Basic Electricity and Wiring Fundamentals - Study Guide Day 1

Electrical Pressure (Volts)

Also called Electromotive Force

Conductors

Materials that have free electrons and can carry electrical current.

Insulators

Materials that can't carry electrical current and are used to protect wires.

Electrical Current (Amps)

The flow of electrons

Electrical Power (Watts)

power is the rate of doing work in an electrical system.

Watts Law

amps x volts = watts

Watt

An instantaneous measure of electrical power.

Watt Hours

A measure of electrical power use over time.

Kilowatt Hour (kWh)

1,000 watt hours.

Complete Circuits

Circuits must be complete for electricity to flow.

Direct Current

Electric current that flows in one direction.

Alternating Current

Electric current that reverses direction periodically.

Frequency (Hertz)

Cycles per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). In California, electrical frequency is 60 Hertz.

Electrical Resistance (Ohms)

he opposition to the flow of current.

Factors of Resistance

Length, cross section, conductor material, and ambient temperature affect resistance.

Wire Color Code - Black

Indicates hot wire.

Wire Color Code - White

Indicates return path or neutral, also called system ground.

Equipment Ground

Bare metal or green jacketed wire used for grounding.

Amperage Rating for Wire Gauge:
14g = How many Amps?
12g = How many Amps?
10g = How many Amps?

Electrical Safety

Must include turning off power, using insulated tools, wearing proper PPE, and not wearing steel toed boots.

Transformer

Device that steps voltage up or down.

How many amps does it take to kill you?

less than half an amp

Load Circuit

Power that is used

Source Circuit

Power being produced