DEFINITION OF TERMS PART I
Conduit. A tube used to protect and route electrical
Air Terminal. Capable to drawing lighting discharge to it
in preference to vulnerable parts of the protected area. It
may consist of a pointed, solid, or tubular rod or one with
special design and material provided with a mounting
base having a proper conductor connection.
Ampacity. The maximum amount of electric current a
conductor or device can carry before sustaining
immediate or progressive deterioration.
Ampere. The measurement of intensity of rate of flow of
electrons in an electric circuit. An ampere is the amount
of current that will flow through a resistance of 1 ohm
under a pressure of 1 volt.
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter. An arc-fault circuit
interrupter is a device intended to provide protection
from the effects of arc faults by recognizing
characteristics unique to arcing and by functioning to de-
energize the circuit when an arc fault is detected.
Bathroom. An area including a basin with one or more of
the following: a toilet, a tub, or a shower.
Branch Circuit. The circuit conductor between the final
overcurrent device protecting the circuit and the
outlet(s).
Branch Circuit, General Purpose. A branch circuit that
supplies a number of outlets for lighting and appliances.
Bonding. the act of joining two electrical conductors
together.
Capacitor. A device used to store an electric charge,
consisting of one or more pairs of conductors separated
by an insulator.
Capacitance. the ability of a component or circuit to
collect and store energy in the form of an electrical charge.
Circuit. A path or line through which an electrical current
flow.
Circuit Breaker. A device designed to open and close a
circuit by no automatic means and to open the circuit
automatically on a predetermined overcurrent without
damage to itself when properly applied within its rating.
Class II Materials. All conductors, fittings and fixtures for
protection exceeding 23 m in height; or one which has a
structural steel frame, of any height.
Counterpoise (ground). A conductor encircling a
building and inter-connecting all ground terminals
Copper-Clad Steel. Steel with a coating of copper to bond
it
Condensation. The process by which water vapor in the
air is changed into liquid water.
Conductor. An object or material allowing the current to
pass through.
wiring in a building or structure.
Current. The flow of electrons through an electrical
circuit, measured in amperes.
Current-Limiting Overcurrent Protective Device. A
device that, when interrupting currents in its current-
limiting range, reduces the current flowing in the faulted
circuit to a magnitude substantially less than that
obtainable in the same circuit if the device were replaced
with a solid conductor having comparable impedance.
Disconnecting Means. A device, or group of devices, or
other means by which the conductors of a circuit can be
disconnected from their source of supply.
Dwelling Unit. A single unit, providing complete and
independent living facilities for one or more persons,
including permanent provisions for living, sleeping,
cooking, and sanitation.
Effective Ground-Fault Current Path. An intentionally
constructed, permanent, low-impedance electrically
conductive path designed and intended to carry current
underground-fault conditions from the point of a ground
fault on a wiring system to the electrical supply source and
that facilitates the operation of the overcurrent protective
device or ground fault detectors on high-impedance
grounded systems.
Equipment. A general term including material, fittings,
devices, appliances, luminaires (fixtures), apparatus, and
the like used as a part of, or in connection with, an
electrical installation.
Fastener. An attachment to secure the conductor to the
structure.
Flammable Vapor. The vapor given from a flammable
liquid at or above its flash point.
Flash Point. The minimum temperature at which it gives
off vapor in sufficient concentration to form an ignitable
mixture with air near the surface of the liquid within the
vessel.
Ground. The reference point in an electrical circuit from
which voltages are measured, a common return path for
electric current, or a direct physical connection to the
Earth.
Grounding Conductor. A conductor used to connect
equipment or the grounded circuit of a wiring system to a
grounding electrode or electrodes.
Grounding Electrode. A device that establishes an
electrical connection to the earth.
Ground Fault. An unintentional, electrically conducting
connection between an ungrounded conductor of an
electrical circuit and the normally non-current-carrying
conductors, metallic enclosures, metallic raceways,
metallic equipment, or earth.
Grounding Conductor, Equipment. The conductor used
to connect the non-current-carrying metal parts of
equipment, raceways, and other enclosures to the system
grounded conductor, the grounding electrode conductor,
or both, at the service equipment or at the source of a
separately derived system.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). A safety
device intended to prevent electrical shock by detecting
an improper flow of electrical current and shutting the
electrical circuit off very quickly - in milliseconds.
Ground-Fault Current Path. An electrically conductive
path from the point of a ground fault on a wiring system
through normally non-current carrying conductors,
equipment, or the earth to the electrical supply source.
Flash Point. The minimum temperature at which it gives
off vapor in sufficient concentration to form an ignitable
mixture with air near the surface of the liquid within the
vessel.
Lighting Protection System. A complete system of air
terminals, conductors, ground terminals, interconnecting
conductors, arresters, and other connectors or fittings
required to complete the system.
Metal Body of Conductance. Metal objects at the flat roof
level subject to direct lighting stroke.
Metal Body of Inductance. Metal objects located 2000
mm of a conductor subject to buildup of potential.
Metal-Clad Building. Building with either sides or roof
made of or covered with sheet metal.
Interrupting Rating. The highest current at rated voltage
that a device is intended to interrupt under standard test
conditions.
Outlet. A point on the wiring system at which current is
taken to supply utilization equipment.
Overcurrent. Any current in excess of the rated current
of equipment or the ampacity of a conductor. It may result
from overload, short circuit, or ground fault.
Overcurrent Protective Device (OCPD). A device
designed to protect a circuit by opening the device when
the current reaches a value that will cause an excessive or
dangerous temperature rises in conductors. Common
forms of overcurrent devices are circuit breakers, fuses,
and thermal overload elements found in motor
controllers.
Overload. Operation of equipment in excess of the
normal, full-load rating, or of a conductor in excess of
rated ampacity that, when it persists for a sufficient
length of time, would cause damage or dangerous
overheating.
Panel Board. An electricity supply system that divides an
electrical power feed into subsidiary circuits, while
providing a protective fuse or circuit breaker for each
circuit in a common enclosure.
Power Outlet. An enclosed assembly that may
include receptacles, circuit breakers, fuse holders,
fused switches, buses, and watt-hour meter mounting
means; intended to supply and control power to
mobile homes, recreational vehicles, park trailers, or
boats or to serve as a means for distributing power
required to operate mobile or temporarily installed
equipment.
Receptacle. A contact device installed at the outlet for the
connection of an attachment plug. A single receptacle is a
single contact device with no other contact device on the
same yoke. A multiple receptacle is two or more contact
devices on the same yoke.
Receptacle Outlet. An outlet where one or more
receptacles are installed.
Resistance. The opposition to the flow of a current in a
conductor or a circuit.
Rods and Points. Generic terms for the component parts.
Service Panel. A metal box usually near the site where
electricity enters the house. In the service panel, electrical
current is split into individual circuits. In residences, the
service panel has circuit breakers or fuses to protect each
circuit.
Short Circuit. The unintentional electrical connection
between any two normally current-carrying conductors
of a circuit.
Side flash. A spark between nearby metallic objects to
lighting protection system or to ground.
Stack, Heavy-Duty. A smoke/vent stack with greater
than 0.32 m2 and the height is greater than 23 m.
Surge Arrester. A protective device for limiting surge
voltages by discharging or by-passing surge current, and
it also prevents continued flow of follow current while
remaining capable of repeating these functions.
Tap Conductor. A conductor, other than a service
conductor, that has overcurrent protection ahead of its
point of supply that exceeds the value permitted for
similar conductors that are protected.
Terminal. A screw or a quick-connect device where a
conductor(s) is intended to be connected.
Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor (TVSS). A
protective device for limiting transient voltages by
diverting or limiting surge current; it also prevents
continued flow of follow current while remaining capable
of repeating these functions.
Vapor Openings. Openings for tank breathing, tank
gaging, and firefighting.
Voltage. An electrical pressure that pushes the current to
flow in a conductor.
Voltage to Ground. For grounded circuits, the
voltage between the given conductor and that point
or conductor of the circuit that is grounded; for
ungrounded circuits, the greatest voltage between
the given conductor and any other conductor of the
circuit.
Zone of Protection. Provided by a grounded air terminal
or mast or overhead ground wire which is immune to
direct strokes of lighting.
DEFINITION OF TERMS PART II
A
ACTUATOR SOLENOID - The solenoid in the actuator
housing on the back of the injection pump which moves
the control rack as commanded by the engine controller.
ALTERNATOR - A device which converts mechanical
energy into electrical energy.
ALTERNATING CURRENT (AC) - A flow of electrons
which reverses its direction of flow at regular intervals in
a conductor.
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE - The temperature of the
surrounding medium, such as gas, air or liquid, which
comes into contact with a particular component.
AMMETER - An instrument for measuring the flow of
electrical current in amperes. Ammeters are always
connected in series with the circuit to be tested.
AMPACITY - The amount of current a conductor can carry
without exceeding its specified temperature, in amperes.
AMPERE - A unit of measure for the flow of current in a
circuit. One ampere is the amount of current flow
provided when one volt of electrical pressure is applied
against one ohm of resistance. The ampere is used to
measure electricity much as "gallons per minute" is used
to measure water flow.
AMPERE-HOUR - A unit of measure for battery capacity.
It is obtained by multiplying the current (in amperes) by
the time (in hours) during which current flows. For
example, a battery which provides 5 amperes for 20 hours
is said to deliver 100 ampere - hours.
AMPLIFIER - A device of electronic components used to
increase power, voltage, or current of a signal.
AMPLITUDE - A term used to describe the maximum
value of a pulse or wave. It is the crest value measured
from zero.
ANALOG IC - integrated circuits composed to produce,
amplify, or respond to variable voltages. They include
many kinds of amplifiers that involve analog - to - digital
conversions and vice versa, timers, and inverters. They
are known as Operational Amplifier Circuits or OP - Amps.
ANALOG GAUGE - A display device utilizing a varying
current to cause a mechanical change in the position of its
needle.
ARMATURE - The movable part of a generator or motor.
It is made up of conductors which rotate through a
magnetic field to provide voltage or force by
electromagnetic induction. The pivoted points in
generator regulators are also called armatures.
ARTIFICIAL MAGNETS - A magnet which has been
magnetized by artificial means. It is also called, according
to shape, a bar magnet or a horseshoe magnet.
ATOM - A particle which is the smallest unit of a chemical
element. It is made up mainly of electrons (minus
charges) in orbit around protons (positive charges).
AWG – American Wire Gauge; standard measuring
gauge for non-ferrous conductors (i.e., non-iron and non-
steal).
AUXILIARY SPEED SENSOR - The engine speed sensor
located on the engine timing gear cover. It serves as a back
- up to the primary engine speed sensor.
B
BENDIX DRIVE - One type flywheel engaging device for a
starting motor. It is said to be mechanical because it
engages by inertia.
BREAK - See "Open."
BRUSH - A device which rubs against a rotating slip ring
or commutator to provide a passage for electric current
to a stationary conductor.
C
CABLE – A cable is a set of wires, usually encased in an
outer protective jacket. A “cord” would be a cable by this
definition so far, but a cable is part of a permanent
installation; a cord is more flexible and often has a plug
end for a portable appliance or lamp.
CALIBRATION - The determination or rectification of the
graduations used on a testing instrument.
CAPACITOR - A device which stores electrical energy.
Commonly used for filtering out voltage spikes.
CHARGE - To restore the active materials in a storage
battery by the passage of direct current through the
battery cells in a direction opposite that of the discharging
current.
CIRCUIT ― refers to the complete path where an electric
current can flow.
CIRCUIT BREAKER — An automatic device for stopping
the flow of current in an electric circuit. To restore
service, the circuit breaker must be reset (closed) after
correcting the cause of the overload or failure. Circuit
breakers are used in conjunction with protective relays to
protect circuits from faults.
CONDUCTOR ―are substances or materials used to allow
the flow of the current.
CONDUIT PIPE ― the most common electrical raceways
used in all types of construction.
CONVENIENCE OUTLET-A device that by insertion into a
receptacle establishes connection between the conductor
of the flexible cord and the conductors connected
permanently to the receptacle.
CURRENT - Movement of electricity along a conductor.
Current is measured in amperes.
CURRENT FLOW - The flow or movement of electrons
from atom to atom in a conductor.
CYCLE - The change in an alternating electrical sine wave
from zero to a positive peak to zero to a negative peak and
back to zero.
CYCLING - The process by which a battery is discharged
and recharged.
D the solenoid coil.
DIAGNOSTIC CODE - A number which represents a
problem detected by the engine controller. Diagnostic
codes are transmitted for use by on - board
displays or a diagnostic reader so the operator or
technician is aware there is a problem and in what part of
the fuel injection system the problem can be found.
DIFFERENTIATOR CIRCUIT - A circuit that consists of
resistors and capacitors designed to change a DC input to
an AC output. It is used to make narrow pulse generators
and to trigger digital logic circuits. When used in
integrated circuits it is known as an inverter.
DIGITAL IC - integrated circuits that produce logic
voltage signals or pulses that have only two levels of
output that are either ON or OFF (yes or no). Some
component output examples are: Diagnostic Codes
Output, Pulse - Width - Modulated (PWM) Throttle
Output, Auxiliary Speed Output, and Fuel Flow Throttle
Output.
DIODE - An electrical device that will allow current to
pass through itself in one direction only. Also see "Zener
diode."
DIRECT CURRENT (DC) - A steady flow of electrons
moving steadily and continually in the same direction
along a conductor from a point of high potential to one of
lower potential. It is produced by a battery, generator, or
rectifier.
DISCHARGE - To remove electrical energy from a charged
body such as a capacitor or battery.
DISTRIBUTOR (IGNITION) - A device which directs the
high voltage of the ignition coil to the engine spark plugs.
DISTRIBUTOR LEAD CONNECTOR - A connection plug
in the wires that lead from the sensor in the distributor to
the electronic control unit.
DYER DRIVE - One type of flywheel engaging mechanism
in a starting motor.
E
ELECTRICAL FIELD - The region around a charged body
in which the charge has an effect.
ELECTRICITY - The flow of electrons from atom to atom
in a conductor.
ELECTRIC MOTOR - An electric motor is an electrical
machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical
energy. The reverse of this is the conversion of
mechanical energy into electrical energy and is done by
an electric generator, which has much in common with a
motor.
ELECTROCHEMICAL - The relationship of electricity to
chemical changes and with the conversions of chemical
and electrical energy. A battery is an electrochemical
device.
ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC VALVE - A hydraulic valve
actuated by a solenoid through variable voltage applied to
ELECTROLYTE - Any substance which, in solution, is
dissociated into ions and is thus made capable of
conducting an electrical current. The sulfuric acid - water
solution in a storage battery is an electrolyte.
ELECTROMAGNET - core of magnetic material, generally
soft iron, surrounded by a coil of wire through which
electrical current is passed to magnetize the core.
ELECTROMAGNETIC CLUTCH - An electromagnetic
device which stops the operation of one part of a machine
while other parts of the unit keep on operating.
ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD - The magnetic field about a
conductor created by the flow of electrical current
through it.
ELECTROMAGNETIC INDUCTION - The process by
which voltage is induced in a conductor by varying the
magnetic field so that lines of force cut across the
conductor.
ELECTRON - A tiny particle which rotates around the
nucleus of an atom. It has a negative charge of electricity.
ELECTRON THEORY - The theory which explains the
nature of electricity and the exchange of "free" electrons
between atoms of a conductor. It is also used as one
theory to explain direction of current flow in a circuit.
ELECTRONICS - The control of electrons (electricity) and
the study of their behaviour and effects. This control is
accomplished by devices that resist, carry, select, steer,
switch, store, manipulate, and exploit the electron.
ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) - General term for
any electronic controller.
ELECTRONIC GOVERNOR - The computer program
within the engine controller which determines the
commanded fuel delivery based on throttle command,
engine speed, and fuel temperature. It replaces the
function of a mechanical governor.
ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEM - A system in which the
timing of the ignition spark is controlled electronically.
Electronic ignition systems have no points or condenser,
but instead have a reluctor, sensor, and electronic control
unit.
ELEMENT - (1) Any substance that normally cannot be
separated into different substances. (2) The completed
assembly of a battery consisting of negative plates,
positive plates, and separators mounted in a cell
compartment.
ENGINE CONTROLLER - The electronic module which
controls fuel delivery, diagnostic outputs, back - up
operation, and communications with other electronic
modules.
F I
FEEDER - All circuit conductors between the service
equipment or the generator switchboard of an isolated
plant, and the final branch circuit over current device.
FIELD EFFECT TRANSISTOR (FET) - A transistor which
uses voltage to control the flow of current. Connections
are the source (input), drain (output) and gate (control).
FIXED RESISTOR - A resistor which has only one
resistance value.
FREOUENCY - The number of pulse or wave cycles that
are completed in one second. Frequency is measured in
Hertz, as in 60Hz (hertz) per second.
FUNDAMENTAL LAW OF MAGNETISM - The
fundamental law of magnetism is that unlike poles attract
each other, and like poles repel each other.
FUSE - A replaceable safety device for an electrical circuit.
A fuse consists of a fine wire or a thin metal strip encased
in glass or some fire-resistant material. When an overload
occurs in the circuit, the wire or metal strip melts,
breaking the circuit.
G are Analog and Digital Integrated Circuits. Also see
GATE - A logic circuit device which makes a YES or NO
(one or zero) decision (output) based on two or more
inputs.
GENERATOR - A device which converts mechanical
energy into electrical energy.
GFCI – Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter. An electrical
wiring device that disconnects a circuit whenever it
detects that the electric current is not balanced between
the energized conductor and the return neutral
conductor.
GRID - A wire mesh to which the active materials of a
storage battery are attached.
GROUND - A ground occurs when any part of a wiring
circuit unintentionally touches a metallic part of the
machine frame.
GROUNDED CIRCUIT - A connection of any electrical unit
to the frame, engine, or any part of the tractor or machine,
completing the electrical circuit to its source.
GROWLER - A device for testing the armature of a
generator or motor.
H
HERTZ – Measurement of frequency, equaling Table 3
one cycle per second, U.S. devices are typically 60 Hertz
and international devices are typically 50 hertz.
HYDROMETER - An instrument for measuring specific
gravity. A hydrometer is used to test the specific gravity
of the electrolyte in a battery.
IEC – International Electrotechnical Commission, an
international organization that sets standards for
electrical products.
IGNITION CONTROL UN IT - The module that contains
the transistors and resistors that controls the electronic
ignition.
INDUCTANCE - The property of an electric circuit by
which an electromotive force (voltage) is induced in it by
a variation of current either in the circuit itself or in a
neighbouring circuit.
INDUCTOR - A coil of wire wrapped around an iron core.
INSULATED GATE FIELD EFFECT TRANSISTOR
(IGFET) - A diffused transistor which has an insulated
gate and almost infinite gate - channel resistance.
INSULATOR - A substance or body that resists the flow of
electrical current through it. Also see "Conductor:'
INTEGRATED CIRCUIT (IC) - An electronic circuit which
utilizes resistors, capacitors, diodes, and transistors to
perform various types of operations. The two major types
"Analog IC" and "DigitaI IC."
INTEGRATOR CIRCUIT - A circuit that consists of
resistors and capacitors and functions as a filter which
can pass signals only below a certain frequency.
INVERTER - A device with only one input and one output;
it inverts or reverses any input.
ION - An atom having either a shortage or excess of
electrons.
ISOLATION DIODE - A diode placed between the battery
and the alternator. It blocks any current flow from the
battery back through the alternator regulator when the
alternator is not operating.
K
KILOWATT-HOUR (KWH) - The product of power in kW
and time in hours. Equal to 1000 Watt-hours.
KILOWATT (KW) - Equal to 1000 watts.
KILOWATT-HOUR METER - A device used to measure
electrical energy use.
L
LIGHT EMITTING DIODE (LED) - A solid - state display
device that emits infrared light when a forward - biased
current flows through it.
LINES OF FORCE - Invisible lines which conveniently
illustrate the characteristics of a magnetic field and
magnetic flux about a magnet.
LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY (LCD) - A display device
utilizing a special crystal fluid to allow segmented
displays.
LOAD - Anything which consumes electrical energy, such
as lights, transformers, heaters and electric motors.
M of a circuit.
MAGNET - A body which has the property of at. attracting
iron or other magnets. Its molecules are aligned.
MAGNETIC FIELD - That area near a magnet in which its
property of magnetism can be detected. It is shown by
magnetic lines of force.
MAGNETIC FLUX - The flow of magnetism about a
magnet exhibited by magnetic lines of force in a magnetic
field.
MAGNETIC INDUCTION - The process of introducing
magnetism into a bar of iron or other magnetic material.
MAGNETIC LINES OF FORCE - Invisible lines which
conveniently illustrate the characteristics of a magnetic
field and magnetic flux about a magnet.
MAGNETIC MATERIAL - Any material to whose
molecules the property of magnetism can be imparted.
MAGNETIC NORTH - The direction sought by the north
pole end of a magnet, such as a magnetic needle, in a
horizontal position. It is near the geographic north pole of
the Earth.
MAGNETIC PICKUP ASSEMBLY - The assembly in a self -
integrated electronic ignition system that contains a
permanent magnet, a pole piece with internal teeth, and a
pickup coil. These parts, when properly aligned, cause the
primary circuit to switch off and induce high voltage in
the secondary windings.
MAGNETIC SOUTH - The opposite direction from
magnetic north towards which the south pole end of a
magnet, such as a magnetic needle, is attracted when in a
horizontal position. It is near the geographic south pole of
the Earth.
MAGNETIC SWITCH - A solenoid which performs a
simple function, such as closing or opening switch
contacts.
MAGNETISM - The property inherent in the molecules of
certain substances, such as iron, to become magnetized,
thus making the substance into a magnet.
MICROPROCESSOR - An integrated circuit combing logic,
amplification and memory functions.
MILLIAMPERE - 1/1, OOO, OOO ampere.
MOLECULE - A unit of matter which is the smallest
portion of an element or compound that retains chemical
identity with the substance in mass. It is made up of one
or more atoms.
MOTOR - A device which converts electric energy into
mechanical energy.
MULTIMETER - A testing device that can be set to read
ohms (resistance), voltage (force), or amperes (current)
MUTUAL INDUCTION - Occurs when changing current in
one coil induces voltage in a second coil.
N
NATURAL MAGNET - A magnet which occurs in nature,
such as a lodestone. Its property of magnetism has been
imparted by the magnetic effects of the Earth.
NEGATIVE - Designating or pertaining to a kind of
electricity. Specifically, an atom that gains negative
electrons is negatively charged.
NEUTRON - An uncharged elementary particle. Present in
all atomic nuclei except the hydrogen nucleus.
NON-MAGNETIC MATERIAL - A material whose
molecules cannot be magnetized.
NORMALLY OPEN and NORMALLY CLOSED - These
terms refer to the position taken by the contacts in a
magnetically operated switching device, such as a relay,
when the operating magnet is de. energized.
O
OHM - The standard unit for measuring resistance to flow
of an electrical current. Every electrical
conductor offers resistance to the flow of current, just as
a tube through which water flows offers resistance to the
current of water. One ohm is the amount of resistance that
limits current flow to one ampere in a circuit with one volt
of electrical pressure.
OHMMETER - An instrument for measuring the
resistance in ohms of an electrical circuit.
OHM'S LAW - Ohm's Law states that when an electric
current is flowing through a conductor, such as a wire, the
intensity of the current (in amperes) equals the
electromotive force (volts) driving it, divided by the
resistance of the conductor. The flow is in proportion to
the electromotive force, or voltage, as long as the
resistance remains the same.
OPEN OR OPEN CIRCUIT - An open or open circuit occurs
when a circuit is broken, such as by a broken wire or open
switch, interrupting the flow of current through the
circuit. It is analogous to a closed valve in a water system.
OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIER - A high - voltage gain, low -
power, linear amplifying circuit device used to add,
subtract, average, etc.
OUTLET - A point in the wiring system at which current
is taken to supply utilization equipment.
OVERRUNNING CLUTCH - One type of flywheel engaging
member in a starting motor.
P
PANEL BOARD-The box wherein the protective devices
are grouped from which they are fed.
PARALLEL CIRCUIT - A circuit in which the circuit
components are arranged in branches so that there is a
separate path to each unit along which electrical current
can flow.
Philippine Electrical Code. - The Philippine Electrical
code is used nationally as the basis for safeguarding
persons, buildings and its contents from hazards that may
arise from the use of electricity.
PERMANENT MAGNET - A magnet which retains its
property of magnetism for an indefinite period.
PIEZO ELECTRIC DEVICE - A device made of crystalline
materials, such as quartz, which bend or distort when
force or pressure is exerted on them. This pressure forces
the electrons to move.
PLATE - A solid substance from which electrons flow.
Batteries have positive plates and negative plates.
PLUG – A male cord mounted wiring device with the
conducting pins protruding and exposed. This type device
should never be wired to make the exposed pins live
while unplugged. Therefore, plugs are always dead until
they are plugged into a power source such as a wall outlet
or generator outlet.
POLARITY - A collective term applied to the positive (+)
and negative (-) ends of a magnet or electrical mechanism
such as a coil or battery.
POLE - One or two points of a magnet at which its
magnetic attraction is concentrated.
POLE SHOES - Iron blocks fastened to the inside of a
generator or motor housing around which the field or
stator coils are wound. The pole shoes may be permanent
or electro - magnets.
POSITIVE - Designating or pertaining to a kind of
electricity. Specifically, an atom which loses negative
electrons and is positively charged.
POTENTIOMETER - A variable resistor used as a voltage
divider.
POWER- power is the rate of energy consumption in an
electrical circuit. The electric power is measured in units
of watts.
POWER SWITCH TRANSISTOR - The part responsible
for switching off the primary circuit that causes high
voltage induction in the secondary winding in an
electronic ignition system.
Personal Protective Equipment - an equipment that
will protect the user against health or safety risks at work.
PRIMARY SPEED SENSOR - An engine speed sensor
located inside the actuator housing on the back of the
injection pump.
PRINCIPLE OF TURNING FORCE - Explains how
magnetic force acts on a current - carrying conductor to
create movement of an armature, such as in an electric
motor.
PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD - A device used to hold
integrated circuit components in place and provide
current paths from component to component. Copper
pathways are etched into the board with acid.
PROTON - A particle which, together with the neutron
constitutes the nucleus of an atom. It exhibits a positive
charge of electricity.
PULSE - A signal that is produced by a sudden ON and OFF
of direct current (DC) within a circuit.
PULSE-WIDTH-MODULATED (PWM) - A digital
electronic signal which consists of a pulse generated at a
fixed frequency. The information transmitted by the
signal is contained in the width of the pulse. The width of
the pulse is changed (modulated) to indicate a
corresponding change in the information being
transmitted, such as throttle command.
R
RECEPTACLE-A contact device installed at the outlet for
the connection of a single attachment plug.
RECTIFIER - A device (such as a vacuum tube,
commutator, or diode) that converts alternating current
into direct current.
REGULATOR - A device which controls the flow of
current or voltage in a circuit to a certain desired level.
RELAY - An electrical coil switch that uses a small current
to control a much larger current.
RELUCTANCE - The resistance that a magnetic circuit
offers to lines of force in a magnetic field.
RELUCTOR - A metal cylinder, with teeth or legs,
mounted on the distributor shaft in an electronic ignition
system. The reluctor rotates with the distributor
shaft and passes through the electromagnetic field of the
sensor.
RESISTANCE - The opposing or retarding force offered by
a circuit or component of a circuit to the passage of
electrical current through it. Resistance is measured in
ohms.
RESISTOR - A device usually made of wire or carbon
which presents a resistance to current flow.
RHEOSTAT - A resistor used for regulating a current by
means of variable resistance; rheostats allow only one
current path.
RIGHT-HAND RULE - A method used to determine the
direction a magnetic field rotates about a conductor, or to
find the north pole of a magnetic field in a coil.
ROTOR - The rotating part of an electrical machine such
as a generator, motor, or alternator.
S
SELF-INDUCTION - Voltage which occurs in a coil when
there is a change of current.
SEMICONDUCTOR - An element which has four electrons
in the outer ring of its atoms. Silicon and germanium are
examples. These elements are neither good conductors
nor good insulators. Semiconductors are used to make
diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits.
SENDING UNIT - A device, usually located in some part of
an engine, to transmit information to a gauge on an
instrument panel.
SENSOR - A small coil of fine wire in the distributor on
electronic ignition systems. The sensor develops an
electromagnetic field that is sensitive to the presence of
metal. In monitors and controllers, they sense operations
of machines and relay the information to a console.
SEPARATOR - Any of several substances used to keep
one substance from another. In batteries a separator
separates the positive plates from the negative plates.
SERIES CIRCUIT - A circuit in which the parts are
connected end to end, positive pole to negative pole, so
that only one path is provided for current flow.
SERIES-PARALLEL CIRCUIT - A circuit in which some of
the circuit components are connected in series and others
are connected in parallel.
SERVICE ENTRANCE-The conductor and equipment for
delivering energy from the electricity supply system to
the wiring system of the promises served.
SHORT CIRCUIT - This occurs when one part of a circuit
comes in contact with another part of the same circuit,
diverting the flow of current from its desired path.
SHUNT - A conductor joining two points in a circuit so as
to form a parallel circuit through which a portion of the
current may pass.
SLIP RING - In a generator, motor, or alternator, one of
two or more continuous conducting rings from which
brushes take, or deliver to, current.
SOLENOID - A tubular coil used for producing a magnetic
field. A solenoid usually performs some type of
mechanical work.
SOLID-STATE CIRCUITS - Electronic (integrated)
circuits which utilize semiconductor devices such as
transistors, diodes and silicon-controlled rectifiers.
SPARK PLUGS - Devices which ignite the fuel by a spark
in a spark - ignition engine.
SPECIFIC GRAVITY - The ratio of a weight of any volume
of a substance to the weight of an equal volume of some
substance taken as a standard, usually water for solids
and liquids. When a battery electrolyte is tested the result
is the specific gravity of the electrolyte.
SPRAG CLUTCH DRIVE - A type of flywheel engaging
device for a starting motor.
STARTER MOTOR - A device that converts electrical
energy from the battery into mechanical energy that turns
an engine over for starting.
STATOR - The stationary part of an alternator in which
another part (the rotor) revolves.
STORAGE BATTERY - A group of electrochemical cells
connected together to generate electrical energy. It stores
the energy in a chemical form.
SULFATION - The formation of hard crystals of lead
sulphate on battery plates. The battery is then
"sulphated."
SWITCH - A device which opens or closes electrical
pathways in an electrical circuit.
SYNCHROGRAPH - An all - purpose distributor tester.
T
TACHOMETER - An instrument for measuring rotary
speed; usually revolutions per minute.
TEMPORARY MAGNET - A magnet which loses its
property of magnetism quickly unless forces act to re -
magnetize it.
TERMINAL – A terminal is the point at which a conductor
from an electrical component, device or network comes to
an end and provides a point of connection to external
circuits. A terminal may simply be the end of a wire or it
may be fitted with a connector or fastener.
THERMISTOR - A temperature - compensated resistor.
The degree of its resistance varies with the temperature.
In some regulators, it controls a Zener diode so that a
higher system voltage is produced in cold weather, when
needed.
TRANSFORMER - A device made of two coil windings
that transfers voltage from one coil to the next through
electromagnetic induction. Depending upon the number
of windings per coil, a transformer can be designed to step
- up or step - down its output voltage from its input
voltage. Transformers can only function with alternating
current (AC).
rate of one watt. That is, watthours = ampere - hours x
volts.
WAVE - A signal that is produced by varying a continuous
flow of current within a circuit. Waveforms can be created
by either AC or DC current.

TRANSIENT VOLTAGE PROTECTION MODULE (TVP) - WAVEFORM - A graphical representation of electrical

A device which protects the engine controller electronics
against high energy voltage transients such as alternator
load dumps.
TRANSISTOR - A device constructed of semi - conductors
that is used in circuits to control a larger current by using
a smaller current for operation. Its function is the same as
a relay.
TRIMMER RESISTOR - A resistor used in applications
where only a small resistance change is needed.
V an electrical circuit. Wires from one part of the circuit
VACUUM FLORESCENT DISPLAY (VDC) - An anode -
controlled display which emits its own light. It works like
a television tube, directing streams of electrons to strike
phosphorescent segments.
VARIABLE RESISTOR - A resistor that can be adjusted to
different ranges of value.
VISCOSITY - The internal resistance of a fluid, caused by
molecular attraction, which makes it resist a tendency to
flow.
cycles which shows the amount of variation in amplitude
over some period of time.
WINDING - The coiling of a wire about itself or about
some object. Often identified as a series winding, a shunt
winding, etc.
WIRE - a flexible metallic conductor, especially one made
of copper, usually insulated, and used to carry electric
current in a circuit.
WIRING HARNESS - The trunk and branches which feed
enter the trunk, joining other wires, and then emerge at
another point in the circuit.
Z
ZENER DIODE (Reverse Bias Direction Diode) - A
semiconductor device that will conduct current in the
reverse direction when the voltage becomes higher than
a predetermined voltage.

VOLT - A unit of electrical pressure (or electromotive

force) which causes current to flow in a circuit. One volt is
the amount of pressure required to cause one ampere of
current to flow against one ohm of resistance.

VOLTAGE - That force which is generated to cause

current to flow in an electrical circuit. It is also referred to
as electromotive force or electrical potential. Voltage is
measured in volts.

VOLTAGE REGULATOR - A device that controls the

strength of a magnetic field produced by a generator or
alternator. It prevents the battery from being over or
undercharged during high - or low - speed operation of
the generator or alternator.

VOLTMETER - An instrument for measuring the force in

volts of an electrical current. This is the difference of
potential (voltage) between different points in an
electrical circuit. Voltmeters are connected across
(parallel to) the points where voltage is to be measured.

W
WATT - A unit of measure for indicating the electrical
power applied in a circuit. It is obtained by multiplying
the current (in amperes) by the electrical pressure (in
volts) which cause it to flow. That is: watts = amperes x
volts.

WATT-HOUR - A unit of electrical energy. It indicates the

amount of work done in an hour by a circuit at a steady