Otis Singleton
When discussing electrical work, it's important to understand the basic terminology to avoid confusion and safety hazards. Terms like AC current, ampere, capacitance, circuit, and direct current are essential to comprehending how electricity works. Additionally, electricians often refer to the code, which signifies the National Electrical Code (NEC) established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This code is not federal law but has been adopted by all 50 US states and several other countries. Now, when it comes to inc. in the electrical context, it typically refers to the width of an electrical box or the number of switch/outlet banks it can accommodate. For example, a 1-gang box is wide enough for a single switch or duplex receptacle, while a 2-gang box is wider and has two sockets.
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What You'll Learn
1-Gang, 2-Gang, etc. refer to the width of the electrical box
The "gang" in 1-gang, 2-gang, etc. refers to the number of electrical components or circuits within an electrical box. In the US, the term also refers to the physical size of the box, with a 2-gang box being twice the width of a 1-gang box, and a 3-gang box being three times the width. This is because US construction generally follows the rule of one circuit per standard fixed box width, so the "gang" terminology has taken on this additional meaning.
In the UK, the n-Gang terminology is also used, but with a slightly different meaning. UK plugs are bigger and not usually stacked, so a 2-gang box is wider than a 1-gang box and has two sockets. The dimensions differ from those in the US. For switches, the "gang" terminology refers to the number of switches, so a 1-gang, 2-gang, and 3-gang switch may be the same size but have a different number of switch buttons.
To summarise, the "gang" terminology is used to describe the number of electrical components or circuits within a box, and in the US, it also refers to the physical size of the box. In the UK, the dimensions differ, and the terminology is based on the number of sockets or switches, rather than the physical size of the box.
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AC Current
AC stands for alternating current. This is an electric current that changes direction many times a second at regular intervals. The voltage from an AC power generator is not constant, unlike a DC source like a battery. It peaks and dips during each cycle. To compare it to the constant voltage from a DC power source, electricians calculate an average nominal voltage. This is the AC voltage (VAC) displayed on labels for appliances and electrical devices. In North America, any device that plugs into a standard wall outlet is rated for 120 VAC. However, the actual operating voltage ranges from 110 to 125 VAC because of voltage fluctuations.
The transformer is the device that increases and decreases electrical voltage. Large transformers at power plants increase voltage to several thousand volts, while smaller ones on power lines decrease voltage for use inside buildings. Transformers are also found inside electronic devices, where they decrease residential voltage to a level safe for the device's circuitry. The transformer is the small square box at the end of the wire where the plug prongs attach.
The service panel is the main control centre for the electrical system, where the wires from the transformer connect and branch out to supply the individual circuits in the home. The National Electrical Code (NEC) was established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in 1897, and its rules and standards are updated every three years. The NEC isn’t federal law, but it has been adopted by all 50 US states, as well as by authorities in Mexico and other countries around the world.
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Ammeter
An ammeter is an instrument used to measure the strength of electric current in a circuit. The unit of measurement for electric current is the ampere, or "amp" for short, and this is where the ammeter gets its name.
To measure electric current, an ammeter must be connected in series with the circuit so that the total current passes through it. This means that the ammeter is inserted into the circuit in such a way that all electrons flowing through the circuit also go through the meter. Ammeters usually have low resistance so that they do not cause a significant voltage drop in the circuit being measured.
There are several types of ammeters, including digital ammeters, analogue ammeters, and panel meters. Digital ammeters use a circuit to convert a measured analogue current to its digital equivalent. Analogue ammeters are the basis for a wide variety of derived meters, including voltmeters. Panel meters are meant to be mounted on some sort of control panel, and the flat, horizontal or vertical type is often called an edgewise meter.
To use an ammeter, you must first set the current type and range. You will need to choose between alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). You should then select the highest setting on the ammeter to prevent blowing the meter's internal fuse if the amperage is too high. Next, break the circuit by creating a break in the wiring between the negative terminal of the power source and the power input for the item receiving power. The ammeter will be tied into the circuit at this break so that electricity passes through the meter on its way to the item being powered, allowing the meter to take a reading. Finally, connect the ammeter leads to the circuit. The negative end of the ammeter will connect to the power source side of the broken circuit, and the positive end will connect to the opposite side.
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Ampacity
Several factors influence the ampacity of a wire, including wire size or gauge, with larger wires having higher ampacity. The type of insulation also matters, as different materials affect heat dissipation. Temperature ratings are crucial, with higher-rated wires capable of carrying more current. Additionally, installation conditions play a role, and ampacity varies based on whether the wire is in open air, conduit, or buried underground. For instance, a wire installed in a way that allows free movement of air around it can be rated to carry more current than one that is enclosed or buried.
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Ampere-Hour (Ah)
Ampere-hour combines the amount of current with the time taken for a battery to completely discharge. The calculation for Ah involves multiplying the current (in amperes) by the time (in hours) during which the current flows. For example, during one hour, the amount of charge transferred is 3,600 coulombs (ampere-seconds).
The Ah rating is displayed on the battery. If it is not specified, it usually means that the battery is a starting battery not designed to provide continuous power in ampere-hours. The accepted ampere-hour rating time period for solar electric batteries, deep-cycle batteries, and backup power systems is generally a 20-hour rate.
For industrial batteries, a six-hour rate is often specified as it is the typical daily duty cycle. Car batteries are usually rated at 70 Ah, while an average smartphone battery has between 2,500 and 6,000 milliampere-hours of electric capacity.
The C rating refers to how many ampere hours a battery can provide for a particular time period. For instance, a battery rated at 5C could provide 26.8 Ah over five hours without discharging. A higher milliampere-hour value usually indicates a longer battery runtime, higher storage capacity, or both.
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