Electrical Components and Conductors

Front

A device that automatically opens the circuit when the current exceeds the rated capacity.

Back

Circuit Breaker or Fuse

Front

A conductor that carries current from the panel to the appliance; also called 'hot.' Common colors are black, red, blue, brown, orange, or yellow.

Back

Ungrounded/Hot Conductor

Front

A conductor that completes the circuit by carrying current back to the panel; usually white or gray.

Back

Grounded/Neutral Conductor

Front

A safety conductor connected to metal parts, colored green or bare.

Back

Grounding Conductor (Ground)

Front

A heavy-gauge metallic conduit with threads, used in factories and demanding environments.

Back

Rigid Metallic Conduit (RMC)

Front

A lighter metallic conduit, not threaded, very common in schools, offices, and stores.

Back

Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT)

Front

A flexible metallic conduit, used in short sections where flexibility is required, such as on motors.

Back

Flexible Metallic Conduit (FMC)

Front

A plastic conduit, often used underground because it is inexpensive and quick to install.

Back

PVC Conduit

Front

A plastic-sheathed cable, commonly used in residential houses for lights and receptacles.

Back

Nonmetallic Sheathed Cable (NM)

Front

A cable with a metallic jacket, often used in commercial installations.

Back

Metal-Clad Cable (MC)