A transformer is an electrical device which alternates current of one voltage is changed to another voltage using coils.

A converter is an electronic device which is used in some cased instead of a transformer. The converter doesn’t actually lower the voltage, but delays each electrical cycle making the device think it is working with the proper voltage.

Anything that supplies power is considered power supply. Usually when we talk about power supplies, we are referring to a device that not only lowers the voltage, but also converts AC (alternating current) to DC (direct current).

Time delay fuses are used on circuit where appliance motors have initial surges of electrical power the motor starts. This initial surge might blow a regular fuse.

This is a trade name for an armored cable that wraps the wires in a flexible metal sheathing.

A GFCI device is a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. It is a device designated to protect you from electrical shock. Many times you will find them in areas with wet surfaces such as a bathroom, kitchen or garage, or used in outdoor electrical outlets. If the devices senses a ground fault it will trip to prevent the possibility of electric shock or electrocution.

A circuit breaker and a fuse both perform the same function, interrupting the flow of electricity when a fault is sensed in an electric circuit. Fuses are cheaper to install, but not as efficient in the long run. Circuit breakers can be reset without having to replace anything , but fuses must be replaced when they trip. Today circuit breakers are economical and are used in most modern applications die to their easy use.

A “Floating Neutral” is a neutral that is not grounded and depending on the circuit have dangerous voltage in relation to the ground.

Arc Fault breakers or outlets are a new type of safety devices that trip off if they detect the slightest arc or electrical spark. The newest code requires arc fault breakers on most circuits in a house. The requirement is not required in most businesses.