The Ultimate Guide To Electrical Terms

You’re reading about electrical services and keep running into terms you don’t understand. It’s frustrating — like trying to learn a new language without a guide — and it’s making it harder to feel confident about your home.

At Integra Electrical, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners across Des Moines and surrounding cities navigate these same questions. We walk through technical terms with our customers every week, so they feel informed, not overwhelmed.

This glossary breaks down the key terms related to electrical systems, so you can keep learning with clarity and confidence.

AFCI (Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter)

An Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter is a safety device that shuts off power when it detects arcing, small sparks that can cause fires. Required in many parts of modern homes.

Aluminum Wiring

Aluminum Wiring was used in homes mostly in the 1960s–70s as a cheaper alternative to copper. It expands and loosens more easily, which can lead to overheating.

Bonding

Bonding connects the metal parts of your electrical system with a wire. It ensures any stray electricity travels safely to the ground.

Circuit

A circuit is the complete path electricity takes through your home. It powers everything from lights to outlets to appliances.

Circuit Breaker

This switch automatically shuts off power if a circuit is overloaded or unsafe. It helps prevent fires and equipment damage.

Conductor

A conductor is a material electricity flows easily, usually copper or aluminum. Wires in your home are conductors.

Conduit

A conduit is a protective tube for wires, often made of plastic or metal. It keeps wiring safe from damage, water, or exposure.

Diagnostic (Electrical Diagnostic)

An electrical diagnostic is a system checkup. Electricians use tools to find hidden problems before they become serious.

Double-Tap Breakers

Double-tapped breakers happen when two wires are connected to a breaker meant for one. It can cause overheating and should be fixed by an electrician.

Electrical Code

The electrical code is a set of rules electricians follow to ensure safety. It varies by state but is based on national standards.

Electrical Panel (Breaker Panel)

The electrical panel is the main box that controls power in your home. It contains all the breakers that protect individual circuits.

GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter)

A Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter is a safety outlet that shuts off power if electricity flows unsafely, like through water. It’s required in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas.

Grounding System

Grounding sends excess electricity safely into the ground. It reduces the risk of shock, fire, or equipment damage.

Hardwired Smoke Alarm

This type of alarm is wired into your home’s power and has a backup battery. If one goes off, all connected alarms sound together.

Hot Wire

The hot wire carries power from the panel to your devices. It’s the “live” wire and can cause shock if touched.

Insulation

Insulation is the protective coating around wires. It keeps electricity inside and prevents shock or fire.

Junction Box

The Junction box is a small box where wires are connected and protected. It keeps wire splices safe and up to code.

Knob & Tube Wiring

Knob and Tube wiring is an old wiring method found in homes built before the 1950s. It lacks grounding and often needs replacement for safety.

LED

LEDs are energy-efficient lights that last longer than regular bulbs. They stay cool and save money on your electric bill.

Load

Load is the amount of electricity being used on a circuit. Too much load can trip a breaker.

Meter Base

This is the box outside your home that holds the electric meter. It connects your home to the utility company’s power.

Neutral Wire

The neutral wire carries electricity back to the panel after it’s used. It works with the hot wire to complete the circuit.

Recessed Lighting

Lights that are installed inside the ceiling for a clean, modern look. They're great for low ceilings or minimal designs.

Reversed Polarity

This happens when the wires in an outlet are connected backward. It can be dangerous, even if things still work.

Service Drop

The overhead wires that bring power from the utility pole to your home. It’s how electricity enters most houses with aerial service.

Service Mast

The service mast is a metal pipe on your roof that holds power lines coming into your meter. It must be secure to handle tension and weather.

Short Circuit

A short circuit is when electricity suddenly takes the wrong path. It can cause sparks, heat, or fire—breakers shut it down quickly.

Smart Power Strips

These strips shut off power to devices not in use. Some have timers or sensors to help you save energy automatically.

Subpanel

A smaller breaker panel is connected to the main one. It distributes power to specific areas like a garage or an addition.

Surge Protectors (Lightning Protectors)

They shield your electronics from voltage spikes caused by storms or utility problems. Think of them as a buffer against sudden surges.

Tamper-Resistant Outlet

An outlet with built-in shutters that block anything that isn’t a real plug. It helps protect children from electric shock.

Voltage

Voltage is the force that pushes electricity through wires. Higher voltage means more power can be delivered.

WAGO Connectors

WAGO connectors are small plastic clips that safely lock wires together. They’re quicker than twisting wires by hand but come with risk.

Wire Gauge

Wire gauge measures how thick a wire is. Lower numbers mean a thicker wire that can carry more electricity.

Stranded Wire

Stranded wire is made of many small wires twisted together to create one flexible wire. It’s easier to bend than solid wire and is often used where the wire needs to move or fit into tight spaces.

Plug Tester

A plug tester is a small handheld device used to check if an outlet is wired correctly. You just plug it in, and its lights show if anything is wrong—like reversed wires, missing ground, or no power.

Incandescent Bulbs

Incandescent bulbs are traditional light bulbs that create light by heating a metal filament until it glows. They use more energy and burn out faster than newer options like LEDs.

Ground Fault

A ground fault happens when electricity accidentally takes a shortcut to the ground, often through a person or unintended path. It’s dangerous because it can cause shocks or fires, which is why devices like GFCIs are used to detect and stop it quickly.

Fish Tape

A tool electricians use to guide wires through walls or conduit. It’s a long, flexible metal or plastic strip that helps pull wires where hands can’t reach.

Pigtail

A short piece of wire used to connect two or more wires to a single device or connection point, like a light or outlet.

Voltage Drop

The reduction in voltage as electricity travels through wiring, especially over long distances or in undersized wires. It can affect the performance of lights and appliances.

Open Ground

A wiring issue where the ground wire is missing or disconnected. It means a circuit isn’t properly grounded, which is a safety concern.

Termination

The point where a wire is connected to a device like a switch, outlet, or breaker. Proper terminations are important for safe, reliable connections.

Knowing the terms is a great start, but sometimes it helps to see how everything works together. If you're curious, you can find out more about your electrical system and what’s going on behind the scenes in your home.