Electrical Glossary

Discover the Sparkie’s Glossary by expert electricians! This comprehensive guide is your go-to resource for understanding essential electrical terms and concepts. We’ve crafted clear and straight forward definitions to help you make sense of the electrical jargon. With our glossary, you’ll gain confidence and knowledge, making electrical topics more accessible and less daunting. Because we are PortSparky and love what we are doing!

Kilowatt-hour (kWh)

A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a unit of energy commonly used to measure electricity consumption in Australia. It represents the amount of energy used by a device with a power rating… Read More »Kilowatt-hour (kWh)

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)

A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI), also known as a Residual Current Device (RCD) in Australia, is a crucial safety device designed to protect people from electrical shock. It works… Read More »Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)

GPO (General Purpose Outlet)

A GPO, or General Purpose Outlet, is a standard electrical socket found in residential and commercial buildings throughout Australia. It is used to connect various electrical appliances to the power… Read More »GPO (General Purpose Outlet)

Fuse

A fuse is a critical safety device used in electrical circuits to protect against overcurrent, which can cause excessive heat and lead to fires. In Australia, fuses are designed according… Read More »Fuse

Light Socket Adapter

A light socket adapter is a device that allows for the modification or expansion of existing light sockets in Australian homes and businesses. These adapters can convert a standard light… Read More »Light Socket Adapter

Edison Screw (ES) Socket

An Edison Screw (ES) socket is a type of light bulb socket commonly used in Australia and around the world. The ES socket is named after Thomas Edison, who developed… Read More »Edison Screw (ES) Socket

Master Electrician

A Master Electrician in Australia is a highly skilled and experienced professional who has achieved a significant level of expertise and certification in the electrical industry. The title “Master Electrician”… Read More »Master Electrician

NECA (National Electrical and Communications Association)

The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) is the peak industry body representing electrical and communications contractors in Australia. NECA provides advocacy, education, and support to its members, which include… Read More »NECA (National Electrical and Communications Association)

Switchboard

A switchboard is a central component of an electrical installation, responsible for distributing electricity from the main supply to various circuits within a building. In Australia, switchboards are designed and… Read More »Switchboard

Safety Switches (RCDs)

Safety switches, also known as Residual Current Devices (RCDs), are critical safety devices designed to protect individuals from electric shock and prevent electrical fires. In Australia, including Port Macquarie, NSW,… Read More »Safety Switches (RCDs)

AS/NZS 3000 Standard

The AS/NZS 3000 standard, commonly known as the Australian Wiring Rules, is a comprehensive set of guidelines that govern the design, installation, and safety of electrical systems in Australia and… Read More »AS/NZS 3000 Standard

Circuit Breaker

A circuit breaker is a critical safety device used in electrical systems to protect circuits from overloads and short circuits. In Australia, including New South Wales (NSW), circuit breakers are… Read More »Circuit Breaker

Single-Phase Power

Single-phase power is a type of electrical power distribution commonly used in residential and small commercial buildings in Australia. It refers to a system where electrical power is delivered through… Read More »Single-Phase Power

Surge Protector

A surge protector is an electrical device designed to protect electrical equipment from voltage spikes and surges, which can be caused by lightning strikes, power outages, or other disruptions in… Read More »Surge Protector

Three-Phase Load

A three-phase load refers to an electrical system that uses three separate alternating currents (AC) phases to distribute power. This type of power distribution is commonly used in commercial and… Read More »Three-Phase Load

Fused Spurs

A fused spur, also known as a fused connection unit (FCU), is an electrical device used to provide a safe and convenient method of connecting and isolating electrical appliances in… Read More »Fused Spurs

Electrical Tape

Electrical tape is a type of insulating tape used in electrical work to insulate wires, protect connections, and prevent electrical shorts. In Australia, including coastal regions, electrical tape is an… Read More »Electrical Tape

Essential Energy

Essential Energy is a major electricity distributor operating in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. The company is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the electricity network that delivers power… Read More »Essential Energy

Electrician’s Licence

An electrician’s licence is a legal certification required for individuals to perform electrical work in Australia. It ensures that electricians have the necessary skills, knowledge, and qualifications to safely and… Read More »Electrician’s Licence

DC Load

A DC load refers to electrical devices or systems that operate on direct current (DC) rather than alternating current (AC). In Australia, DC loads are commonly found in applications such… Read More »DC Load