CEA 2-3

Berm

A horizontal ledge cut between the foot and top of an embankment to stabilize the slope by intercepting sliding earth.

Building Code

Legal requirements designed to protect the public by providing guidelines for structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical areas of a structure.

Building Envelope

The portion of a building that encloses the treated environment, including the walls, ceiling or roof, and floor.

Circuit

The various conductors, connections, and devices found along the path of electric flow from the source through the components and back to the source.

Circuit Breaker

An electric safety switch that automatically opens a circuit when excessive amperage occurs.

Cleanout

A fitting with a removable plug that is placed in plumbing drainage pipe lines to allow access for cleaning out the pipe.

Coniferous

Cone-bearing trees with year-round leaves that are long, thin, and needle-like.

Construction Type

Five broad categories of construction found in the International Building Code that are based on the fire-resistive capabilities of the materials used.

Deciduous

Broad-leafed trees that seasonally shed their leaves.

Distribution Panel

A box in which the wires from the meter are connected to individual circuit breakers, which are connected to separate circuits for distribution to various locations throughout the building.

Drain

Any pipe that carries wastewater or water-borne wastes in a building drainage system.

Drainage

Removal of groundwater or surface water, or of water from structures, by gravity or pumping.

Drainage Fixture Unit

A measure of the probable discharge into the drainage system by various types of plumbing fixtures.

Drainage System

Piping within a building that conveys sewage, rainwater, or other liquid wastes to a point of disposal.

Ducts

Pipes, typically made of sheet metal, used to conduct hot or cold air in the HVAC system.

Easement

A limited right to make use of a property owned by another.

Egress

Exits or a way out.

Electric Meter

An instrument used to measure electric power.

Elevation View

Drawing view that shows an orthographic projection of a building and indicates vertical dimensions, materials, architectural design, and construction details not apparent on the floor plan.

Exit Discharge

That portion of the means-of-egress system between the termination of the exit and a public way.

Floor Plan

A sectional view that shows a floor from a point four feet above the finished floor level.

Grading

The moving of soil to affect the elevation of land at a construction site.

Ground

An electrical connection to the earth.

Hot Water

Water at a temperature greater than or equal to 110 º F (43º C).

Individual Sewage Disposal System

A system for disposal of domestic sewage by means of a septic tank cesspool mechanical treatment to serve a single establishment or building.

Ingress

Entrances or a means to enter.

Invert Elevation

The elevation of the bottom of the inside of the pipe wall.

Lavatory

A fixture that is designed for washing hands and face, usually found in a bathroom.

Main

The principal pipe artery to which branches are connected.

Nonpotable Water

Water not safe for drinking, personal, or culinary utilization.