Philippine Electrical Code – Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing essential terms, concepts, and definitions presented in the Philippine Electrical Code lecture notes.

Accessible (Equipment)

Admitting close approach; not guarded by locked doors, elevation, or other means.

Accessible (Wiring Methods)

Capable of being removed or exposed without damage to building structure or finish.

Readily Accessible

Can be reached quickly without climbing over obstacles or using tools or ladders.

Ampacity

Maximum continuous current a conductor can carry without exceeding its temperature rating.

Appliance

Utilization equipment, usually non-industrial, installed as a unit to perform specific functions (e.g., air-conditioner, fryer).

Approved

Acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

Askarel

Non-flammable chlorinated insulating liquid that emits toxic gases (HCl) under arcing.

Attachment Plug

Device that connects a flexible cord to a receptacle (also called plug cap).

Automatic

Self-acting; operates without human intervention when actuated by a condition like current or temperature.

Bonding

Permanent joining of conductive parts to ensure electrical continuity and safe current flow.

Bonding Jumper

Reliable conductor used to ensure required electrical conductivity between bonded parts.

Branch Circuit

Conductors beyond the last overcurrent device, delivering power to outlets.

Circuit Breaker

Device that opens/closes a circuit manually and automatically trips on overcurrent.

Adjustable Circuit Breaker

Breaker whose trip current, time, or both can be set within a range.

Non-adjustable Breaker

Breaker with fixed trip settings.

Setting (Breaker)

Chosen value of current/time at which an adjustable breaker trips.

Concealed

Rendered inaccessible by building structure; conductors in hidden raceways are concealed.

Bare Conductor

Conductor without insulation or covering.

Conduit Body

Separate fitting giving access to interior of a conduit system at junctions or terminations.

Pressure Connector (Solderless)

Mechanical device making conductor connections without solder.

Continuous Load

Load that draws maximum current for three hours or more.

Controller

Device(s) that governs power delivered to connected equipment.

Copper-Clad Aluminum Conductor

Aluminum core conductor metallurgically bonded with at least 10 % copper cross-section.

Cutout Box

Surface-mounted enclosure with hinged door for fuses or switches.

Dead Front

Equipment design with no live parts exposed on the operating side.

Demand Factor

Ratio of maximum demand to total connected load.

Disconnecting Means

Device(s) used to isolate circuit conductors from their source of supply.

Dusttight

Constructed so dust will not enter under test conditions.

Duty – Continuous

Operation at constant load for an indefinitely long time.

Duty – Intermittent

Operation with alternate intervals of load and no-load or rest.

Duty – Short-Time

Operation at constant load for a specified short time.

Enclosed

Surrounded by case, housing, or wall to prevent accidental contact with energized parts.

Energized

Electrically connected to a source of voltage.

Exposed (Live Parts)

Capable of being touched; not suitably guarded or insulated.

Exposed (Wiring Methods)

On or attached to surfaces or behind removable panels.

Feeder

Conductors between service equipment or source and final branch-circuit OCPD.

Festoon Lighting

String of outdoor lights suspended between two points.