Working as an industrial electrician requires an understanding of certain specific electrician terms of the trade or electrician words. The following fourteen terms are a primer in the electricians terms dictionary which will give you a groundwork for the types of language and specificity that you will need to know in your job as an industrial electrician.
Electrical Terminology
1. Voltage:
Voltage, also known as electrical potential difference, is the unit of measure of the electric potential energy per unit charge in an electrical circuit. It is commonly measured in volts (V).
2. Amperage:
Amperage, also known as electrical current, is the measure of the flow of electric charge in a circuit. It is commonly measured in amperes (A).
3. Wattage:
Wattage is the measure of power or electrical energy used by an electrical circuit. It is commonly measured in watts (W).
4. Frequency:
Frequency is the number of cycles of an alternating current (AC) per second. It is commonly measured in hertz (Hz).
5. AC Motors:
AC motors are electric motors and electrical devices that run on alternating current (AC) power. They are used in a wide range of industrial applications, from pumps and compressors to conveyors and fans.
6. DC Motors:
DC motors are electric motors that run on direct current (DC) power. They are commonly used in industrial applications such as cranes, hoists, and elevators.
7. Motor Starters:
Motor starters are devices that control the starting and stopping of electric motors. They are used to protect the motors from damage and to ensure safe and efficient operation.
8. Motor Control Center (MCC):
An MCC is a centralized location where motor control equipment is housed. It is typically used in industrial settings to control the operation of AC and DC motors.
9: Circuit Breakers:
Circuit breakers are devices that protect electrical circuits from damage due to overloading or short-circuiting. They can be found in industrial settings such as factories and warehouses.
10: Transformer:
A transformer is a device that changes the voltage level of an alternating current (AC) electrical power supply. It is commonly used in industrial settings to step up or step down the voltage level as needed.
11: Power Distribution Panel (PDP):
A PDP is a panel that distributes electrical power to various circuits or loads. It is commonly found in industrial settings such as factories and warehouses.
12: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI):
A GFCI is a device that helps to protect people from electrical shock by quickly shutting off power in the event of a ground fault. They are often used in industrial settings to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
13: PLC (Programmable Logic Controller):
PLCs are specialized computers used to control industrial processes and machinery. They are programmable to perform a wide range of tasks, such as monitoring sensors and controlling actuators.
14: HMI (Human Machine Interface):
HMI is the interface between the operator and the machine. It allows the operator to control and monitor the machine. It could be a touch screen, push buttons, or other means of inputs and outputs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these are some of the key electrical terms that industrial electricians should be familiar with. Understanding these concepts will help electricians to work more efficiently and effectively in an industrial setting, and to troubleshoot problems that may arise. With the above knowledge, industrial electricians will be able to understand the operation of various electrical systems and equipment, and will be better equipped to make decisions and take action to ensure the safe and efficient operation of industrial sites.
