Electricity Study Guide

Home Maintance Unit 1

What are the 3 main terms we measure electricity in?

Voltage, Current, Resistance (VCR)

What does AC stand for?

Alternating Current

What does DC stand for?

Direct Current

How does wire sizing work in terms of number designations?

The higher the number, the smaller the wire; the lower the number, the bigger the wire.

What are the colors and functions of the wires in standard 14-2 wire?

Black is hot, white is neutral, copper is ground.

What are the colors and functions of the wires in standard 14-3 wire?

Black is hot, white is neutral, red is second hot, copper is ground.

What are red flags in electrical systems?

Outdated breaker box, dim or flickering lights, electrical fires/house fires.

What is the configuration of a standard outlet regarding wire connections?

Black wire goes on the brass-colored screw, white wire on the silver-colored screw, copper wire on the green-colored screw.

What is the best possible electrical conductor?

Silver.

How much insulation should be removed to make a “J” hook?

⅝ or 1 inch.

What size wire is used in standard outlets?

Either 12 or 14 gauge wire.

What size wire is used for larger appliances like a furnace or range?

6 gauge wire.

What is conduit?

A type of metal or plastic tubing used to enclose and protect electrical wiring.

What are the big common parts of the electrical system?

Breaker box, conduit, electrical wiring, electrical meter, circuit breakers, and fuses.

How does power come into the house?

Through underground cable via the service panel or service wires connected to power lines.

What terminals are on a three-way switch?

Common terminal, traveler terminals, and ground terminal.

What is the name of the black terminal on a 3-way switch?

Common terminal.

What are the brass terminals called on a 3-way switch?

Traveler Terminal.

What item measures how much electricity is used in a house?

Electricity meter.