RV Electrical Systems Level 2 Module Review

A vocabulary-based flashcard set covering DC and AC fundamentals, battery maintenance, solar power, and logic control systems for RV Electrical Level 2 certification.

$I$ (Ampere)

The basic unit of measure for electric current; its value flows when $1$ volt of potential difference is applied across $1$ ohm of resistance.

Specific Gravity

A ratio comparing the weight of a substance with the weight of water, used to check the state of charge for a lead-acid cell.

$1.265$ at $80^{\circ}F$

The specific gravity reading of the electrolyte in a fully charged battery cell at room temperature.

Type I circuit breaker

A cycling or self-resetting unit typically used on loads controlled by momentary switches, safety devices, or self-limiting circuits.

Gassing

A process occurring during battery overcharging that decomposes water and releases explosive hydrogen and oxygen gas.

Inverter

A device designed to change direct current ($DC$) into alternating current ($AC$).

Converter

A component used to change $120\,VAC$ to $12\,VDC$, available in linear, ferroresonant, and switchmode types.

Alternator

An electromechanical device that creates $12\,VDC$ current from the mechanical energy provided by a primary mover engine.

Fusible link

A specific safety component made of special insulated wire, typically sized about four gauges smaller than the circuit it protects in the engine compartment.

Photovoltaic cell

A single solar cell with the capacity to react to sunlight to produce an electrical current of approximately $0.5$ volts.

Diode

A directional gateway made of semiconductor materials that conduct electricity very well in one direction but very poorly in the other.

Ladder diagram

An electrical drawing that indicates sequential processes and parts using circuit symbols, but does not indicate their physical location.

Schematic diagram

An electrical drawing that uses standard symbols and techniques to allow recognition of parts, connections, and the electrical process steps.

CAN bus (Controller Area Network)

The communication system or 'nervous system' consisting of CAN low and CAN high wires that enable individual Electronic Control Units ($ECUs$) to share data.

Energy Management System ($EMS$)

A system that automatically removes loads in a preset priority to keep a generator or shore power from being overloaded, also known as a shed system.

Slow-blow fuse

A coiled-element fuse designed to open only during a continued overload, such as a short circuit, and capable of holding a $400\%$ overload for up to $2$ seconds.

Bonding

The permanent joining of metallic parts to form an electrically conductive path that ensures continuity and the capacity to conduct any likely current safely.

$$125^{\circ}C$$

The minimum insulation rating required for low-voltage conductors used in the engine compartment situated within $10\,in$ of any exhaust system component.

$$4\,ft$$

The required support interval for $120\,VAC$ conductors in a recreation vehicle.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter ($GFCI$)

A sensitive circuit breaker that helps protect against severe electrical shock by opening the circuit when it senses an imbalance of current between hot and neutral.