- A -

Amps:

AMPS are the amount of electricity or current flowing through a wire, similar to the flow of water through a pipe. A typical residential heating service capacity is 100 amps. 200 amps or more are required with electric heating.

Arcing (Overheating):

Arcing is the flow of electricity through the air from one conductor to another. Arcing can produce visible flashes and flames and emit crackling sounds. It is caused by overloaded electrical equipment.

- B -

Ballast:

A ballast is a device that is used to start a lamp and maintain proper current and voltage to keep it operating. Florescent and High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps require ballasts.

Brownout:

A reduction in voltage and/or power when demand for electricity exceeds generating capacity. The term brownout is misleading because customers generally do not notice the reduction, except when it affects sensitive electronic equipment.

BTU (British Thermal Unit):

A BTU is the standard unit for measuring the quantity of heat energy such as the heat content of fuel. It is the amount of heat energy necessary to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit (3412 BTUs=1 kWh).

- C -

Cable:

A cable is a wire or bundle of wires which is a fully insulated conductor. It can be installed underground or overhead.

Capacitor:

A capacitor is a device that helps improve the efficiency of the flow of electricity through distribution lines by reducing energy losses. It is installed in substations and on poles. Usually it is installed to correct an unwanted condition in an electrical system.

Capacity:

Capacity is the maximum load of electricity that equipment can carry.

Check Meter:

A check meter is usually installed as a temporary unit to measure the amount of current used by a particular appliance or piece of equipment.

Circuit (CKT):

A circuit is a path through which electricity travels.

Circuit Breaker:

A Circuit Breaker is a switch which "trips out" or disconnects an electric circuit upon overload or abnormal conditions. Circuit breakers are located in substations and on transmission and distribution lines throughout our network. They operate in the same manner as those found in your home.

Condensation:

Condensation is the collection of droplets of water produced when water vapor comes into contact with a cold surface.

Conductor:

An object or substance which conducts or leads electric current. A wire, cable, busbar, rod, or tube can serve as a path for electricity to flow. The most common conductor is an electrical wire.

Conduit:

A conduit is a tube, duct, or pipe used for protecting wires.

Convection:

Convection is the transfer of heat by the motions of fluids or gases

CONVEX:

CONVEX is the Connecticut Valley Electric Exchange, located in Newington CT. CONVEX plans and coordinates the dispatch of bulk electric power in Connecticut and Western Massachusetts. It is one of five satellite stations of the New England Power Exchange (NEPEX) which dispatches virtually all power across New England.

Current Transformer (CT):

Current Transformers are used in conjunction with metering equipment. They are designed to permit measurement of currents beyond the range of a meter.

Customer Rights:

NU will work with the customer to reach a reasonable arrangement for customer complaints and special requirements such as payment arrangements. If we can't come to an agreement on resolution or an arrangement, NU will refer this to a company review officer.

NU will not shut off your service for nonpayment while this review is under way. You must, however, pay your current bills during this procedure.

Customer Service Charge:

The Customer Service Charge is a portion of the customer's bill which remains the same from month to month. The charge is determined separately from the amount of energy used. It is based on the costs associated with connecting a customer to the company's distribution system, including the service connection and metering equipment.

The Customer Service Charge also recovers expenses such as meter reading billing costs, customer accounting expenses records and collections, and a portion of general plant items such as office space for customer service personnel.

Cutout:

A cutout is a piece of easily melted metal, which when inserted in an electric circuit, melts when the current becomes too great and blows when overloaded by too much demand.

- D -

Degree Day:

A degree day is a measure of temperature variation from standard, used primarily in connection with heating and cooling loads. This is determined by subtracting the average outdoor temperature of the day from 65° F (65° F is the point below which artificial heat is normally required to maintain comfort in the home or building.) For any one day when the mean temperature is less than 65° F, many degree days exist as there are Fahrenheit degrees difference in temperature.

Demand (kW):

Demand (kW) is the total amount of electricity required at any given time by a utility's customers. It is expressed in kW. (See Electric Demand.)

Demand Billing:

Demand billing is the demand upon which billing to a customer is based, as specified in the rate schedule or contract. The billing demand need not coincide with the actual measured demand for a billing period.

Demand Charge:

Demand charge is the specified charge to be billed on the basis of the billing demand, under the applicable rate schedule or contract.

Demand Ratchet:

Demand ratchet is the minimum billing demand based upon a given percentage of the actual demand use, recorded during the last eleven months of demand history.

Distribution Line:

A distribution line is a line or system for distributing power from a transmission system to a customer. It is any line operating at less than 69,000 volts.

- E -

Electric Demand:

Electric demand refers to the maximum load at which a customer uses electricity for a given period of time. Demand is measured in 15 minute and 30 minute intervals. A customer's demand is recorded on the demand register scale on the meter.

Electric System:

Electric System refers to all of the elements needed to distribute electrical power. This includes overhead and underground lines, poles, transformers, and other equipment.

Electricity:

Electricity is a form of energy produced by power plants.

Energy:

Energy is the ability to do work. Some different kinds of energy include: electrical energy, solar energy, wind energy, and nuclear energy.

Energy Efficiency Ratio:

An Energy Efficiency Ratio is the energy output of an appliance related to its energy consumption. The higher the number, the more efficient the appliance.

Entrance Cable/Service Entrance Conductors:

The Entrance Cable/Service Entrance Conductor is the cable running down the side of a customer's house into the meter. This cable is owned by the customer and its maintenance is the customer's responsibility. Work on this cable should only be performed by a licensed electrician.

Equivalent Customer:

The concept of Equivalent Customer is utilized with multiple occupancy residences. It is often determined by the number of kitchens the residence contains. The number of equivalent customers impacts customer charges when the billing rate contains multiple energy block charges.

- F -

Fault:

A fault is a failure or interruption in an electrical circuit.

Feeder:

A feeder is an electrical supply line, either overhead or underground, which runs from the substation, through various paths, ending with the transformers. It is a distribution circuit, usually less than 69,000 volts, which carries power from the substation.

Feeder Lockout:

Feeder lockout happens when a main circuit is interrupted at the substation by automatic protective devices and cannot be restored until crews investigate. This indicates a serious problem on the circuit, usually equipment failure or a broken conductor.

Fixture:

A fixture is a complete lighting unit including one or more lamps with a connection to a power source. Fixtures may also include one or more ballast.

Fluorescent Lamp:

A flourescent lamp is a lamp in which a current passes through mercury vapor, generating ultraviolet energy. There is a phosphorous coating inside the bulb that transforms that ultraviolet energy to visible light. A fluorescent lamp is more energy efficient than standard incandescent lighting.

Fossil Fuel:

Fossil fuel is fuel found in the ground, made up of decayed plant and animal life. Fossil fuels include coal, oil, and natural gas.

Franchise Area:

Franchise area is the territory in which a utility system supplies service to customers.

Fuel or Fossil Fuel:

Fuel or fossil fuels are for electric generation. These would include all types of fuel - solid, liquid, gaseous, and nuclear - used exclusively for the production of electricity.

Fuel Adjustment:

A clause in the rate schedule that provides for adjustment of the amount of a bill as the cost of fuel varies from a specified base amount per unit. The specified base amount is determined when rates are approved.

This item is shown on all customer bills and indicates the current rate for any necessary adjustment in the cost of fuel used by the company. It can be a credit or a debit. The fuel adjustment lags two (2) months behind the actual price of the fuel. For example, the cost of oil in January will be reflected in March's fuel adjustment.

Fuse:

A fuse is a piece of metal, which when inserted into an electric circuit, melts when the current becomes too great. High demand or an overloaded circuit will cause the fuse to blow. A fuse is used along distribution lines in order to isolate interruptions to a specific area.

Fuse/Fused Cutout:

A fuse/fused cutout protects the distribution line from overloading. It acts by melting during circuit overload or faulty conditions, breaking the circuit. A fuse/fused cutout is similar to fuses found in fuse boxes in homes.

- G -

Generate:

To generate is to make electricity.

Generating Station:

A generating station is a building where electricity is made. This term is used interchangeable with "power plant".

A generating Station is a station at which are located prime movers, electric generators, and auxiliary equipment for converting mechanical (water, wind,) chemical (fossil fuels) and/or nuclear energy into electric energy.

Generation:

Generation is the act or process of transforming other forms of energy into electric energy.

Generator - Electric:

Generator is a machine which transforms mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Gigawatt:

A gigawatt is one billion watts; useful for describing the capacity of large electrical systems.

Ground:

A ground happens when one or more conductors touch the earth causing the electricity to flow out of the circuit and into the earth.

Guy Wire:

A guy wire is a device used to support a pole.

GET (Gross Earnings Tax Adjustment):

The GET is charged by the state of Connecticut to every commercial and industrial customer. The amount is built into each rate structure. It is separate from Connecticut sales tax exemption for the sale or service of electricity to manufacturers.

This gross earnings tax reduction will only apply to companies engaged in a manufacturing production process whose standard industrial classification (SIC) is between 2000 and 3999, in accordance with the SIC Manual United States Office Of Management And Budget, 1987 Edition.

GU Adjustment:

By displacing expensive oil, nuclear plants provide large savings to customers. Our base electric rates reflect savings from the operation of Northeast Utilities' nuclear plants at an average level of 72 percent of full capacity. The GU Adjustment adjusts those savings to reflect actual performance above or below 72 percent. When actual performance is above 72 percent and savings are greater than assumed, the GU Adjustment rate is a credit to customers. When nuclear performance is lower than 72 percent and savings are less than reflected in base rates, the GU Adjustment rate is a charge. However, our customers will continue to save even if our nuclear plants operate as low as 25 percent of capacity.

The amount of the GU Adjustment charge on a customer's bill is determined by multiplying the GU Adjustment rate shown on the bill times the kilowatt hours (kWh) used in the current billing period.

- H -

Heat Pump:

Heat pump is a device that removes heat from one source and dissipates it elsewhere. In a building, it would heat the air in winter and cool the air in the summer. Several different types of heat pumps exist, but the most common are air to air heat exchangers.

High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Lamps:

High-intensity discharge (HID) lamp is the general term for mercury, metal halide, and high pressure sodium lamps.

Horsepower:

Horsepower is a unit for measuring the power of motors or engines. One (1) horsepower equals 746 watts. However, for all practical purposes, one horsepower is considered 1000 watts or 1 kilowatt (figure considers starting load and motor inefficiency).

For example, a 3 horsepower motor would be rated at approximately 3,000 watts or 3 kW, so a 1/3 horsepower furnace motor would be rated at approximately 333 watts.

Hydroelectric:

Hydroelectric identifies a type of generating station where mechanical energy produced by falling water is transformed into electrical energy.

- I -

Incandescent Lamp:

An incandescent lamp is one that creates light when an electric current flows through a tungsten filament, heating the filament to the point where it glows (incandescence).

Insulation (Thermal):

Insulation (thermal) is a non-conducting material having a relatively high resistance to heat flow and used primarily to retard heat flow. It also can be the protective material covering the electric wire. Rubber or polyethylene are commonly used.

Insulator:

An insulator is a device through which electricity cannot easily pass. An example would be porcelain support used to insulate conductors from a pole or tower. An insulator can be constructed of material such as porcelain, glass, rubber, and wood.

Interconnections System:

An interconnections system is a connection between two electrical systems permitting the transfer of electric energy in either direction.

Interruptible Power:

Interruptible power is power whose delivery can be curtailed by the supplier, usually under some sort of agreement by the parties involved.

Interruptible rate:

Interruptible rates provide power at a lower rate to large industrial and commercial customers who agree to reduce their electricity use in times of peak demand.

Investor-Owned Utility:

An investor-owned utility, such as Northeast Utilities, is a tax-paying utility company owned by private investors (stockholders).

- K -

Kilovolt (kV):

1 KILOVOLT (kV) = 1,000 volts.

Kilowatt (kW):

1 kilowatt (kW) = 1,000 watts.

kilowatt-hour (kWh):

Kilowatt-hour (kWh) is the basic unit of electric energy equal to 1 kilowatt or 1,000 watts of power used for one hour. The amount of power the customer uses is measured in kilowatt hours (kWh).

For example, a 100 watt light bulb that burns for 10 hours = 1 kWh (100 watts x 10 hrs.) or 1,000 watts used in 10 hours.

- L -

Lighting Efficiency:

Lighting efficiency is a comparison of the amount of light given off by a lamp to the amount of energy used, measured in lumens per watt.

For example, a lamp that yields 50 lumens per watt is twice as efficient as a lamp that yields 25 lumens per watt.

Lightning Arrestor:

A Lightning arrestor protects lines, transformers, and equipment from lightning surges by carrying the charge to the ground. Lightning arrestors serve the same purpose on a line as a safety value on a steam boiler.

Line:

A line is a system of poles, conduits, wires, cables, transformers, fixtures, and accessory equipment used for the distribution of electricity to the public.

Line Crews:

A Line crew is a team of highly trained workers who service and repair lines and equipment.

Load:

A load is the amount of power delivered, as required, at any point or points in the system. A load is created by the power demands of customer equipment.

Load factor:

Load factor is the ratio or the average load in kilowatts supplied during a designated period, usually determined by the peak or maximum load in kilowatts occurring in that period.

Load shedding:

A purposeful, immediate response to deter electric service. LOAD SHEDDING is most often ordered by the New England Power Pool to "shed" power and block customers supply because demand for electricity exceeds supply. At present, load shedding has never occurred in New England.

Lumen:

A Lumen is a unit of light output from a lamp, measured in foot-candles.

Luminaire:

A luminaire is a light fixture.

- M -

Megawatt:

A megawatt is one million watts or 1,000 kilowatts.

Meter Board:

A meter board is the board on which the main switch and associated equipment are mounted.

Meter Constant:

The Meter constant is the ratio between instrument transformers (CTs, PTs) and the meter. It is used as a multiplier of the difference between meter readings to determine the kWh used. The meter constant is also used as a multiplier of the demand reading to determine the actual demand.

Meter Inspection:

A Meter inspection is the examination of the meter for creep or ground, or to examine the register on demand meters. It is also used to verify meter readings, and determine meter accuracy with known load check.

Meter Loop (Meter Socket):

A Meter loop is the necessary equipment and wiring which must be in place prior to installation of a meter. This equipment and wiring is installed by the customer's electrician.

Meter Test:

A meter test is an instrumental test of meter accuracy under all load conditions.

Mobile Substation:

A mobile substation is a movable substation which is used when a substation is not working or additional power is needed.

Multi-Occupancy:

The multi-occupancy flag indicates if multiple billing procedures should be instituted based on the equivalent customers.

- N -

New England Power Exchange (NEPEX):

The operating arm of NEPOOL, the New England Power Pool.

New England Power Pool (NEPOOL):

A regional consortium of 98 utilities who coordinate, monitor and direct the operations of major generation and transmission facilities in New England.

Network:

A network is a system of transmission and distribution lines cross-connected and operated to permit multiple power supply to any principal point on it. A network is usually installed in urban areas. It makes it possible to restore power quickly to customers by switching them to another circuit.

Nuclear Power:

Nuclear power is power created by nuclear reactions which can be converted to electric power by means of turbine-generator units.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC):

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is the federal agency responsible for the licensing of nuclear facilities. They oversee these facilities and make sure regulations and standards are followed.

- O -

Off-Peak Energy:

Off-peak energy is the energy supplied during periods of relatively low system demands as specified by the supplier.

In general, this term is associated with electric water heating and pertains to the use of electricity during that period when the overall demand for electricity from our system is below normal.

On-Peak Energy:

On-peak energy is electric energy supplied during periods of relatively high system demand as specified by the supplier.

Open Circuit:

An open circuit happens when a circuit opens, either switched off intentionally or as the result of a faulty circuit.

Overload:

An overload is the flow of electricity into conductors or devices when normal load exceeds capacity.

Ownership Discount:

The ownership discount flag indicates if a customer owns facilities which entitles them to a discount.

- P -

Padmount Transformer:

A padmount transformer is a large metal cabinet outside of a house or building which converts power to a level necessary for usage by the customer, similar to a pole mounted transformer. The padmount transformer is kept locked and has a "DANGER" sign on it. These are used where power lines are underground.

Peak Demand:

Peak demand is the maximum amount of power necessary to supply customers.

Phase:

A PHASE is one of the characteristics of the electric service supplied or the equipment used.

Practically all residential customers have single-phase service. Large commercial and industrial customers have either two-phase or three-phase service.

Phase Changer:

A phase changer is usually company-owned equipment which must be returned when the customer vacates the premises. It is installed to change the phase of the service supplied to meet the equipment needs of the customer.

Planned Electric Outage:

A planned electric outage is an interruption of service to electric lines to permit work that cannot be performed while the lines are energized.

Whenever possible, affected customers, police departments, fire departments and cable television companies would be notified beforehand.

Pole-Mounted Transformer:

A pole-mounted transformer is a transformer mounted on a pole which steps down primary distribution voltage for use by individual customers. A home typically uses a secondary voltage of 120/240 volts.

Potential Transformers (PTs):

Potential transformers are used to reduce voltage to within the range of a meter while simultaneously measuring higher voltages.

Pothead (Termination):

A pothead (termination) is a flared, pot-shaped, insulated fitting used to connect underground cables to overhead lines.

Power:

Power is the time rate of using electric energy, usually expressed in kilowatt-hours.

Power grid:

A network of power lines and associated equipment used to transmit and distribute electricity over a geographic area.

Power Interruption Alert:

When Feasible, the public will be alerted that load shedding or rolling blackouts are imminent.

Power Plant:

A power plant is a generating station, a place where electricity is produced.

Power Pool:

A power pool is two or more electric systems supplying power for their combined needs.

Power Warning:

A power warning is an appeal to the public that an immediate reduction in power usage is necessary to avert overload of the electrical system. Public appeals are made when other efforts such as emergency purchases, voluntary curtailment, contracted curtailment and voltage reductions are unsuccessful in supplying the demand.

Power Watch:

A power watch is announced when conditions are such that further steps to manage capacity may affect the public.

Primary Distribution Feeder (Primaries):

Primaries are distribution lines that carry the highest distribution of voltage. They are usually located at the topmost position of the utility pole.

Primary Circuit:

A primary circuit is the distribution circuit (less than 69,000 volts) on the high voltage side of the transformer.

Primary Metering:

The primary metering flag indicates if electricity delivered to a customer is measured at primary voltage.

Primary Tap:

A primary tap is a short wire that connects primary conductors with transformers or primary conductors with such devices as fuses, reclosures, sectionalizers, or other equipment.

Prorated Bills:

A prorated bill is the computation of a bill based upon proportionate distribution of the applicable billing schedule. A prorated bill is less than 25 days or more than 38 days.

- R -

R-Value:

R-value is the thermal resistance of a material or its ability to resist the flow of heat.

Radiation:

Radiation is the transmission of energy by means of electromagnetic waves. Radiant energy of any wavelength, when absorbed, may become thermal energy and result in an increase in the temperature of the absorbing body.

Ratchet:

Ratchet is a term applied to any component of a customer's bill that is based on a previous level of use.

Reclosure:

A reclosure is a switch that functions like a circuit breaker and protects primary circuits from faulty conditions. A reclosure will automatically restore the circuit in the event of a temporary fault. Temporary faults can be caused by things such as a tree branch falling onto the lines or a squirrel on the lines.

Relay:

A relay is an electromagnetic device which operates a switch via remote control. A relay is a sensitive instrument which triggers interruption of a circuit when a fault is detected.

Relief Valve:

A relief valve is designed to reduce pressure quickly.

Reserve Capacity:

Reserve capacity is capacity in excess of that required to carry peak load.

Riser:

Risers are the cables between underground and overhead flow of electricity.

Rolling Blackouts:

A controlled and temporary interruption of electrical service. Rolling blackouts are necessary when a utility is unable to meet heavy peak demands because of an extreme deficiency in power supply.

- S -

Secondary Circuit:

A secondary circuit is the distribution circuit on the low voltage side of a transformer (usually 120/240 volts).

Sectionalizer:

A sectionalizer is similar to a reclosure, but only opens when a line is "dead" due to the operations of a reclosure or breaker upstream. It serves to isolate the section in fault and allow the remainder of the circuit to remain energized.

Service Area:

A service area is a territory in which a utility is required or has the right to supply electric service to ultimate customers.

Service Drop:

A service drop is the lines running to the customer's house. Usually, a service drop is made up of two 120 volt lines and a neutral line, from which the customer can obtain either 120 or 240 volts of power. When these lines are insulated and twisted together, the installation is called triplex cable.

Service Entrance Equipment:

Service Entrance Equipment is the main control and means of disconnect for the supply of electricity to a building. Usually it consists of circuit breakers, switches, and fuses.

Developers and builders of residential houses will frequently include 200 amp service in their advertisements. This refers to the size of the service entrance equipment. It is listed as a feature to indicate that the house is adequately supplied in terms of electric energy. Older homes generally have 100 amp service.

Short Circuit:

A short circuit is an accidentally established connection between two points in an electric circuit such as when a tree limb or an animal bridge the gap between two conductors. This will cause an overload of current on the line causing melting of lines, blown fuses, and the faulty operation of protective devices such as reclosures and circuit breakers.

Single Phase Line:

A single phase line carries electrical loads capable of serving the needs of residential customers, small commercial customers, and streetlights. It carries a relatively light load as compared to heavy duty three phase constructs.

Solar Heating:

Solar heating is heat created by the energy of the sun. Solar heat can be either active or passive. Passive solar heating, as the name suggests, takes advantage of the heat created through natural means (heat created when sunlight passes through a window and becomes trapped inside a building). Active solar heating systems are made up of three components: the solar collector, energy storage, and distribution pipes or ducts. Sunlight is collected by absorber panels, conditioned if required, and distributed through the building by a heat transfer fluid or by air.

Solar Hot Water:

Solar hot water is a similar setup to an active solar heating system except it is used to preheat water used principally for normal domestic hot water use. Collectors trap sunlight creating heat. Transfer fluid moves heat from collectors to water holding tanks. This system requires a supplemental heating source for days when there is inadequate sunlight to heat water to required temperatures.

Substation:

A substation is a small building or fenced in yard containing switches, transformers, and other equipment and structures for the purpose of adjusting voltage, monitoring circuits and other service functions. As electricity gets closer to where it is to be used, it goes through a substation where the voltage is lowered so it can be used by homes, schools, and factories.

Super-Insulation:

Super-insulation is a means of constructing buildings to ensure minimal heat load. R-40 walls and R-60 ceilings, air-tight construction, and shuttered windows that face south are all examples of this.

Switching Station:

A switching station is a type of substation where connections are made between several distribution and transmission lines. Voltage is not changed.

- T -

Tap:

A tap is a terminal where an electric connection is established.

Tap Changer:

A tap changer is a device that adjusts the voltage-capability of a transformer or a voltage regulator.

Temporary Service:

Temporary service is when service and a meter is temporarily installed at a construction site.

Thermal Envelope:

A thermal envelope is a term generally used when describing the walls, windows, doors, ceilings, and floors around heated areas of a structure. By improving the thermal envelope, one can increase one's comfort and reduce energy requirements needed for heating and cooling.

Three Phase Line:

A three phase line is capable of carrying heavy loads of electricity, usually to larger commercial customers.

Tower:

A tower is a steel structure found along transmission lines which is used to support conductors.

Transformer:

A transformer is a device used to change voltage levels to facilitate the transfer of power from the generating plant to the customer. A step-up transformer increases the voltage (power) of electricity while a step-down transformer decreases it.

Transmission Lines:

Transmission lines are heavy wires that carry large amounts of electricity over long distances from a generating station to places where electricity is needed.. Transmission lines are held high above the ground on tall towers called transmission towers.

Tree Crews:

Tree Crews are teams of employees or vendors who clear trees, limbs and brush from transmission and distribution lines.

Tree Wire:

A tree wire is an insulated wire used in heavily treed areas to protect lines from momentary tree limb contact.

Trip-Out:

A trip-out is a disconnection of an electric circuit. When a line "trips out", the circuit breaker has opened and the line is out of service. The action of breaking a circuit usually refers to an automatic rather than a manual action.

Turbine:

A turbine is an enclosed rotary wheel turned by water or steam.

- U -

Underground (UG):

Underground is an electrical facility installed below the surface of the earth.

Utility:

A UTILITY is a company that performs a service for people. Gas and electric companies are utilities.

- V -

Vapor Barrier:

A vapor barrier is a material used to prevent the transfer of water vapor from one area to another.

Vault Transformers:

A vault transformer is similar to a padmount transformer except that it is underground with a metal grill covering it.

Ventilation:

Ventilation is the circulation of air.

Volt:

A volt is a unit of electrical pressure. It measures the force or push of electricity. Volts represent pressure, correspondent to the pressure of water in a pipe.

A volt is the unit of electromotive force or electric pressure analogous to water pressure in pounds per square inch. It is the electromotive force which, if steadily applied to a circuit having a resistance of one ohm, will produce a current of one ampere.

Voltage:

Voltage is a measure of the force of moving energy.

- W -

Watt (Energy):

A WATT is a measure of how much electricity an appliance needs.

A watt is an electrical unit of power. This term is commonly used to rate appliances using relatively small amounts of electricity. Wattage is stamped on light bulbs and all appliances.

There is a mathematical relationship between watts, volts, and amps which is expressed as: Wattage = Amps x Voltage

For example, a 120 volt, 15 amp circuit will carry 1800 watts.

Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Feedback | Admin Login
©2006-09 KESCO - All Rights Reserved