Power Technology Terminology
AC/DC: Alternating Current/Direct Current (AC/DC) is used to refer to the type of electrical power used in electrical systems. Alternating current is the type of power which changes direction many times per second, while direct current is the type which flows in one direction only.
Amps: Amps (amperes) are a unit of measure for an electrical current. It is used to measure the strength of that current.
Amplifier: An amplifier is an electronic device which is used to increase the amplitude of a signal.
Battery: A battery is an electrical device which stores and provides electrical energy to a circuit.
Circuit: A circuit is a closed loop of connected electrical components.
Conductor: A conductor is a material that allows electricity to flow through it.
Current: Current is the rate of flow of electric charge.
Diode: A diode is an electrical component that acts as a one-way gate for electrons.
Driver: A driver is a device or circuit which changes or amplifies the level of a signal.
Electricity: Electricity is the form of energy which results from the movement of charged particles in an electric field.
EMF: EMF, or Electro-Motive Force, is the amount of force which causes electric charge to flow in an electrical circuit.
Ground: Grounding is a safety measure used to protect people, components, and equipment from electrical faults.
Insulator: An insulator is a material which does not allow the flow of electricity.
Load: A load is the electrical device or system that uses the electricity being input.
Ohm: Ohm is the unit of measure for electrical resistance.
Resistor: A resistor is an electrical component which is used to regulate the flow of electricity through a circuit.
Switch: A switch is a device that can be used to interrupt or control the flow of an electrical current.
Transformer: A transformer is a device which changes the amount of voltage in an electrical circuit.
Voltage: Voltage is the measure of electrical potential energy or the difference between two points in a circuit.
Watt: A watt is a unit of measure for electrical power. It is equal to one ampere times one volt.
