ELECTRICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA

AC Power Plugs Definition   AC power plugs and sockets are devices for removably connecting electrically operated devices to the power supply. Electrical plugs and sockets differ by country in voltage and current rating, shape, size and type of connectors. The types used in each country are set by national standards. Generally the plug is the movable connector attached to an electrically operated device's power cord, and the socket is a fixture on equipment or a building structure. Plugs have male circuit contacts, while sockets have female contacts. The plug has protruding prongs, blades, or pins that fit into matching slots or holes in the socket. A wall-mounted socket is also called a receptacle, outlet, or power point. It is enclosed by a cover variously called a wall plate, face plate, outlet cover,socket cover, or wall cover.  continue.. Basic Types of Electrical Plugs   When using a grounding adapter, always attach the U-shaped piece of metal on the adapte...

What is an Electric Car?   An electric car is an automobile which is propelled by electric motor(s), using electrical energy stored in batteries or another energy storage device. Electric cars were popular in the late-19th century and early 20th century, until advances in internal combustion engine technology and mass production of cheaper gasoline vehicles led to a decline in the use of electric drive vehicle. The energy crises of the 1970s and 80s brought a short lived interest in electric cars, but in the mid 2000s took place a renewed interest in the production of electric cars due mainly to concerns about rapidly increasing oil prices and the need to curb greenhouse gas emissions.. continue.. Battery Powered Car   Electric Cars use the energy stored in a battery (or series of batteries) for vehicle propulsion. Electric motors provide a clean and safe alternative to the internal combustion engine. There are many pros and cons about electric cars. The electric vehicle ...

How to splice electrical wire?   When working on an electrical project, taking care that all the connections are made well and will last isn’t just about getting the job done right, it’s also a matter of safety. Poorly joined, or spliced, wires can lead to electrical shorts and become a fire hazard. The good news is that splicing wires is easy with the right tools and a basic understanding of this fairly simple process.. continue.. How to strip and splice wire?   Whether you're installing a light fixture or replacing an electrical outlet, at some point you need to strip and splice wires. Most electrical projects require splicing wires together. While doing so might sound intimidating, with the right tools most anyone can strip and splice wires. If you're feeling ambitious and you have that light fixture in place, now's the time to learn how.. continue.. How to joint and solder wire?   Wires may be connected by joints, as well. If the joints are "bad," the...

Repairing and Troubleshooting Fluorescent Fixtures   On the home repair scale of 1 to 10 (10 being hardest), repairing a fluorescent fixture is a 3 or 4... fairly simple but some basic electrical skills are necessary, such as being able to identify wires by color, stripping insulation from the ends of cut wires, installing wire nuts and reading instructions.  I added the first and last with tongue in cheek... I know most of you are not color-blind and most of you can read... or you wouldn't be here!. continue..   Replacing Fluorescent Lightbulbs   Changing a burned-out fluorescent lightbulb is only a bit harder than replacing a conventional one. Here we'll walk you through it and help troubleshoot a couple of possible problems. continue.. Fluroscent Lamps Wiring Diagrams   The fluorescent light remains one f the most poplar form of lighting despite the many  advancements made in recent years. Though many other more fanciful forms of lighting fixtures ha...