Reference

Electrical Glossary

43 essential electrical terms for residential and commercial work in Quebec.

A C D E F G H K L M N O Q R S T V W

AFCI Breaker: An Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter that detects dangerous electrical arcs caused by damaged wires or faulty connections before they cause a fire. Required in bedrooms according to the Quebec Construction Code.
Ampere (A): The unit of measurement for electrical current intensity. The higher the amperage, the more current flows through the circuit. Residential panels are typically rated at 100A, 200A, or 400A depending on the property's needs.
Armored Cable (AC90): An electrical cable protected by a flexible metal sheath made of steel or aluminum. It offers superior mechanical protection compared to Romex cable and is required in certain situations such as utility rooms, attics, or unfinished basements.

Circuit Breaker: An automatic protection device that interrupts electrical current when a circuit is overloaded or short-circuited. Unlike a fuse, a circuit breaker can be manually reset after tripping. It is located in the electrical panel.
CMEQ: The Corporation des maîtres électriciens du Québec (CMEQ) is the official body that groups, represents, and oversees electrical contractors in Quebec. CMEQ membership is an essential requirement to legally practice as an electrical contractor in Quebec.
CSA (Canadian Standards Association): An independent organization that develops technical standards in Canada. In electricity, CSA C22.1 constitutes the Canadian Electrical Code. All electrical equipment sold and installed in Canada must carry CSA certification.

Dimmer Switch: An electronic switch that adjusts the brightness of a light fixture from 0 to 100%. Modern dimmers are compatible with LED bulbs and can help reduce energy consumption. It's important to verify compatibility between the dimmer and the type of bulb used.
Distribution Panel (Sub-Panel): A secondary panel fed by the main panel, used to distribute electricity in a specific area of a building such as a workshop, garage, or floor. Distribution panels are used when the number of circuits exceeds the main panel's capacity.

Electric Thermostat: A control device that regulates room temperature by controlling a heating or cooling system. Modern thermostats are programmable or smart (Wi-Fi connected) and can significantly reduce energy consumption through precise scheduling of heating and cooling.
Electrical Circuit: A set of conductors forming a closed path that allows electrical current to flow from the source to appliances and back. Each circuit is protected by a breaker or fuse in the electrical panel.
Electrical Conduit: A rigid or flexible tube used to protect and route electrical cables. Conduits can be made of galvanized steel, PVC, or aluminum. They are mandatory in commercial and industrial settings and in certain exposed residential areas.
Electrical Inspection: A mandatory check conducted by a Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) inspector after completing electrical work requiring a permit. The inspection validates compliance with Quebec Construction Code standards. The master electrician is responsible for obtaining this inspection.
Electrical Outlet: A device embedded in the wall for connecting electrical appliances. Standard residential outlets in Canada are 120V/15A or 120V/20A. Certain high-power appliances (dryer, stove, EV charger) require special 240V outlets.
Electrical Overload: A situation where a circuit carries more current than its rated capacity, causing conductors to overheat. Prolonged overloading can damage wires, melt insulation, and cause a fire. The circuit breaker detects the overload and automatically cuts the circuit to protect the installation.
Electrical Panel: A metal enclosure typically located in the basement or utility room containing the circuit breakers protecting each circuit in the home. The panel is the central distribution point for electricity in the building. Its capacity (100A, 200A, 400A) determines total available electrical power.
Electrical Permit: A mandatory municipal authorization for most electrical work in Quebec (panel replacement, adding circuits, renovations). The master electrician is responsible for obtaining the permit and scheduling the inspection. Work done without a permit can void home insurance.
Electrical Relay: An electromagnetic switch controlled by a small electric current to control a higher-current circuit. Used in control systems, thermostats, home automation, and industrial equipment. Relays electrically isolate control circuits from power circuits.
Electrical Service: The complete electrical supply system for a building from the Hydro-Québec network, including service wires, the meter, and the main panel. The service capacity (amperage) determines the maximum electrical power available in the building.
Electrical Upgrade: Work aimed at modernizing and improving an existing electrical installation to bring it up to current standards or increase its capacity. Typically includes replacing an outdated panel, adding circuits, installing GFCI outlets, and grounding the system.
Electricity Meter: A device installed by Hydro-Québec that measures a building's electricity consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The meter is typically located outside the building at the electrical service entrance.
EV Charging Station: A charging station for electric vehicles installed at home or in commercial settings. Level 2 chargers (240V) are the most common for residential use. Installation must be done by a licensed master electrician and may qualify for government rebates.

Fuse: An electrical protection device consisting of a metal wire that melts and interrupts the circuit when current exceeds its rated value. Fuses are single-use, unlike breakers which can be reset. They are mainly found in older electrical installations.

GFCI Breaker: A Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter that detects current leaks to ground and cuts the circuit in less than 1/40th of a second to prevent electrocution. Required in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, outdoors, and basements.
GFCI Outlet: An outlet with built-in ground-fault protection that cuts power in case of a ground fault. Identifiable by its TEST and RESET buttons between the slots. Required in wet areas: bathrooms, kitchens, garages, outdoors, and basements per the Quebec Construction Code.
Ground Wire: A green or bare safety conductor that connects metal parts of electrical appliances to the ground. In case of insulation failure, the ground wire safely directs fault current to trip the breaker, preventing electrocution.
Grounding: An electrical connection linking the conductive parts of an installation to the earth (ground). Grounding is a fundamental safety measure that protects against electric shocks, reduces fire risks, and ensures proper functioning of GFCI devices.

Hot Wire (Live Wire): The conductor that carries electrical current from the source to appliances. In North American residential wiring, the hot wire is typically black or red. Never touch a hot wire with bare hands — always turn off the power at the panel before any work.

Kilowatt-Hour (kWh): A unit of electrical energy equal to the consumption of 1,000 watts over one hour. It is the unit used by Hydro-Québec to bill electricity consumption. For example, a 100W bulb left on for 10 hours consumes 1 kWh.

LED Lighting: Light-emitting diode lighting technology, far more efficient than incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. LEDs consume up to 80% less energy, last 25 times longer, and contain no mercury. Highly recommended to reduce electricity costs.
Light Fixture: A generic term for any electrical lighting device, whether recessed, pendant, wall-mounted, or ceiling-mounted. Installing a light fixture requires an approved electrical box that can support the weight of the fixture and ensure a safe connection.

Master Electrician: An electrical contractor holding a Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) licence and CMEQ membership. Only a master electrician can legally perform permit-required electrical work in Quebec. The licence certifies training, experience, and a recognized level of competency.

Neutral Wire: A white conductor that completes the circuit by returning current from appliances back to the source. Although not considered "hot," the neutral wire can still carry current and must be handled carefully during electrical work.

Ohm (Ω): The unit of measurement for electrical resistance. A conductor's resistance determines how easily current flows through it. Ohm's law establishes the fundamental relationship between voltage (V), current (A), and resistance (Ω): V = R × I.

Quebec Construction Code: A regulation establishing minimum construction and installation standards to ensure the safety of people and property. Chapter V of the Quebec Construction Code is dedicated to electricity and incorporates the Canadian Electrical Code (CSA C22.1).

RBQ (Régie du bâtiment du Québec): The Quebec government body responsible for enforcing construction laws and regulations, including the Quebec Construction Code. The RBQ issues contractor and tradesperson licences, oversees inspections, and protects the public against non-compliant practices.
Romex Cable (NMD90): A residential electrical cable made of insulated copper wires grouped in a plastic sheath. NMD90 is the standard residential cable in Canada, used for interior wiring inside walls and ceilings.

Service Entrance: The connection point between the Hydro-Québec network and a building's electrical system. It includes overhead or underground service wires, the meter, and the main panel. The service entrance capacity (100A, 200A, 400A) determines the available electrical power.
Short Circuit: An unintentional low-resistance connection between two conductors of different potentials, causing excessive current flow. A short circuit can cause serious property damage, fires, and electrocution risks. The breaker or fuse is designed to immediately interrupt the circuit.
Switch: A mechanical device used to open or close an electrical circuit to control power to a light fixture or appliance. Switches come in several configurations: single-pole, double-pole, 3-way (for controlling a light from two locations), and 4-way (for three or more locations).

Three-Phase Installation: An electrical power system using three alternating currents phased 120° apart. Three-phase power is primarily used in commercial and industrial settings to power high-demand equipment such as motors, compressors, and HVAC systems.
Transformer: An electromagnetic device that changes the voltage of an alternating current without changing its frequency. Transformers are used to step up voltage for long-distance power transmission, then step it down to safe levels for buildings (240V or 120V residential).

Volt (V): The unit of measurement for electrical voltage, also called potential difference. Voltage represents the "pressure" pushing current through conductors. In Canada, the standard voltage is 120V for regular outlets and 240V for high-power appliances (dryer, stove, EV charger).

Watt (W): The unit of measurement for electrical power. Power represents the amount of energy consumed or produced per second, calculated with P = V × I (power = voltage × current). A typical LED bulb consumes between 8 and 15 watts.

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