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Glossary of Electrical Terms

Ampere (amp):

Unit of measure for current: the flow of electric energy through a circuit. The capacity (size) of a service is categorized using amp as the measure. A typical residential service is often in the 100 to 200 amp range. Given the increasing size in some areas, and the correspondingly higher air conditioning and heating requirements, as well as the increasing amount of electronic equipment in today's homes, it is not unusual to see a 400 amp or larger residential service.

Cable Sets:

The number of parallel sets of conductors that are required to supply a service.

Code(s):

The present adopted version of the National Electrical Code and / or applicable state or local codes and ordinances.

Conductor:

A wire, cable, bus bar, rod or tube which serves as a path for electric current. Conductors can be bare, covered (not recognized as being insulated) or insulated.

Conduit System:

Our electrical distribution facilities installed underground, in electrical grade Schedule 40 PVC conduit.

Demand Factor:

The ratio of the maximum electric demand of a system to the total connected load of a system. For example, an 80% demand factor would indicate that only 80% of the connected load would ever be operating simultaneously. As an electric utility, we calculate the size of our conductors and equipment based on our experience of the type of customer and load served, not on the total connected load.

Kilovolt (kV):

1000 volts

Kilo-volt-ampere (kVA):

1000 volt-amperes. Unit of measure for apparent power, such as the rating of a transformer. Considering the system, service, circuit (or any portion thereof):

single phase kVA = amperes x voltage / 1000
three phase kVA = amperes x voltage x 1.732 / 1000

Kilowatt (kW):

1000 watts. Unit of measure for active power, such as used by an electric light bulb. Considering the system, service, circuit (or any portion thereof):

single phase kW = amperes x voltage x power factor / 1000
three phase kW = amperes x voltage x power factor x 1.732 / 1000

Kilowatt Hour (kWh):

The work performed by one kilowatt of electric power in one hour. The unit on which the price of electrical energy is based.

Metering Sequence:

Cold Sequence: service disconnecting means is installed ahead of the metering equipment. Hot Sequence: metering equipment is installed ahead of the service disconnecting means.

Network:

A distribution system in which the secondaries of the distribution transformers are connected to common conductors for supplying power directly to a customer's service. These are special systems generally located in downtown urban areas.

Power Factor:

The ratio of active power to apparent power: kW/kVA.

Primary Service:

Service delivered to a customer at distribution voltage and stepped down to utilization voltage on the customer's property.

Secondary Service:

Service delivered to a customer from our distribution system at utilization voltage.

Service:

The conductors and equipment for delivery of electric energy from our distribution (delivery system) to the wiring system of the premises served.

Service Drop:

Our overhead service conductors between our facilities and your structure.

Service Entrance Capacity:

The rating of the service entrance equipment.

Service Equipment:

The necessary equipment, usually consisting of circuit breaker(s) or switch(es) and fuse(s) and their accessories intended to constitute the main control and cutoff of the supply.

Service Lateral:

The underground service conductors and conduit originating at our facilities (a transformer, riser pole, manhole or handhole), and ending at the service point of the customer served.

Service Location:

The approved point of attachment of our service drop or the approved point of entry of our service lateral to the building or location being served.

Service Point:

The point of connection between the utility facilities and the premises wiring.

Service Type:

The type of construction required (or requested), either overhead or underground, extending from our facilities up to the service point of the customer served.

Single Phase Line:

A conductor installation carrying electrical loads capable of serving the needs of residential customers, small commercial / industrial customers and street lighting. These lines carry a relatively light load as compared to our larger commercial and industrial three phase customers.

Three Phase Line:

A conductor installation capable of carrying loads that serve primarily larger commercial and industrial customers.

Utilization Voltage:

The voltage which the Company supplies to meet the customer's operating requirements.