Electrical Definitions

 

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Electrical Definitions

Letter - E
 

Eddy Current

Localized currents induced in an iron core by alternating magnetic flux. These currents translate into losses (heat) and their minimization is an important factor in lamination design.

 

Efficiency

The efficiency of an electrical machine or apparatus is the ratio of its useful power output to its total power input.

 

Electrical Degree

A unit of measurement of time as applied to alternating current. One complete cycle =360 electrical degrees. One cycle in a rotating electric machine is accomplished when the rotating field moves from one pole to the next pole of the same polarity. There are 360 electrical degrees in this time period. Therefore, in a two pole machine there are 360 degrees in one revolution, and the electrical and mechanical degrees are equal. In a machine with more than two poles, the number of electrical degrees per revolution is obtained by multiplying the number of pairs of poles by 360.

 

Electromotive Force

A synonym for voltage, usually restricted to generated voltage.

 

Encapsulated Winding

A motor which has its winding structure completely coated with an insulating resin (such as epoxy). This construction type is designed for exposure to more severe atmospheric conditions than the normal varnished winding.

 

Enclosed

Surrounded by a case, housing, fence, or wall(s) that prevents persons from accidentally contacting energized parts.

 

Enclosure

The case or housing of apparatus, or the fence or walls surrounding an installation to prevent personnel from accidentally contacting energized parts or to protect the equipment from physical damage.

 

Energy

The capacity for doing work.

 

Energized

Electrically connected to a source of voltage

 

Equipment

A general term including material, fittings, devices, appliances, luminaires (fixtures), apparatus, and the like used as a part of, or in connection with, an electrical installation.

 

Equipment Grounding Conductor

The conductor used to connect the non–current-carrying metal parts of equipment, raceways, and other enclosures to the system grounded conductor, the grounding electrode conductor, or both, at the service equipment or at the source of a separately derived system.

 

Explosionproof

Apparatus enclosed in a case that is capable of withstanding an explosion of a specified gas or vapor that may occur within it and of preventing the ignition of a specified gas or vapor surrounding the enclosure by sparks, flashes, or explosion of the gas or vapor within, and that operates at such an external temperature that a surrounding flammable atmosphere will not be ignited thereby.

 

Exposed

(as applied to live parts). Capable of being inadvertently touched or approached nearer than a safe distance by a person. It is applied to parts that are not suitably guarded, isolated, or insulated.

 

Exposed

(as applied to wiring methods). On or attached to the surface or behind panels designed to allow access.