Electrical & Plumbing
Circuit breaker
Definition
An automatic electrical safety device that cuts power when current exceeds safe limits.
Usage in Construction
A tripped circuit breaker indicates an overloaded circuit or electrical fault.
Related Terms
Panel
Amperage
Outlet
Conduit
Definition
A tube or channel that protects and routes electrical wires through a building.
Usage in Construction
PVC conduit is used to protect wires running through walls and exposed areas.
Related Terms
Wire
Outlet
Junction box
Vent stack
Definition
A pipe that allows air into the drain system and permits sewer gases to escape.
Usage in Construction
Vent stacks extend through the roof to safely expel sewer gases to the outside.
Related Terms
Vent pipe
Drain
Roof penetration
Rough-in
Definition
The installation of wiring, plumbing, and HVAC systems before walls are enclosed.
Usage in Construction
Electrical rough-in must be inspected before drywall installation begins.
Related Terms
Framing
Inspection
Finish work
Trap
Definition
A U-shaped or S-shaped bend in a drain pipe that holds water to seal out sewer gases.
Usage in Construction
A P-trap under the sink creates a water seal that prevents foul odors from entering.
Related Terms
Drain
Vent pipe
Slope
Water main
Definition
The primary supply pipe that brings water from the municipal source into a building.
Usage in Construction
The water main shutoff valve allows occupants to stop all water flow during emergencies.
Related Terms
Supply line
Meter
Shutoff valve
Ductwork
Definition
Pipes and channels that distribute conditioned air throughout a building.
Usage in Construction
Insulated ductwork reduces energy loss and improves heating and cooling efficiency.
Related Terms
HVAC
Vent
Register
HVAC
Definition
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems that control indoor climate and air quality.
Usage in Construction
A modern HVAC system maintains comfortable temperature and humidity year-round.
Related Terms
Furnace
Air conditioning
Thermostat
Thermostat
Definition
A device that monitors and controls heating and cooling systems to maintain desired temperature.
Usage in Construction
A programmable thermostat reduces energy costs by automatically adjusting temperature schedules.
Related Terms
Temperature control
HVAC
Programming
Pitch
Definition
The slope or angle of a drain pipe, typically 1/4 inch per foot for proper drainage.
Usage in Construction
Drain pipes must maintain proper pitch to ensure water flows freely to the main stack.
Related Terms
Slope
Drainage
Grade
Water softener
Definition
Equipment removing minerals that cause water hardness.
Usage in Construction
Water softeners extend appliance life and improve soap effectiveness.
Related Terms
Minerals
Water treatment
Softening
Amperage
Definition
A measure of electrical current flow, expressed in amps.
Usage in Construction
Circuit amperage must match the wire gauge to prevent overheating.
Related Terms
Current
Electricity
Circuit
GFCI outlet
Definition
A ground fault circuit interrupter outlet that disconnects power if current leaks.
Usage in Construction
GFCI outlets are required in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas.
Related Terms
Safety
Protection
Outlet
Check valve
Definition
A one-way valve allowing fluid flow in only one direction.
Usage in Construction
Check valves in sump pump discharge lines prevent backflow.
Related Terms
Backflow
Prevention
Valve
Panel board
Definition
The main electrical panel containing circuit breakers and protective devices.
Usage in Construction
A 200-amp main panel is typical for residential construction.
Related Terms
Circuit breaker
Main service
Power distribution
Outlet box
Definition
A metal or plastic enclosure for electrical outlets, switches, and devices.
Usage in Construction
Electrical outlet boxes must be secured to framing and filled with appropriate covers.
Related Terms
Outlet
Switch
Device
Junction box
Definition
An enclosure protecting connections between electrical wires.
Usage in Construction
All wire splices must be contained in approved junction boxes.
Related Terms
Splice
Connection
Wire
Grounding
Definition
Connecting electrical systems to earth to provide a safe path for fault current.
Usage in Construction
Proper grounding protects against electrical shocks and damage.
Related Terms
Ground wire
Safety
Earth
Shutoff valve
Definition
A valve controlling water flow in supply lines or appliances.
Usage in Construction
Shutoff valves should be installed at the water meter and before appliances.
Related Terms
Valve
Water supply
Control
Pressure regulator
Definition
A device reducing incoming water pressure to safe levels for plumbing.
Usage in Construction
Pressure regulators protect plumbing from damage caused by excessive pressure.
Related Terms
Pressure
Water
Protection
Backflow preventer
Definition
A device preventing contaminated water from flowing backward into potable water.
Usage in Construction
Backflow preventers are required on irrigation systems and hose bibs.
Related Terms
Contamination
Prevention
Safety
Bathroom exhaust fan
Definition
A ventilation fan that removes moisture from bathrooms.
Usage in Construction
The exhaust fan runs during and after showers to prevent mold.
Related Terms
Ventilation
Moisture control
Fan
Faucet aerator
Definition
A device that breaks water stream into fine droplets, reducing water use.
Usage in Construction
The faucet aerator reduced water consumption while maintaining pressure.
Related Terms
Faucet
Water conservation
Flow control
Garbage disposal
Definition
An electric appliance that grinds food waste into fine particles for drainage.
Usage in Construction
The garbage disposal handles food scraps before they reach the main drain.
Related Terms
Appliance
Drain
Waste management
Range hood
Definition
A ventilation system above a cooking range that removes cooking fumes.
Usage in Construction
The range hood vents smoke and steam through the roof.
Related Terms
Ventilation
Kitchen
Exhaust
Light switch
Definition
An electrical device that controls the flow of current to lighting fixtures.
Usage in Construction
Three-way switches allow control of the overhead light from two locations.
Related Terms
Electrical
Control
Device
Smart home system
Definition
A networked system of connected devices that can be controlled remotely.
Usage in Construction
The smart home system controls lighting, temperature, and security.
Related Terms
Automation
Control
Technology
Water heater
Definition
An appliance that heats water for domestic use in the building.
Usage in Construction
The tankless water heater provides unlimited hot water on demand.
Related Terms
Appliance
Hot water
Energy
Washing machine hookup
Definition
The water supply and drain connections for a washing machine.
Usage in Construction
The washing machine hookup includes hot and cold water supplies.
Related Terms
Supply
Drain
Connection
Motion sensor light
Definition
A light fixture that automatically activates when motion is detected.
Usage in Construction
Motion sensor lights in hallways improve security and convenience.
Related Terms
Lighting
Sensor
Automation
Solar panel
Definition
A device that converts sunlight into electrical energy.
Usage in Construction
Solar panels on the roof reduce reliance on grid electricity.
Related Terms
Renewable energy
Electricity
Sustainability
Dishwasher
Definition
An electric appliance that automatically washes dishes and cookware.
Usage in Construction
The built-in dishwasher is integrated into the cabinet design.
Related Terms
Appliance
Water supply
Drain
Dryer vent
Definition
A duct that exhausts hot, moist air from a clothes dryer to the exterior.
Usage in Construction
The dryer vent must be vented to the outside, not into the attic.
Related Terms
Vent
Ductwork
Exhaust
Dimmer switch
Definition
A switch that allows adjustment of light intensity.
Usage in Construction
Dimmer switches create ambiance by adjusting lighting levels.
Related Terms
Switch
Lighting control
Device