5 Electrical Terms Every Homeowner Should Know

As a homeowner, knowing some of the basic electrical terms is helpful. Especially if a problem arises. Being able to talk to the electricians with a little bit of knowledge will speed up troubleshooting, and get the problem diagnosed faster.

If you don't know any electrical terms, here are 5 of them you should know.

1. Voltage

Voltage refers to the energy force that powers electricity throughout your home.

Standard outlets emit 120 volts of power and utilize one wire to transmit electricity. Outlets that run on 220 power feature two wires and provide twice as much electricity. Commonly, 220 outlets get used to power kitchen and other home appliances with higher energy output requirements.

2. Wattage

Wattage is the measurement of the electrical energy used in one second. The lower you keep your demands for wattage, the less your monthly energy bill is likely to be.

3. Circuit Breaker

All circuits are housed in your electrical panel and operated by a switch. These switches connect incoming electric to a dedicated circuit that controls power to the areas they connect.

4. Ground Wire

Your ground wire keeps your electrical system connected with the earth and provides a safe place to distribute excess electric energy.

5. GFCI Certified Outlets

In rooms prone to excessive amounts of moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms, GFCI outlets provide an extra layer of protection as a mini circuit breaker that guards against shock.

No, you don't need to be a master electrician. That's where we come in, but having a command of standard terms when talking to us about your residential electric system is always helpful.

If you need the help of a certified and experienced electrician in the Rockwall, Texas area, contact the professionals at Rockwall Electric.