrades.
Also called: Electric vehicle load management
A generator interlock is a mechanical device installed at an electrical panel that permits either utility power or a connected portable generator to energize selected circuits, but not both power sources at the same time. The interlock moves with the panel’s main breaker and generator breaker, controlling their permitted positions.
Also called: Generator interlock kit
A ground fault is an unintended electrical connection between an energized conductor and a grounded surface, enclosure, or person. The connection lets current leave its normal circuit path. A ground fault can create shock and fire hazards, so protective devices such as GFCI outlets are designed to detect the imbalance and interrupt power.
A ground rod is a metal grounding electrode driven into the earth and connected to an electrical system. The rod provides a path between the system grounding conductors and the soil. It supports fault-current and surge protection when installed with the correct conductor, connections, and other required grounding components.
Also called: Grounding electrode
An inverter is a power-conversion device that changes direct current into alternating current for use by household electrical equipment. In bidirectional systems, the same device can reverse the process and send alternating current back into direct-current storage. An inverter also manages voltage, frequency, charging, and power flow between an energy source, a battery, and connected loads.
An LED driver is an electronic power-control device that converts incoming electrical power into the voltage and current an LED light needs. The driver helps maintain steady operation, supports dimming when compatible, and protects the light source from unsuitable power. Recessed LED fixtures may contain an integrated driver or use a separate unit.
Load calculation is an electrical analysis that estimates the power demand of a home or building. The analysis accounts for fixed equipment, heating and cooling systems, appliances, lighting, and future additions. Electricians use the result to assess whether an electrical panel and service can support the connected demand without excessive strain.
Also called: Electrical load calculation
A neutral wire is a current-carrying conductor that returns electricity from a load to the electrical panel and completes a circuit. It usually connects to the neutral bar in the panel and works with a hot wire to supply power to devices such as receptacles, switches, lights, and appliances.
Also called: Neutral conductor
Photocell is a light-sensing electrical control that turns outdoor lighting on when surrounding light becomes low and turns it off when daylight returns. The device supports automatic operation without a manual switch or scheduled timer. Photocells commonly control landscape, security, sign, and other exterior lights that need daily dusk-to-dawn operation.
Also called: Photoelectric switch
A pigtail is a short length of electrical wire that joins multiple conductors to a terminal or device through one connection point. Electricians use pigtails inside electrical boxes to connect an outlet, switch, or grounding path while keeping the circuit conductors continuous. The connection requires an approved connector and secure wire contact.
Also called: Wire pigtail
Pool bonding is an electrical connection that joins conductive parts around a swimming pool so they remain at nearly the same electrical potential. The bonding network connects metal structures, equipment parts, and other conductive surfaces through approved conductors. This arrangement helps limit voltage differences that can develop between surfaces people may touch.
Also called: Swimming pool bonding
A receptacle is a wiring device that provides contact points for a plug and connects an electrical appliance to a branch circuit. The device may include grounding, tamper resistance, weather resistance, or ground-fault protection. Receptacles come in designs suited to indoor rooms, outdoor locations, appliances, and specialized electrical loads.
Also called: Electrical outlet
Romex is a trade name commonly used for nonmetallic-sheathed electrical cable used in residential wiring. The cable contains insulated conductors and a grounding conductor inside a protective outer jacket. Electricians route Romex through finished and unfinished building spaces to supply outlets, switches, lights, and other fixed electrical loads.
Also called: NM cable, Nonmetallic cable
Service entrance is the section of an electrical system that connects utility power to a building’s main disconnect and distribution equipment. It includes the incoming service conductors, meter connection, service equipment, and related grounding or bonding components. This point marks the transition between utility-supplied power and the building’s privately maintained electrical system.
Also called: Electrical service entrance
A surge protector is a device that limits excess electrical voltage and directs the resulting energy away from connected circuits. A whole-house surge protector connects at the electrical panel, where it helps protect wiring and equipment throughout the property. The device responds to short voltage spikes caused by events such as lightning or utility switching.
Also called: Surge suppressor
A tamper-resistant receptacle is an electrical outlet with internal shutters that block access to the energized contact openings. The shutters open when a plug applies pressure to both slots at once. This design helps prevent objects from entering one slot while preserving normal operation for compatible plugs and electrical devices.
Also called: TR receptacle
A transfer switch is an electrical device that moves selected circuits between a utility power source and a backup generator. The device prevents both sources from supplying the same circuit at once. Transfer switches may operate automatically or require manual control, depending on the generator system, wiring design, and equipment configuration.
Also called: Generator transfer switch
Voltage drop is the reduction in electrical pressure that occurs as current travels through a conductor, connection, or device. The reduction depends on the circuit’s load, conductor resistance, and distance. Excessive voltage drop can leave equipment underpowered, cause lights to dim, and point to a wiring or connection problem.
A weatherproof box is an electrical enclosure designed to protect wiring connections, switches, receptacles, or controls from rain, moisture, dust, and outdoor exposure. The box works with a suitable cover, fittings, and cable entries to limit water intrusion. Outdoor lighting systems commonly use weatherproof boxes where wiring must remain accessible.
Also called: Outdoor electrical box
Wire gauge is a standardized way to describe a conductor’s thickness and current-carrying capacity. The gauge designation helps electricians select wire that fits the circuit’s electrical load, installation method, and terminal connections. Smaller gauge numbers generally indicate thicker conductors, while larger gauge numbers generally indicate thinner conductors.
Also called: American Wire Gauge, AWG
Wire nut is a twist-on connector that joins compatible electrical conductors inside an electrical box or enclosure. The connector contains a spring or threaded insert inside an insulated cap. Twisting the cap onto prepared conductors creates mechanical contact and helps protect the connection from accidental contact, provided the connector matches the wires.
Also called: Wire connector
