Electrical Engineer Glossary

14 electrical engineering terms

alternating Current

noun

An electric current that reverses direction periodically.

Example: Most household appliances run on alternating current provided by the wall outlet.

fr: courant alternatif

ampere

noun

The base unit used to measure the flow rate of electric current.

Example: The fuse is rated for 15 amperes to prevent the wires from overheating.

fr: ampere

capacitor

noun

A small device that stores and releases electrical energy in a circuit.

Example: The flash on the camera relies on a capacitor to discharge a quick burst of energy.

fr: condensateur

circuit breaker

noun

A safety switch that automatically stops the flow of electricity if there is an overload.

Example: When I plugged in the space heater, the circuit breaker tripped and cut the power.

fr: disjoncteur

Conductor

noun

A material, such as copper, that lets electricity flow through it easily

Example: A material, such as copper, that lets electricity flow through it easily.

fr: conducteur

Current

Noun

The actual flow or movement of electrically charged particles through a wire.

Example: Copper is widely used in wiring because it is an excellent conductor.

fr: courant

diode

noun

A tiny component that allows current to travel in only one direction

Example: A Light Emitting Diode (LED) glows when a current passes through it in the correct direction.

fr: diode

Direct Current

noun

An electric current that flows in only one steady direction.

Example: Batteries supply direct current, which is why they have distinct positive and negative terminals.

fr: courant continu

Grounding

noun

A safety connection that sends extra electrical energy safely into the earth.

Example: Proper grounding protects users from getting a shock if an appliance malfunctions.

fr: mise à la terre

insulator

noun

A material that blocks the flow of electricity

Example: Rubber acts as an insulator, keeping the electricity confined inside the metal wire.

fr: isolant

ohm's law

noun

The rule that connects voltage, current, and resistance in a circuit (V = IR).

Example: Engineers use Ohm's Law to calculate how much resistor value they need for a circuit.

fr: loi d'Ohm

resistance

noun

The force in a circuit that slows down or opposes the flow of current.

Example: The thin wire in a lightbulb has high resistance, causing it to glow hot and bright.

fr: resistance

resistor

A specific part used in a circuit to create resistance

We added a 220-ohm resistor to protect the LED from burning out.

Example: We added a 220-ohm resistor to protect the LED from burning out.

fr: resistor

voltage

noun

The electrical pressure or "push" that forces charges to move through a wire.

Example: A standard AA battery provides a voltage of 1.5 volts.

fr: voltage