Electricity Study Guide

Which 3 main terms do we measure electricity in? (VCR)

Voltage, Current, Resistance

What does AC and DC current stand for?

Alternating Current, Direct Current

How does wire sizing work, what sizes are smaller, which are larger?

The higher the number, the smaller the wire gets. The lower the number, the bigger it gets.

What color are the 3 wires in our standard 14-2  wire and what are they called?

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

What color are the 4 wires in our standard 14-3  wire and what are they called?

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

Red-Flags in electrical, what are they?

Outdated breaker box, dim or flickering lights, electrical fires/ house fires.

What is the configuration of a standard outlet, which wire goes on which terminal?

The black wire goes on the brass-colored screw terminal. The white wire goes on the silver-colored screw terminal. The copper wire goes on the green-colored screw terminal.

What is the best possible electrical conductor?

Silver.

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

⅝ or 1  inches.

What size wire do we use in standard outlets?

Either the 12 or 14 gauge wire.

What size wire would be for a larger appliance like a furnace or range?

6 gauge wire.

What is conduit?

A type of metal or plastic tubing that’s used to enclose and protect the electrical wiring.

What are the big common parts of the electrical system? 

The breaker box, conduit, electrical wiring, electrical meter, circuit breakers, and fuses.

How does the power come into the house (2-ways), and what does it run too?

Either through the underground cable that enters the house through the service panel or the service wires that are connected to the power lines.

What are the terminals called 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 is the item that measures how much electricity is used in a house?

Electricity meter