When I am out and about giving free estimates for work in the valley, I try to keep my electrical jargon to a minimum. When it comes to specific and custom work sometimes it is impossible to use words most people wont know unless they have been around a construction site. This ever updating and expanding list of words and definitions will be your reference when dealing with contractors like me, and will hopefully make your small job or whole house remodel go smoothly.

Stud - A vertical wood member holding your walls up. They are usually installed 16 inches apart, leaving a hollow space in between for wiring.

Joist - A horizontal wood member that your ceiling screws onto, it could be part of a truss system for your roof, or a thick piece of wood to hold up a flat roof. These are the best option to mount ceiling fans and chandeliers onto, since it will hold the most weight. 

I always joke "Joist" will make a good name for a little girl

Jump Power - This is a job performed by an electrician. It involves taking an existing power source (an outlet or a switch in a room) and connecting a wire off of it to add an additional circuit to an area. We have to "Jump Power" to add an outlet behind your wall mounted TV.

Line Run - Jumping Power is usually within a short distance within the wall, a "Line Run" is a term for longer distances. A "Line" is just a powerline. If you want an electrical fixture or an appliance somewhere where there is no power, you need a line run.

Dedicated Line Run - Larger appliances need the entire circuit to be just for that appliance. A breaker needs to be installed in the panel that will supply power to only one outlet. These are for appliances like; microwaves, heaters, refrigerators, electric ovens, washers, dryers, dishwashers and garbage disposals.

Electrical Panel - a large box usually on the side of your house where the city power connects to your house. All the breakers are here and this is how you can add additional circuits to your home

Circuit - A complete path that electricity flows through. There is usually a circuit for each room in your home, with there being multiple in your kitchen.

Amps - Current or Amperage is the strength of the electric current in a circuit. It is based on the "loads" you have such as lights, appliances and so on. If you run too many amps through a circuit you will trip your breaker and need to reset it. Try not to plug in too many things and have them all on at the same time, and if you need a lot plugged in, think of having a second circuit ran to that room.

Voltage - The electrical pressure that moves electricity. If electricity is like water, it is how fast the water is moving. This is determined by the electric company and standard house voltage is between 110 and 120 volts.

Watts - Watts is just the measure of voltage and current together. You multiply voltage by current to get your wattage.

Attic Run - This is a Job performed by an electrician. It involves connecting power from the existing switches in a room to the center of the ceiling for a ceiling fan/ light fixture. This is performed mostly in the attic with the goal of minimal or no damage to your drywall. Have a hot room in your house with no fan? This is how we do it!

Notch - This is what must happen to jump or run a line when you don't have an accessible attic or a flat roof. We need to "notch" or cut into the drywall at every wood member to drill a whole to get the wire through. Peacock Lighting patches all notches made, you just need to sand, texture and paint.

If there is a word a contractor or even myself said that not on this list. Please feel free to call/text (602) 730-4797 and ask me directly!