DEF-I-NI-TIONS

NEC: The National Electric Code was first developed in 1897 as a result of various insurance, electrical, architectural, and allied interests. Briefly put it is a regulatory document pertaining to the interest of life and property protection.  

GFCI: A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter is either a device or circuit breaker designed to recognize an imbalance of current flowing between the hot wire(s) and the neutral. If there is an imbalance then it shuts the circuit off.

GFI: See GFCI

ARC FAULT: Arc Fault circuit breakers are designed to protect against defects in branch circuits that could cause fires. Loose connections in devices or defective wiring in lamps and appliances can cause excessive heat build ups due to arcing.

SINGLE POLE SWITCH: When a light or outlet is control from 1 location a single pole switch is used.

3 WAY SWITCH: When a light or outlet is controlled from 2 locations two 3 way switches are used.

4 WAY SWITCH: When a light or outlet is controlled from more than 2 locations a 4 way switch is needed for each additional location.

PADDLE FAN PREP: General purpose lighting outlet boxes are not designed to support the weight and vibration of a paddle fan. A paddle fan prep at minimum involves the installation of a box  designed for paddle fans.

STRUCTURED WIRING: There were a few early attempts at automated wiring systems that called the electrical wiring system involved structured wiring. Currently we define the term as a communications wiring bundle consisting of 2 CAT5 and 2 RG6 quad shielded cables.

CAT5: Category 5 is an industry standard describing the quality and speed capabilities of telephone/data/lan wire.

RG6 QUAD SHIELD: Cabling that carries video signals is refered to as RG and the 6 refers to the bandwidth capability. The shielding is designed to protect the signal being carried from interference.

BANDWIDTH: This is the capacity of any method of  transmitting data or video signals.