Components and Assembly Vocabulary

Vocabulary terms and definitions related to describing component shapes, features, and 3-pin electrical plug assemblies from the lecture notes.

Layout (noun)

The arrangement or organization of parts, elements, or components within a space or system.

Lay out (verb)

To arrange or organize elements or components in a particular way.

Profile (noun)

The shape, outline, or characteristics of an object when viewed from the side.

Configuration (noun)

The specific arrangement or setup of parts or elements in a system.

Circular

The adjective form of circle; for example, a coin is circular.

Rectangular

The adjective form of rectangle; for example, a box is usually rectangular.

Triangular

The adjective form of triangle; for example, a pyramid has a triangular shape.

Cylindrical

The adjective form of cylinder; for example, a pipe is cylindrical.

Linear

The adjective form of straight line; for example, a road usually follows a linear path.

Rounded

The adjective used to describe an object with smooth edges.

Pin

A small thin part—often metal—that fits into a hole, socket, or slot to connect, align, or activate something.

Earth Pin (E)

A safety pin connected to the metal body of an appliance that carries electricity safely into the ground if a fault occurs.

Neutral Pin (N)

The pin that completes the circuit by carrying electricity back from the appliance to the power source; it usually has $0$ volts.

Live Pin (L)

The pin that brings electricity from the power source to the appliance; it carries voltage and can be dangerous if touched.

Flush with

An adjective phrase describing two surfaces that are at the same level.

Groove (noun)

A long narrow cut, channel, or line in a surface that goes inward to guide, hold, or fit another part.

Ridge (noun)

A raised line, strip, or edge on a surface that sticks out; the opposite of a groove.

Set back

An adjective describing something positioned behind the front surface or placed deeper inside, rather than level with the surface.

Recess (noun)

An area set into a surface; a hollow or sunken part that is usually wider than a groove.

Hole (noun)

An opening or empty space in an object that can either go completely through or stop inside.

Through hole

A hole that goes completely through an object.

Blind hole

A hole that stops inside the object rather than going all the way through.