NH Journeyman Electrician key terms

A device that de-energizes a circuit within a set time when current leaks from the intended path to ground, protecting people from shock. Required in bathrooms, kitchens, outdoors, and other wet or damp locations.

A breaker or receptacle device that detects the signature of dangerous parallel or series arcing in branch-circuit wiring and opens the circuit. Required for most dwelling-unit bedroom and living-area branch circuits.

The conductor that connects non-current-carrying metal parts of equipment to the system grounding point, providing a low-impedance fault path so overcurrent devices clear faults quickly.

The circuit conductor intentionally connected to earth, usually the white or gray neutral. It carries return current during normal operation and must be kept separate from grounding conductors past the service disconnect.

The conductor that ties the service grounded conductor and equipment grounding system to the grounding electrode, such as a ground rod, metal water pipe, or concrete-encased electrode.

The intentional joining of metal parts to form an electrically conductive path that ensures electrical continuity and capacity to safely conduct any fault current likely to be imposed.

A reliable conductor sized per code that connects metal parts requiring electrical continuity, such as around a water meter or across a removable fitting, keeping the bonding path intact.

A fuse or circuit breaker that opens a circuit when current exceeds its rating for a set time, protecting conductors and equipment from overheating and fault damage.

The maximum current, in amperes, a conductor or device can carry continuously under stated conditions without exceeding its temperature rating. Adjusted for ambient temperature and conduit fill.

The required reduction of a conductor's current-carrying capacity when more than three current-carrying conductors share a raceway or when ambient temperature exceeds the base rating conditions.

An enclosed channel of metal or nonmetallic material, such as conduit or tubing, designed expressly for holding wires, cables, or busbars, and subject to fill and support rules.

The code calculation limiting how many conductors, devices, and fittings may occupy an outlet, junction, or device box, based on conductor volume allowances and box volume.

An enclosure where conductors are spliced or connected to devices, required to be accessible and sized adequately for the splices, terminations, and heat produced within it.

The main switch or breaker that disconnects all service-entrance conductors from the building's electrical system, establishing the point where neutral and grounding are separated downstream.

The connection, usually a screw or strap in the service equipment, that ties the grounded service conductor to the equipment grounding bus at the service disconnect point.

The required clear, unobstructed floor space in front of electrical equipment, with specified depth, width, and height, allowing safe examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized.

A single panel or group of panel units with buses and automatic overcurrent devices, designed to be placed in a cabinet and accessible only from the front, distributing power to branch circuits.

A ratio applied to total connected load to account for the fact that not all loads operate simultaneously, allowing smaller service and feeder conductors than the sum of all loads.

The code method of totaling general lighting, small-appliance, laundry, and specific appliance loads, then applying demand factors, to determine required service and feeder capacity.

An outlet where one or more receptacles are installed, providing a contact device for the attachment of a plug to the branch circuit for supplying utilization equipment.

The circuit conductors between the final overcurrent device protecting the circuit and the outlet or outlets it serves, such as receptacles, lighting, or fixed appliances.

All circuit conductors between the service equipment, source of a separately derived system, or other power supply source and the final branch-circuit overcurrent device.

Requirements specifying which receptacles and outlets must have ground-fault protection, including kitchens, bathrooms, garages, outdoors, and within a set distance of sinks and water.

A receptacle with shutters that prevent insertion of foreign objects into the slots, required in specified dwelling-unit areas to protect children from shock.

A receptacle listed for use in wet or damp locations with UV-resistant and corrosion-resistant components, required for outdoor outlets in specified installations.

The temperature rating marked on a conductor or device, such as 60, 75, or 90 degrees Celsius, used with correction factors to determine allowable ampacity in a given environment.

The New Hampshire statute governing electricians, establishing licensing requirements, the Electricians' Board, scope of practice, and enforcement authority for the trade in the state.

The New Hampshire board created under RSA 319-C that administers licensing, adopts rules, sets examination and experience requirements, and handles complaints and disciplinary action for electricians.

A credential issued by the state board authorizing a qualified person to perform electrical work under supervision or independently as defined by statute and board rules.

The highest level of electrician licensure in New Hampshire, allowing the holder to supervise electrical work, contract for electrical services, and obtain electrical permits.

Regulations adopted by the Electricians' Board under statutory authority that fill in details such as licensing procedures, continuing education, and standards of conduct.

The defined set of electrical tasks a licensed individual is legally authorized to perform at a given license level, distinguishing work reserved for masters, journeymen, and apprentices.

Official authorization from the local authority having jurisdiction to install or alter electrical work, required before starting covered work and tied to inspection requirements.

The organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing code requirements, approving equipment and materials, and granting permits and inspections for electrical installations.

The review by the AHJ of installed electrical work for compliance with code and approved plans, often required at rough-in, service, and final stages before energizing or occupancy.

The number of approved instruction hours a licensee must complete within a renewal cycle to maintain an active New Hampshire electrician license, as set by board rule.

A person registered with the board who learns the trade under the direct supervision of a licensed electrician while accumulating the documented on-the-job hours required for licensure.

Board-imposed consequences for violations of statute or rule, which may include fines, suspension, revocation, or probation, following complaint investigation and hearing procedures.

Equipment, materials, or products included in a published list by a qualified testing organization, indicating evaluation to a recognized standard for the intended use.

Equipment bearing a label, symbol, or other identifying mark from a listing organization showing compliance with appropriate standards and suitability for a specific purpose.