Electricity

Electricity

Movement of electrons from one atom to another along a conductor; impacts all services that cosmetologists offer

Conductors

Any material that electricity can pass through; electric wires and motors use copper

Nonconductors

Also known as an insulator

Complete Electric Circuit

Path of an electric current from a generating source

2 Types of Electric Current

Direct and Alternating

Direct Current

Constant, even-flowing current that travels in ONE direction only; produced by chemical means

Alternating Current

Rapid, interrupted current; flows in TWO directions; produced by mechanical means

Volt (V)

The unit that measures the pressure or force that pushes an electric current through a conductor

Ampere (Amp)

The unit that measures the strength of an electric current

Ohm

The unit that measures the resistance of an electric current; the current will not flow through a conductor unless the force is stronger than resistance

Watt

The unit that measures how much electric energy is being used in one second

Electric Safety Devices

A wire that is not large enough to carry the electrical current passing through it will overheat

Fuse

Prevents excessive current. From passing through a circuit

Grounding Pin

Third circular connection that offers the most protection in the salon/spa, prevents electrical shock

GFI (Grounding Fault Interruptors)

Protect from electrical shock by interrupting the household circuit when it leaks

Electrotherapy

The use of electrical currents to treat the skin; currents used in electrical facial and scalp treatments

Modalities

Galvanic current, microcurrents, and Tesla High-Frequency currents

Electrode

Apparatus that conducts the electrical current from the machine to the client’s skin

Polarity

Positive or negative state of electric currents

Anode

Positive electrode (+, P)

Cathode

Negative electrode (N, -)

Galvanic Current

Constant and direct current, has a positive and negative pole that produces chemical changes when current passes through

Iontophoresis

The process of introducing water-soluble products in skin with the use of