DEFINITION OF TERMS 

ALIVE (LIVE)- Electrically connected to source of potential differences or electrical charge so as to

have a potential difference form that of the earth. 

AMPACITY- The current in amperes a conductor can carry continuously under the conditions of
use without exceeding its temperature rating. 

BRANCH CIRCUIT- The circuit conductors between the final overcurrent device protecting the circuit
and the outlet(s). 

BRANCH CIRCUIT, APPLIANCE- A branch circuit supplying energy to one or more outlets to which
appliances are to be connected; such circuits to have no permanently connected lighting fixtures
not part of an appliance. 

BRANCH CIRCUIT, GENERAL PURPOSE- A branch circuit that supplies a number of outlets for lighting
and appliances. 
BRANCH CIRCUIT, INDIVIDUAL- A branch circuit that supplies only one utilization equipment.
BUSWAY- An approved, completely assembled metal troughing and fitting therefore, containing
bare conductors intended for use as feeders, the conductors being suitably supported on
insulators. 
CABINET- An enclosure designed either for surface or flush mounting and provided with a frame, mat,
or trim in which a swinging door or doors are or may be hung.  
CIRCUIT BREAKER- A device designed to open and close a circuit by a non-automatic means and to
open the circuit automatically with a pre-determined overcurrent without injury to itself when
properly applied within its rating. These have a thermal element in the form of a spring. The spring
expands with heat and trips open the circuit. The circuit breaker can be reset for normal operation,
however after the short has been removed and the thermal element cools down. 

DEAD- Free from any electric connections to a source of potential difference from that of the earth.
The term is used only with reference to current carrying parts which are sometimes alive. 
DEVICE- A unit of an electrical system which is intended to carry but not utilize electric energy. 

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. 

FITTING- An accessory such as a locknut, bushing, or other part of a wiring system that is
intended primarily to perform a mechanical rather than an electrical function 

FLAME-RETARDANT – So constructed or treated that it will not readily burn or convey flame. 

MOISTURE RESISTANT – So constructed or treated that exposure to a moist will not readily cause
injury or harmful change in quality. 
FUSE CUTOUT- A form of fuse and its holder or enclosure characterized by the ready and safe
replace ability of the fuse unit. 
JUNCTION BOX- A box with a blank cover which serves the purpose of joining different runs of
raceway on cable, and provided with sufficient space for connection and branching of the enclosed
conductors. 

OVERLOAD- Operation of equipment in excess of normal, full load rating, or of a conductor in excess
of rated ampacity which it persists for a sufficient length of time, would cause damage or dangerous
overheating. A fault, such as short circuit or ground fault, is not an over load.  

SERVICE DROP- The overhead service conductors from the last pole or other aerial support to
and including the splices, if any, connecting to the service entrance conductors at the building
or other structure. 

SERVICE-ENTRANCE CONDUCTORS, OVERHEAD SYSTEM- The service conductors between the

terminals of the service equipment and a point usually the building, clear of building walls, where
joined by tap or splice to the service drop. 

SERVICE-ENTRANCE CONDUCTORS, UNDERGROUND SYSTEM- The service conductors between

the terminals of the service equipment and the point of connection to the service lateral. 

SERVICE LATERAL- The underground service conductors between the street main, including any risers
at a pole or other structure or from transformers, and the first point of connection to the service-
entrance conductors in as terminal box or meter or other enclosure with adequate space, inside or
outside the building wall. Where there is no terminal box, meter, or other enclosure with adequate
space, the point of connection shall be considered to be the point of entrance of the service
conductors into the building. 

SERVICE RACEWAY- The raceway that encloses the service-entrance conductors  

PANELBOARD- It contains the circuit protective device such as the fuse or circuit breaker. It also
consists of a set of busbars where the protective devices are connected. 

ADVANTAGES OF CIRCUIT BREAKER OVER A FUSE 

1. The circuit breaker acts as a switch aside from its being an overcurrent protective device. 2.
When there is an overcurrent, the circuit breaker trips automatically and after correcting the
fault, it is ready to be switched on again, unlike the fuse which has to be discarded and replaced
after it is busted. 
3. Circuit breaker is readily tripped from a remote location while the fuse is difficult to
switch. 4. Circuit breakers are multi-pole, the fuse on the other hand is a single pole device.
5. It is easy to detect the circuit breaker position it is either close, tripped, or open-right at
its handle while a blown fuse is not easily detected because the melted fusible element is
inside the fuse casing.