Lighting and Electrical Vocab

The strength or amount of electric current flowing through a wire, measured in amperes or amps

You should check the amperage of a circuit before plugging in large appliances.

A device inside fluorescent light fixtures that controls the amount of electricity going to the light so it works correctly

The fluorescent light was flickering because the ballast inside the fixture needed to be replaced.

A complete path through which electricity can flow from a power source and back again

The electrician checked every circuit in the house to find the problem.

A safety switch that automatically stops the flow of electricity when too much current passes through a circuit

When we plugged in too many devices, the circuit breaker switched off to protect the wiring.

A tube or pipe made of metal or plastic that protects electrical wires running through walls or ceilings

The wires were placed inside a conduit to keep them safe from damage.

A type of switch that lets you control how bright or dim a light is by sliding or turning a control

They installed a dimmer in the dining room so they could make the lights softer during dinner.

A permanent electrical device that is attached to a wall or ceiling, such as a light or ceiling fan

They chose a modern light fixture for the living room ceiling.

A small safety device with a thin wire inside that melts and breaks the circuit if too much electricity flows through it

The fuse blew when the old television used too much electricity.

A special type of outlet or circuit breaker that quickly shuts off power if it detects a dangerous electrical problem, used near water; short for ground fault circuit interrupter

Building codes require a GFCI outlet in every bathroom to protect people from electric shock near water.

A safety connection that sends unwanted or dangerous electricity safely into the earth to prevent electric shock

Proper grounding in a building protects people from dangerous electrical accidents.

A protective metal or plastic box where electrical wires are connected together safely inside a wall or ceiling

The electrician opened the junction box in the ceiling to connect the new light fixture.

A unit used to measure the color temperature of light, describing whether light appears warm and yellow or cool and blue

A light bulb with 3000 kelvin gives a warm, cozy light that is good for bedrooms.

A type of energy-saving light source that uses very little electricity and lasts much longer than traditional bulbs; short for light-emitting diode

We replaced all the old light bulbs in the office with LED bulbs to save money on electricity.

A unit used to measure the total amount of visible light produced by a light source

A higher number of lumens means the light bulb will be much brighter.

A socket built into a wall where you plug in electrical devices to get power

She plugged her phone charger into the outlet next to the bed.

The main metal box in a building that receives electricity from outside and distributes it to different circuits throughout the building

The electrician went to the electrical panel in the basement to reset the circuit breaker.

A small device on a wall that you press or flip to turn electricity on or off for lights or other fixtures

Please flip the switch on the wall to turn on the lights in the hallway.

The force or pressure that pushes electricity through a wire, measured in volts

The voltage in most American homes is 120 volts.

The amount of electrical power that a device uses or produces, measured in watts

This light bulb has a wattage of 60 watts, so it will not use too much electricity.

The system of electric wires installed inside a building to carry electricity to different rooms and devices

The old house needed new wiring because the original wires were no longer safe.