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| Use only 600 volt wire. Lamp cord, extension cords are not rated 600 volt. Use copper wire only. Aluminum wire is fire risk and should be avoided or installed by professional. 30 amp breaker use 10 gauge / 120-240 volt 30 amp outlet can be installed on 30 amp breaker only/ use 10 gauge wire ... cannot be connected to 15-20-40 amp breaker.  Orange/ #10 gauge wire, with ground ... 30 amp capacity. Safe maximum: 30 x 80% = 24 amps. Buy: 10-2 gauge/ 30 amp 10-3/ 30 amp Southwire electric tools |
Yellow
12 gauge 20 amp 120 volt 20 amp outlet can be installed on 20 amp breaker, but not 15 amp breaker/ use 12 ga wire. ... cannot be connected to 30-40 amp breaker. 1  Yellow/ #12 gauge wire, with ground ... 20 amp capacity. Safe maximum 16 amps. Buy: 12-2 gauge/ 20 amp 12-3/ 20 amp NMB is house wiring UF is underground Rolls of stranded wire HOOK UP Wires |
White
14 gauge 15 amp 120 volt 15 amp outlet, AFCI, GFCI, timer, switch etc can be installed on 15 or 20 amp breaker. Never connect 15 gauge wire to 20-30-40 amp breaker.  White/ #14 gauge wire, with ground ... 15 amp capacity. Safe maximum 12 amps. Buy: 14-2 gauge/ 15 amp 14-3/ 15 amp NMB is house wiring UF is underground |
| 50-60
amp breaker use 6 gauge / 240 volt 50 outlet can be installed on 50 amp breaker only  Buy: 6-2 wire Southwire electric tools NMB is house wiring UF is underground |
40-50
amp breaker use 8 gauge / 240 volt 40 amp outlet can be installed on 40 or 50 amp breaker only  Buy: 8-2 wire Southwire electric tools NMB is house wiring UF is underground |
  Copper ground wire. Every device, load, metal enclosure etc must be grounded. Ground wire must be continuous throughout installation, never switched on-off, never used as a Neutral wire. Generally ... use same size as other wire in circuit Buy: 12 gauge copper ground wire Ground wire Green ground wire Ground pigtails Ground rods/ ground clamps at Amazon |
 Non metallic flexible cables must carry ground wire, but do not have hazard of short circuit causing injury from shock. Armored steel cable can be used as a grounded connection, and will protect wires from damage. Metal can be energized from an insulation failure. All conduit ...metal, plastic ... flexible and rigid ... must be attached to structure, and attached to enclosures, boxes. Movement, damage and deterioration are major cause of electrical failure. Buy: Non-metallic flexible conduit Power whip Armored cable Southwire armored cable cutter Pull boxes |
 Electrical tools must be insulated. Always best to disconnect power, but insulation failure, lack of proper grounding, grounded neutral, lack of GFCI, out-of-code wiring, generator operating without transfer switch, and other problems still pose a risk to anyone working on electric power ... even when breaker is off. Buy: Electrician tools kits KLEIN TOOLS Tools kits IRWIN tools KNIPEX Telephone cable knife Low Voltage Mounting Bracket for Telephone |
Push-on wire connectors in place of twist-on connectorsBuy:Push on wire connectors Amazon Red 3P connector for 10-14 gauge wire Lever connectors for stranded wire at Amazon HOOK UP Wires |
 Protect wiring from damage Use nipper instead of pliers or screwdriver for removing staples (and nails). Do not damage cable or wires inside cable. -Code says: Cable SHALL BE secured without damage to the outer covering. NEC sec. 336-15 Buy End cutting nippers at Amazon |
  Electrically insulated tools When removing insulation from wire, do NOT score or put cuts on surface of copper wire. Doing so increases resistance and heat on wire and creates possible weak point. Buy tools: KLEIN TOOLS Wire strippers at Amazon Electric Wire Stripping Machine Linesman pliers Utility knife at Amazon |
 Multimeters Voltage is tested across two separate wires. Ohms or resistance is tested across both ends of same wire. Amperage is tested along one or two points on same wire. Buy: Analog multimeter Multimeters at Amazon Klein multimeter Electric testers at Amazon Clampmeter for testing amp flow on line |
 GFCI circuit breaker A GFCI circuit breaker will protect all boxes on circuit. Circuit must be grounded. Ground wire must be continuous and connected to each piece of equipment. White wire on circuit breaker must be connected to Neutral busbar inside the breaker panel. Buy GFCI circuit breakers |
Push down 1" wide Push down breaker Plug-in breaker Buy single-pole: Choose from 15 to 60 amp Eaton CL series Siemens 15-60 amp Single-pole tandem breaker Tandem breakers |
Push down 2" wide Push down breaker Plug-in breakers Buy double-pole: Choose from 15 to 125 amp Choose from 15 amp to 200 amp Eaton CL series circuit breaker Siemens circuit breaker Double pole GFCI |
| Electrical terminology Alternating current: Electrical current which, when being produced by a dynamo or generator, continually reverses its direction of travel. The dynamo or generator that produces alternating current is called an alternator. AC current can be changed to direct current through use of a rectifier. Voltage of AC current can be readily stepped up or down through use of a transformer. Ampacity: The current in Amperes that a conductor can carry continuously under the conditions of use without exceeding the conductor’s temperature rating. Ampere: The measurement of the rate of flow of current in an electrical circuit. One Ampere is the measurement of the rate at which current that will flow through a resistance of 1 Ohm when an electrical potential of 1 Volt is applied across that resistance. Sometimes this term is shortened to the word “Amp.” The basic unit for measuring electric current passing through a line in a given time. Amperage is equal to power (in watts) divided by voltage (in volts). Apparent Power/ VA or watts: The amount of power that appears to be used by the circuit based upon the output of that circuit. The apparent power is equal to voltage (in volts) times amperage (in amps) for a circuit, times the power factor of that circuit. Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI): A device that is able to sense when an electrical arc occurs somewhere in a circuit and acts to de-energize the circuit connected to it. Auto-Voltage A type of power supply that contains a single connection for multiple voltages or voltage ranges. The selection of the proper voltage or voltage range occurs automatically within the control. AWG (American Wire Gauge): This is the industry standard used to specify the size of electrical conductors. There are 40 different electrical conductor sizes ranging from 36 AGW (smallest) to 0000 AWG (largest). Each consecutive AGW size is 1.26 times smaller or bigger in diameter than the next. The larger the diameter, the greater the conductor’s current carrying capacity (ampacity). Ballast: A device that is an integral part of a fluorescent light. It is used to regulate the amount of current which is allowed to flow though the light. Bonding: Connecting the metal parts of electrical components together to assure electrical conductivity between them. It is the practice of intentionally electrically connecting all exposed metallic items not designed to carry electricity in a room or building as protection from electric shock. Bonding Jumper, Main: This is a connection made between the grounded circuit conductor (Neutral) and the equipment grounding conductor inside the service entrance panel. Branch Circuit: Consists of the circuit conductors that are between the final overcurrent device (fuse/circuit breaker) protecting the circuit and the outlet(s) which are part of that circuit. There are three types of branch circuits – General Purpose (to supply ordinary lights and outlets), Small Appliance (for kitchens and locations where appliances are used), and Individual (or dedicated to clothes dryer, water pump, microwave etc). Circuit Breaker: A circuit protection device that is designed to either be 1) manually operated to open or close a circuit; or 2) automatically open a circuit when a predetermined overcurrent flows through the circuit. These are most often used inside the service entrance panel. Continuous Load: An electrical load where the maximum current in a circuit is expected to continue for a period of 3 hours or longer. A continuous load shall not exceed 80% of the rating of the branch circuit. CU: a marking on wire connectors, lugs and device terminals that indicates they are suitable for use with Copper conductors only. Current: The flow of electricity (electrons) through an electrical circuit. Current is measured in Amperes. AL is marking used for Aluminum. Cycle: One complete reversal of the direction of current flow in a conductor. Used in conjunction with alternating current. Dedicated Circuit: See Individual Branch Circuit. A branch circuit that supplies only one piece of utilization equipment (such as an electric range). Typically, a single receptacle (not a Duplex receptacle). Direct current: Electrical current that flows only in one direction. The most common source of DC is from various types of storage batteries. DC can also be produced by a generator for use on DC motors and other applications. Dry Contact Switch externally supplied power that does not have its own source of power for the loads. This type of contact can switch any load within its ratings. Duplex Receptacle: An electrical outlet that allows two plug-and-cord-connected devices to be connected to the house wiring system and receive power at the same time. Duty Cycling Switching loads ON/OFF on a rotating schedule to reduce energy consumption and reduce peak demand charges by ensuring that selected loads are not ON simultaneously. Electromagnetic Interference: Any electrical or magnetic signal found in addition to a supplied signal. Electromagnetic interference is commonly detected on the power line between a power supply and an energy control or between an energy control and a load. Electromagnetic interference can adversely affect normal operation by causing excessively high or low voltages or by causing irregularities in the power supply signal. Floor Plan: A scale diagram of a room or building drawn as if seen from above. Floor plans show construction details such as placement of plumbing, the electrical system, and doors and windows. Frequency (Hertz, Hz): The number of cycles per second in alternating current. Full Load Amp (FLA) Ratings The amount of current used by a motor when it is in normal operation with a load, typically the minimum amount of current that a motor requires to remain ON. Fuse: An overcurrent protection device with a fusible link which melts during an overcurrent condition in a circuit in order to stop the flow of electricity. Fuses can often be found in older service entrances panels and come in various ratings and form-factors. Ground: The earth. It is used as the “common reference point” for measuring electrical potential (voltages) within an electrical system. Ground Connection The connection from the device to Earth ground as a return path. This connection is in addition to the neutral connection and is provided as a secondary return path for safety and emergency use. Grounded (Grounding): Connected to the ground or connected to an electrically conductive item that physically extends the connection to the ground. Grounded Conductor: (Not to be confused with Grounding conductor.) For residential wiring, this is the “Neutral” wire which is the one with the white insulation. Ground Fault: An unintentional, connection between a current carrying conductor and non-current carrying (grounded) parts of an electrical system (other conductors, metal enclosures, conduit, earth, etc.) causing current to flow on an unintended path (Ground-Fault Current Path). Ground Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI): A device used to protect persons from the risk of bodily injury by de-energizing a circuit within a very short period of time when the current flowing to ground exceeds .006 amperes. Ground-Fault Current Path: The path on which fault current flows beginning at the point of the ground fault and flowing through normally non-current carrying parts of the electrical system back to the electrical supply source. Grounding Conductor: A conductor that is used to connect equipment or the grounded circuit of a wiring system to the grounding electrode or electrodes. In residential wiring, this is typically a 4 AWG – 8 AWG bare copper wire. Grounding Electrode: A conducting material making a direct connection to the earth. This could be a metal water pipe, concrete-encased bare copper conductor, or a ground rod. Ground rods must be at least 0.5” in diameter and at least 8’ long. Individual Branch Circuit: A branch circuit that supplies only one piece of utilization equipment (such as an electric range). Typically, a single receptacle (not a Duplex receptacle). Inductive Ballast A load category referring to any load that utilizes a traditional inductive or magnetic ballast to start, typically found in fluorescent lighting. Inductive Load A load category referring to any load that utilizes an inductor, including motors, relays, solenoids, and transformers. Insulated/Insulation: A non-conductive covering applied to wires or placed between conductive materials to prevent current from leaving a conductor and flowing on an unintended path. Lighting Outlet: An outlet intended for the direct connection of a lamp holder or luminaire. Line Connection: The connection from the power supply to the energy control. Load: The electrical power (wattage) consumed by the devices attached to an electrical system. Loads can be of several types, the main ones being – Continuous, Non-Continuous, and Intermittent. The device or devices controlled by the energy control either directly or indirectly through a control circuit. Load Connection The connection from the energy control to the load(s). Load Balancing: The arrangement or sequence of attaching conductors to the panelboard (service entrance panel) in order to balance the anticipated loads on the phase conductors. With a balanced load, the connected equipment would draw an equal current through each 120-volt leg of a 120V/240V electrical system. Generally speaking, the simplest way to balance the load on a panelboard is to connect an equal number of branch circuits to each phase conductor. Load Center: Also known as a Service Entrance Panel or Residential Panel Board, circuit breaker box, subpanel. Circuit breakers typically “plug-in” to load centers whereas they “bolt-in” to panel boards. Location Damp: An exterior or interior location that is normally or periodically subject to condensation of moisture in, on, or adjacent to, electrical equipment, and includes partially protected locations. Location Dry: A location not normally subject to dampness, but may include a location subject to temporary dampness, as in the case of a building under construction, provided ventilation is adequate to prevent an accumulation of moisture. Location Wet: A location in which water or other liquid can drip, splash, or flow on or against electrical equipment. Lock Rotor Amp (LRA )Rating The amount of current used by a motor when it is powered but not rotating, typically the maximum amount of current that a motor requires to turn ON. Luminaire: Light fixture. A complete lighting unit consisting of a light source such as a lamp or lamps, together with the parts designed to position the light source and connect in to a power supply. Prior to the National Electrical Code adopting this term, “lighting fixture” was the commonly used term. This term is still used more often than luminaire. Maximum Continuous Load: Safe maximum. Defined to be 80% of the circuit rating (protection device). Any electrical load that operates for a period of 3 hours or more on a branch circuit shall not exceed 80% of the circuit rating (protection device). Multi-Tap A type of power supply that contains multiple connections that are each for a different voltage or voltage range. Multi-Volt A type of power supply that contains a single connection for multiple voltages or voltage ranges. The selection of the proper voltage or voltage range is done manually, generally via a switch located near the connection. National Electrical Code (NEC): The electrical code published by the National Fire Protection Association. This code provides for practical safeguarding of persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity. It does not become law until adopted by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Neutral Conductor: The conductor connected to the neutral point of an electrical system that is intended to carry current under normal conditions. Neutral Connection The connection from the energy control and/or load to the power supply as a return path. Noise Filter An electrical noise filter is a network of electrical components designed to offer a comparatively high resistance to voltages and/or frequencies outside of an acceptable range, generally used to mitigate the effects of electromagnetic interference Ohm: A unit of measure for electrical resistance. One Ohm is the amount of resistance that will permit one Ampere of current to flow when one Volt is applied across the resistance. Open Circuit: A circuit that does not have a continuous path over which current can flow. A circuit that is turned OFF. Turning off a switch creates an open circuit (good), while a loose connection also can create an open circuit (bad). Closed circuit: a circuit that is turned ON. Outlet: A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment. Overcurrent: Any current is excess of the rated current of the equipment or the ampacity of a conductor. Overcurrent Device: Also referred to as an Overcurrent Protection Device and is a form of protection that operates when current exceeds a pre-determined value. These devices are primarily consist of circuit breakers and fuses. Overload: Operation of equipment in excess of the normal full -load rating, or of a conductor in excess of its rated ampacity, that over time, would cause damage or dangerous overheating. Overvoltage An increase in voltage in an electrical circuit for a significant length of time. Overvoltages are typically caused by sources outside of a building. Overvoltages can cause permanent damage to energy controls and loads if the energy controls are properly protected. Power Factor A measurement of the efficiency of a circuit, between zero and one. The closer a power factor is to zero, the more energy that is lost within the operation of the circuit. The closer a power factor is to one, the more energy that is transferred efficiently to the load. Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) A type of electromagnetic interference associated specifically with radio frequency or wireless sources. Rating The limits of the ability of a device to operate safely and satisfactorily within its normal environmental extremes. Real Power (Watts, W) The capacity of the circuit for performing work; the actual amount of power used by the circuit over time. The real power is equal to voltage (in volts) times amperage (in amps) for a circuit. Receptacle: A receptacle is a contact device at the outlet for the connection of an attachment plug. Receptacle Outlet: An outlet where one or more receptacles are attached. Resistive Load A load category for any purely resistive load, such as a heater. Contact ratings are resistive unless otherwise marked. Romex: A trade name for Nonmetallic Sheathed Cable (NM). Service: The conductors and equipment for delivering energy from the servicing utility to the wiring system of the premises served. Service Conductors: The conductors running from the service point to the service disconnecting device. Service Drop: The overhead service conductors from the last pole or other aerial support that connect to the service-entrance conductors at the building. Service Entrance Panel (SEP): A metal enclosure that houses circuit protection devices (circuit breakers or fuses) and provides the means by which power is divided up to be distributed to the individual circuits. It contains a “Main” breaker that allows the power from the utility company to be disconnected from the entire building. Service Equipment: The equipment intended to be the main control and means of cutting off of the supply of electricity to a building. This usually consists of a circuit breaker or switch and fuse and their accessories. Short Circuit: A connection between any two or more conductors of an electrical system in such a way as to significantly reduce the resistance of the circuit. This situation causes the currently to flow outside of the intended path, hence the term “Short Circuit.” A short circuit is referred to as a “Fault.” Split-Circuit Receptacle: A standard duplex receptacle whose “break-away” tabs have been removed and is connected such that one half of the receptacle supplies power all the time while power to the other half is controlled by a switch. Surface-Mounted Luminaire: A luminaire mount directly on (surface of) the ceiling or a wall. Surge Any un-sustained increase in electrical energy. Surges include transients and overvoltages. Surge Suppressor A device designed to mitigate or prevent the adverse effects of surges. Most surge suppressors are intended only for specific types of surges within specific operating conditions. Switch: A device use to control (enable or disable) the flow of electricity in a circuit or portion of a circuit. Terminal: A screw or quick-connect device where a conductor is intended to be connected. Three-way Switch: A type of switch that is used in pairs to allow you to control the power supplied to a light or receptacle from two different locations. Transient A brief spike in voltage in an electrical circuit. Transient voltages are commonly in excess of 1,000 volts, but for a duration of less than 1/1,000 second. Transient voltages are typically caused by sources inside of a building, between the power supply and other devices. Transient voltages can cause intermittent or nuisance operation in energy controls, such as not turning ON when scheduled, or the display temporarily turning OFF. Traveler Connection The connection from the energy management system to another device, such that either device can control the load. Often referred to as a three-way connection. An example would be a light switch at the top and bottom of a flight of stairs, where either switch could control the stairway light. Tungsten Load A load category referring to any load that utilizes a tungsten filament, typically found in incandescent and halogen lighting. UL: Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is an independent not-for-profit organization that develops standards and tests electrical equipment to those standards. UL-Listed: Indicates that an item has been tested and approved to the standards established by the UL for that particular item. Ungrounded: Not connected to ground or a conductive body that extends to the ground connect ion. Volt: A measurement of electrical potential energy. It is the difference in electrical potential between two points of a conductor carrying one Ampere when the power being dissipated between those two points is one Watt. Voltage (nominal): A value assigned to a circuit or system for the purpose of specifying its (nominal) operating voltage. In residential systems the nominal voltage would be specified as 120/240 Volts. In practice, the actual voltages can vary slightly around the specified nominal voltages. Voltage Drop: A reduction in voltage (difference in electrical potential energy) at a given point in a circuit due to current flowing through a resistance (typically the conductors in a circuit). The voltage drop across any given length of conductor can be calculated by “Ohm’s Law”: E (voltage) = I (current) x R (resistance). Volts (V) The basic unit for measuring the amount of electrical potential in a conductor. Voltage is equal to power (in watts) divided by amperage (in amps). Watt: A unit of power. It is equal to: W (wattage) = E (voltage) x I (current). |
| Motor
terminology/ source: Leeason eBusiness Center www. lesson.com Actuator: A device that creates mechanical motion by converting various forms of energy to rotating or linear mechanical energy. Adjustable Speed Drive: A mechanical, fluid or electrical device that variably changes an input speed to an output speed matching operating requirements. AGMA (American Gear Manufacturers Association): Standards setting organization composed of gear products manufacturers and users. AGMA standards help bring uniformity to the design and application of gear products. Air-Over (AO): Motors for fan or blower service that are cooled by the air stream from the fan or blower. Alternating Current (AC): The standard power supply available from electric utilities. Ambient Temperature: The temperature of the air which, when coming into contact with the heated parts of a motor, carries off its heat. Ambient temperature is commonly known as room temperature. Ampere (Amp): The standard unit of electric current. The current produced by a pressure of one volt in a circuit having a resistance of one ohm. Armature: • The rotating part of a brush-type direct current motor. • In an induction motor, the squirrel cage rotor. Axial Movement: Often called “endplay.” The endwise movement of motor or gear shafts. Usually expressed in thousandths of an inch. Back Driving: Driving the output shaft of a gear reducer – using it to increase speed rather than reduce speed. Worm gear reducers are not suitable for service as speed increasers. Backlash: Rotational movement of a gear reducer’s output shaft clockwise and counter clockwise, while holding the input shaft stationary. Usually expressed in thousandths of an inch and measure at a specific radius at the output shaft. Bearings: Sleeve: Common in home-appliance motors. Ball: Used when high shaft load capacity is required. Ball bearings are usually used in industrial and agricultural motors. Roller: Use on output shafts of heavy-duty gear reducers and on some high-horsepower motors for maximum overhung and thrust load capacities. Breakdown Torque: The maximum torque a motor can achieve with rated voltage applied at rated frequency, without a sudden drop in speed or stalling. Brush: Current-conducting material in a DC motor, usually graphite, or a combination of graphite and other materials. The brush rides on the commutator of a motor and forms an electrical connection between the armature and the power source. Canadian Standards Association (CSA): The agency that sets safety standards for motors and other electrical equipment used in Canada. Capacitance: As the measure of electrical storage potential of a capacitor, the unit of capacitance is the farad, but typical values are expressed in microfarads. Capacitor: A device that stores electrical energy. Used on single-phase motors, a capacitor can provide a starting “boost” or allow lower current during operation. Center Distance: A basic measurement or size reference for worm gear reducers, measured from the centerline of the worm to the centerline of the worm wheel. Centrifugal Starting Switch: A mechanism that disconnects the starting circuit of a motor when the rotor reaches approximately 75% of operating speed. Cogging: Non-uniform or erratic rotation of a direct current motor. It usually occurs at low speeds and may be a function of the adjustable speed control or of the motor design. Commutator: The part of a DC motor armature that causes the electrical current to be switched to various armature windings. Properly sequenced switching creates the motor torque. The commutator also provides the means to transmit electrical current to the moving armature through brushes that ride on the commutator. Counter Electromotive Force: Voltage that opposes line voltage caused by induced magnetic field in a motor armature or rotor. Current, AC: The power supply usually available from the electric utility company or alternators. Current, DC: The power supply available from batteries, generators (not alternators), or a rectified source used for special applications. Duty Cycle: The relationship between the operating time and the resting time of an electric motor. Motor ratings according to duty are: • Continuous duty, the operation of loads for over one hour. • Intermittent duty, the operation during alternate periods of load and rest. Intermittent duty is usually expressed as 5 minutes, 30 minutes or one hour. Efficiency: A ratio of the input power compared to the output, usually expressed as a percentage. Enclosure: The term used to describe the motor housing. The most common industrial types are: Open Drip Proof (ODP), Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled (TEFC), Totally Enclosed Non-Ventilated (TENV), Totally Enclosed Air Over (TEAO). Endshield: The part of a motor that houses the bearing supporting the rotor and acts as a protective guard to the internal parts of the motor; sometimes called endbell, endplate or end bracket. Excitation: The act of creating magnetic lines of force from a motor winding by applying voltage. Explosion-Proof Motors: These motors meet Underwriters Laboratories and Canadian Standards Association standards for use in hazardous (explosive) locations, as indicated by the UL label affixed to the motor. Locations are considered hazardous because the atmosphere does or may contain gas, vapor, or dust in explosive quantities. Field: The stationary part of a DC motor, commonly consisting of permanent magnets. Sometimes used also to describe the stator of an AC motor. Flanged Reducer: Usually used to refer to a gear reducer having provisions for close coupling of a motor either via a hollow (quill) shaft or flexible coupling. Most often a NEMA C face motor is used. Foot-Pound: Energy required to raise a one-pound weight against the force of gravity the distance of one foot. A measure of torque. Inch-pound is also commonly used on smaller motors and gear reducers. An inchpound represents the energy needed to lift one pound one inch; an inchounce represents the energy needed to lift one ounce one inch. Form Factor: Indicates how much AC component is present in the DC output from a rectified AC supply. Unfiltered SCR (thyristor) drives have a form factor (FF) of 1.40. Pure DC, as from a battery, has a form factor of 1.0. Filtered thyristor and pulse width modulated drives often have a form factor of 1.05. Frame: Standardized motor mounting and shaft dimensions as established by NEMA or IEC. Frequency: Alternating electric current frequency is an expression of how often a complete cycle occurs. Cycles per second describe how many complete cycles occur in a given time increment. Hertz (hz) has been adopted to describe cycles per second so that time as well as number of cycles is specified. The standard power supply in North America is 60 hz. Most of the rest of the world has 50 hz power. Full Load Amperes (FLA): Line current (amperage) drawn by a motor when operating at rated load and voltage on motor nameplate. Important for proper wire size selection, and motor starter or drive selection. Also called full load current. Full Load Torque: The torque a motor produces at its rated horsepower and full-load speed. Fuse: A piece of metal, connected in the circuit to be protected, that melts and interrupts the circuit when excess current flows. Generator: Any machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. Grounded Circuit: • An electrical circuit coupled to earth ground to establish a reference point. • A malfunction caused by insulation breakdown, allowing current flow to ground rather than through the intended circuit. Hertz: Frequency, in cycles per second, of AC power; usually 60 hz in North America, 50 hz in the rest of the world. Named after H. R. Hertz, the German scientist who discovered electrical oscillations. High Voltage Test: Application of a voltage greater than the working voltage to test the adequacy of motor insulation; often referred to as high potential test or “hi-pot.” Horsepower: A measure of the rate of work. 33,000 pounds lifted one foot in one minute, or 550 pounds lifted one foot in one second. Exactly 746 watts of electrical power equals one horsepower. Torque and RPM may be used in relating to the horsepower of a motor. For fractional horsepower motors, the following formula may be used. HP = T (in.-oz) x 9.917 x N x 107 where, HP = horsepower T = Torque N = revolutions per minute Hysteresis: The lagging of magnetism in a magnetic metal, behind the magnetizing flux which produces it. IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission): The worldwide organization that promotes international unification of standards or norms. Its formal decisions on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international consensus. IGBT: Stands for isolated gate bipolar transistor. The most common and fastest-acting semiconductor switch used in pulse width modulated (PWM) AC drives. Impedance: The total opposition in an electric circuit to the flow of an alternating current. Expressed in ohms. Induction Motor: The simplest and most rugged electric motor, it consists of a wound stator and a rotor assembly. The AC induction motor is named because the electric current flowing in its secondary member (the rotor) is induced by the alternating current flowing in its primary member (the stator). The power supply is connected only to the stator. The combined electromagnetic effects of the two currents produce the force to create rotation. Insulation: In motors, classified by maximum allowable operating temperature. NEMA classifications include: Class A = 105°C, Class B = 130°C, Class F = 155°C and Class H = 180°C. Input Horsepower: The power applied to the input shaft of a gear reducer. The input horsepower rating of a reducer is the maximum horsepower the reducer can safely handle. Integral Horsepower Motor: A motor rated one horsepower or larger at 1800 RPM. By NEMA definitions, this is any motor having a three digit frame number, for example, 143T. Inverter: An electronic device that changes direct current to alternating current; in common usage, an AC drive. Kilowatt: A unit of power equal to 1000 watts and approximately equal to 1.34 horsepower. Load: The work required of a motor to drive attached equipment. Expressed in horsepower or torque at a certain motor speed. Locked Rotor Current: Measured current with the rotor locked and with rated voltage and frequency applied to the motor. Locked Rotor Torque: Measured torque with the rotor locked and with rated voltage and frequency applied to the motor. Magnetic Polarity: Distinguishes the location of north and south poles of a magnet. Magnetic lines of force emanate from the north pole of a magnet and terminate at the south pole. Mechanical Rating: The maximum power or torque a gear reducer can transmit. Many industrial reducers have a safety margin equal to 200% or more of their mechanical rating, allowing momentary overloads during start-up or other transient overloads. Motor Types: Classified by operating characteristics and/or type of power required. The AC induction motor is the most common. There are several kinds of AC (alternating current) induction motors, including, for single phase operation: shaded pole, permanent split capacitor (PSC), split phase, capacitor start/induction run and capacitor start/capacitor run. Polyphase or three-phase motors are used in larger applications. Direct current (DC) motors are also common in industry as are gearmotors, brakemotors and other types. Mounting: The most common motor mounts include: rigid base, resilient base C face or D flange, and extended through bolts. Gear reducers are similarly base-mounted, flange-mounted, or shaft-mounted. National Electric Code (NEC): A safety code regarding the use of electricity. The NEC is sponsored by the National Fire Protection Institute. It is also used by insurance inspectors and by many government bodies regulating building codes. NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association): A non-profit trade organization, supported by manufacturers of electrical apparatus and supplies in the United States. Its standards alleviate misunderstanding and help buyers select the proper products. NEMA standards for motors cover frame sizes and dimensions, horsepower ratings, service factors, temperature rises and various performance characteristics. Open Circuit: A break in an electrical circuit that prevents normal current flow. Output Horsepower: The amount of horsepower available at the output shaft of a gear reducer. Output horsepower is always less than the input horsepower due to the efficiency of the reducer. Output Shaft: The shaft of a speed reducer assembly that is connected to the load. This may also be called the drive shaft or the slow speed shaft. Overhung Load: A force applied at right angles to a shaft beyond the shaft’s outermost bearing. This shaft-bending load must be supported by the bearing. Phase: The number of individual voltages applied to an AC motor. A single-phase motor has one voltage in the shape of a sine wave applied to it. A three-phase motor has three individual voltages applied to it. The three phases are at 120 degrees with respect to each other so that peaks of voltage occur at even time intervals to balance the power received and delivered by the motor throughout its 360 degrees of rotation. Plugging: A method of braking a motor that involves applying partial or full voltage in reverse to bring the motor to zero speed. Polarity: As applied to electric circuits, polarity indicates which terminal is positive and which is negative. As applied to magnets, it indicates which pole is north and which pole is south. Poles: Magnetic devices set up inside the motor by the placement and connection of the windings. Divide the number of poles into 7200 to determine the motor’s normal speed. For example, 7200 divided by 2 poles equals 3600 RPM. Power Factor: The ratio of “apparent power” (expressed in kVA) and true or “real power” (expressed in kW). Power Factor = Real Power Apparent Power Apparent power is calculated by a formula involving the “real power,” that which is supplied by the power system to actually turn the motor, and “reactive power,” which is used strictly to develop a magnetic field within the motor. Electric utilities prefer power factors as close to 100% as possible, and sometimes charge penalties for power factors below 90%. Power factor is often improved or “corrected” using capacitors. Power factor does not necessarily relate to motor efficiency, but is a component of total energy consumption. Prime Mover: In industry, the prime mover is most often an electric motor. Occasionally engines, hydraulic or air motors are used. Special application considerations are called for when other than an electric motor is the prime mover. Pull Out Torque: Also called breakdown torque or maximum torque, this is the maximum torque a motor can deliver without stalling. Pull Up Torque: The minimum torque delivered by a motor between zero and the rated RPM, equal to the maximum load a motor can accelerate to rated RPM. Pulse Width Modulation: Abbreviated PWM, the most common frequency synthesizing system in AC drives; also used in some DC drives for voltage control. Reactance: The opposition to a flow of current other than pure resistance. Inductive reactance is the opposition to change of current in an inductance (coil of wire). Capacitive reactance is the opposition to change of voltage in a capacitor. Rectifier: A device or circuit for changing alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). Regenerative Drive: A drive that allows a motor to provide both motoring and braking torque. Most common with DC drives. Relay: A device having two separate circuits, it is constructed so that a small current in one of the circuits controls a large current in the other circuit. A motor starting relay opens or closes the starting circuit under predetermined electrical conditions in the main circuit (run winding). Reluctance: The characteristics of a magnetic field which resist the flow of magnetic lines of force through it. Resistor: A device that resists the flow of electrical current for the purpose of operation, protection or control. There are two types of resistors - fixed and variable. A fixed resistor has a fixed value of ohms while a variable resistor is adjustable. Rotation: The direction in which a shaft turns is either clockwise (CW) or counter clockwise (CCW). When specifying rotation, also state if viewed from the shaft or opposite shaft end of motor. Rotor: The rotating component of an induction AC motor. It is typically constructed of a laminated, cylindrical iron core with slots for cast-aluminum conductors. Short-circuiting end rings complete the “squirrel cage,” which rotates when the moving magnetic field induces a current in the shorted conductors. SCR Drive: Named after the silicon controlled rectifiers that are at the heart of these controls, an SCR drive is the most common type of general purpose drive for direct current motors. Self-Locking: The inability of a gear reducer to be driven backwards by its load. Most general purpose reducers are not self-locking. Service Factor for Gearing: A method of adjusting a reducer’s load carrying characteristics to reflect the application’s load characteristics. AGMA (American Gear Manufacturers Association) has established standardized service factor information. Service Factor for Motors: A measure of the overload capacity built into a motor. A 1.15 SF means the motor can deliver 15% more than the rated horsepower without injurious overheating. A 1.0 SF motor should not be loaded beyond its rated horsepower. Service factors will vary for different horsepower motors and for different speeds. Short Circuit: A fault or defect in a winding causing part of the normal electrical circuit to be bypassed, frequently resulting in overheating of the winding and burnout. Slip: The difference between RPM of the rotating magnetic field and RPM of the rotor in an induction motor. Slip is expressed in percentage and may be calculated by the following formula: Speed Regulation: In adjustable speed drive systems, speed regulation measures the motor and control’s ability to maintain a constant preset speed despite changes in load from zero to 100%. It is expressed as a percentage of the drive system’s rated full load speed. Stator: The fixed part of an AC motor, consisting of copper windings within steel laminations. Temperature Rise: The amount by which a motor, operating under rated conditions, is hotter than its surrounding ambient temperature. Temperature Tests: These determine the temperature of certain parts of a motor, above the ambient temperature, while operating under specific environmental conditions. Thermal Protector: A device, sensitive to current and heat, which protects the motor against overheating due to overload or failure to start. Basic types include automatic rest, manual reset and resistance temperature detectors. Thermal Rating: The power or torque a gear reducer can transmit continuously. This rating is based upon the reducer’s ability to dissipate the heat caused by friction. Thermostat: A protector, which is temperature-sensing only, that is mounted on the stator winding. Two leads from the device must be connected to a control circuit, which initiates corrective action. The customer must specify if the thermostats are to be normally closed or normally open. Thermocouple: A pair of dissimilar conductors joined to produce a thermoelectric effect and used to accurately determine temperature. Thermocouples are used in laboratory testing of motors to determine the internal temperature of the motor winding. Thrust Load: Force imposed on a shaft parallel to a shaft’s axis. Thrust loads are often induced by the driven machine. Be sure the thrust load rating of a gear reducer is sufficient so that its shafts and bearings can absorb the load without premature failure. Torque: The turning effort or force applied to a shaft, usually expressed in inch-pounds or inch-ounces for fractional and sub-fractional HP motors. Starting Torque: Force produced by a motor as it begins to turn from standstill and accelerate (sometimes called locked rotor torque). Full-Load Torque: The force produced by a motor running at rated full load speed at rated horsepower. Breakdown Torque: The maximum torque a motor will develop under increasing load conditions without an abrupt drop in speed and power. Sometimes called pull-out torque. Pull-Up Torque: The minimum torque delivered by a motor between zero and the rated RPM, equal to the maximum load a motor can accelerate to rated RPM. Transformer: Used to isolate line voltage from a circuit or to change voltage and current to lower or higher values. Constructed of primary and secondary windings around a common magnetic core. Underwriters Laboratories (UL): Independent United States testing organization that sets safety standards for motors and other electrical equipment. Vector Drive: An AC drive with enhanced processing capability that provides positioning accuracy and fast response to speed and torque changes. Often used with feedback devices in a closed-loop system. Voltage: A unit of electromotive force that, when applied to conductors, will produce current in the conductors. Watt: The amount of power required to maintain a current of 1 ampere at a pressure of one volt when the two are in phase with each other. One horsepower is equal to 746 watts. Winding: Typically refers to the process of wrapping coils of copper wire around a core. In an AC induction motor, the primary winding is a stator consisting of wire coils inserted into slots within steel laminations. The secondary winding of an AC induction motor is usually not a winding at all, but rather a cast rotor assembly. In a permanent magnet DC motor, the winding is the rotating armature. Motor-driven-countdown-timer Delay-timer-for-motor-or-pump How-to-wire-motor-control-contactor Motor-driven-countdown-timer How-to-control-motor-with-two-switches wire-size-for-motor calculate-inrush-for-3-phase-motor |
| Contactors: Electrically-Held Contactor A contactor that is electrically held in the open position or the closed position by applying continuous electrical current to the contactor control circuit. Lighting Contactor A contactor specifically designed for controlling filament loads commonly found in the lighting industry. Mechanically-Held Contactor A contactor that requires only a brief supply of electrical current (pulse) to switch between the open and closed positions. After switching, the contactor is then retained in the new position by means of a mechanical latch. Self-Clearing Latching Contactor A type of mechanically-held contactor that has a common input for its open and closed position. Each brief supply of electrical current (pulse) causes the contactor to alternate between its open and closed state. |
 Outdoor motors, pumps, equipment, metal subpanels, boxes etc must be connected to main panel ground wire, and can be bonded to a separate ground rod as back up. Do not touch metal electrical equipment if power is ON. Use ohmmeter to verify resistance between earth and motor frame is less than 0.5 Ω Resource Why you need ground wire |
 Inspect the ground connection at ground rod  If the ground wire is disconnected from
ground rod, DO NOT reconnect the ground unless main breaker is
de-energized.Do not touch or remove ground rod. |
 Household NM-B Wires are color-coded so inspectors/ electricians can easily identify which wire is used during construction Damp- wet locations: For direct burial underfoot, in contact with damp soil ... or for other damp locations ... use UF-B wire ... or use plastic conduit. UF-B wire can be difficult to strip back for wiring.  |
Match
wire size and breaker amp rating If your home was wired by professional electrician who pulled permits, then circuit breaker and wire size will match. If manufactured home or travel trailer has not been altered by homeowner then breaker and wire size will match. Safe maximum of amp draw on a breaker is 80% rated value of breaker. Look at label on each load (TV, refrigerator, box fan etc). Add up total watt load on circuit. Divide the watts by the voltage on line = amps. If breaker is oversized for wire... fire danger Breaker can let too much electricity travel through the wire. Wire can overheat and cause fire. Call electrician if you suspect wiring is not correct, Absolute electrocution danger when removing cover off main panel. More information below. Main breaker terminals are still Hot when main breaker is turned off. Use 600 volt solid copper wire only Do not use stranded wire inside main breaker box or any permanent box. Stranded wire can be used for connectors and plugs. Do not use extension cord for permanent household wiring Extension cords are used for connectors and plugs only. Read more about uses for extension cords Buy: Wire wire at Amazon Resource: How to replace circuit breaker Color code for wire |
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Circuit
breaker resources Water heater is tripping breaker How to replace circuit breaker How to wire gfci Can AC breaker be used for DC breaker How to reset circuit breaker Not enough space for circuit breakers/ use tandem Circuit breakers How to install subpanel Why you need ground wire See inside breaker box How to wire safety switch How to wire whole house surge protector Figure volts amps and watts Figure correct wire and breaker Types of surge protection |
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Household
Main panel 120 volt and 240 volt This is called single-phase electric power. Phasing is determined by the power company. - Each 120 volt circuit can include up to 12 outlets, and supply power to lights inside a room. - Generally each 120 volt circuit sends power to one area of home. This is because the wire leaves breaker box and goes to first junction box inside a room. From the junction box, the wire splits off and goes to each individual box, jumping from box to box until the final box is reached. So each box will have 1 black hot wire, 1 white neutral wire, and 1 ground wire that connect back to main breaker box. - Some circuit breakers are dedicated to 1 specific appliance. For example the kitchen microwave is usually wired to 1 circuit breaker and no other outlets or lights are connected to that breaker. This is because microwave draws so much amperage. That is called dedicated circuit, and dedicated breaker. - Each 240 volt circuit is usually dedicated to one appliance. For example electric water heater is connected to 1 240 volt breaker. The electric dryer is connected to another 240 volt breaker. The heat/AC is connected to another 240 volt circuit breaker, and so on. Resources: See inside main breaker box How to replace circuit breaker How to install subpanel Figure volts amps watts for electric water heater How to wire GFCI How to wire Arc fault breaker |
Multimeter Test for breaks in wire/ Test for voltage Most appliance require 80% rated voltage to function correctly Buy Analog multimeter Multimeters at Amazon Klein multimeter Electric testers at Amazon Clampmeter for testing amp flow on line Resource: How to test and replace element How to test thermocouple Element tests for 120 volts How to test wire |
Safety
when testing wires:
Never touch wet or previously flooded appliance. Never stand on wet surface when working on electric. Never stand on bare soil, put down dry boards. Tape tester leads to wood sticks to keep hands away from power. Use non-contact voltage tester before touching wires. Never touch or lean into any made of metal. Remove metal objects from pockets. Do not use oxygen or fuel accelerants in same room as electrical repairs Resource: Basic house wiring |
 Non-contact voltage tester Test for power without touching connectors NEVER assume power is OFF Buy: Non-contact voltage tester Amazon Electric testers at Amazon Resource: How to test electric power is off |
 120 volt 15 amp devices
including GFCI, timers, switches, plugs, wifi controls etc can be
installed on 15 or 20
amp
breaker.120 volt GFCI, outlet, receptacle that is rated 20 amp can be installed on 20 amp breaker only, but NOT on 15 amp breaker. Buy 15 amp GFCI 20 amp GFCI |
Buy Basic electric book Home plumbing/ electrical codes  Or learn about basic household electricity... use and search my site/ Resource Safe electric wiring Basic house wiring |
 Use outlet tester to check for correct wiring on any 120 volt straight-blade outlet. Buy: Klein testers Outlet tester Circuit breaker finder Electric usage monitor |
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Connect wire to screw terminal Use only 600 volt solid copper wire. Do not use stranded wire or extension cord. Do not use solder anywhere on residential 120-240 volt wiring. Attach electric installation to structure. Tighten screws very tight against wire.  Buy: NEC books Dewalt plumbing/ electrical codes Basic electric book National electric code guide/ illustrated Resources: How to twist wire How to select and install twist-on wire connectors |
 Weatherproof
lever switch on outdoor lightsSafely operate outdoor toggle switch Replaces outdoor cover Install over top of ordinary switch Works with single-pole, double-pole, 3PST, 3-way, 4-way switches etc Use weatherproof box for outdoor Can be used indoor or outdoor Buy: Best choice: Cantex lever switch Outdoor lever switches at Amazon Lever switches Resource Cantex-toggle-switch-covers.pdf Cantex-PVC-junction-boxes.pdf |
Buy: |
Push-on wire connectors in place of twist-on connectorsBuy:Push on wire connectors Amazon Red 3P connector for 10-14 gauge wire Lever connectors for stranded wire at Amazon |
Use nipper instead of pliers or screwdriver for removing staples (and nails). Do not damage cable or wires inside cable. Code -Cable SHALL BE secured without damage to the outer covering. NEC sec. 336-15 Buy End cutting nippers at Amazon |
 When removing insulation from wire, do NOT score or put cuts on surface of copper wire. Doing so increases resistances on wire and creates weak point. Buy tools: Wire strippers at Amazon Linesman pliers Pro linesman plier Needle nose pliers End cutting nippers at Amazon |
 Weather resistant plastic box for outdoor extension cord connections, Christmas lights, outdoor power strip etc . Not for connecting wires with wire nuts®, or in-wall wiring, but can be used indoors to organize extension cords, power strips etc. Weather resistant is not weatherproof or watertight. Use enclosures rated IP65 and IP67 for waterproof. Extension cords cannot be used for permanent wiring. Buy: Large-medium-small electric cord box Socketbox Raintight enclosures Water-tight cord lock Resource: Enclosures and boxes |
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What is 3-phase electric: power plant to end
user
How to wire 3-phase timer 3-phase water heater |
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Buy
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