air flow switch A type of flow switch that detects the movement of air.

The
air flow switch symbol has a flag shape that represents a sail.

alternating current Current that regularly reverses the direction of its flow in a
repeating, cyclical pattern.

armature The part of a motor in which a current is induced by a

magnetic field. The armature usually consists of a series of
coils or groups of insulated conductors surrounding a core of
iron.

bimetal strip A strip made by bonding together two unlike metals that
expand at different rates when heated.

bumper arm A physical device on a limit switch that makes contact with an
object causing the contact of the switch to change position.

circuit breaker A safety device that detects too much current in a circuit. A
circuit breaker often contains a bimetallic strip that bends
and trips a switch that opens a circuit.

coil A wound spiral of two or more turns of wire used to conduct

current.

compound motor A DC motor that uses both series and shunt field windings.
Compound motors combine the advantages of the shunt and
series motors.

constant speed motor A type of motor that maintains a steady rate of rpm from no
load to full load. DC shunt motors are often referred to as
constant speed motors because they have this characteristic.

contact A conductive part in an electrical circuit attached to a switch

that opens or closes a circuit by coming in contact with or
separating from the main conductor.

contactor A device that uses a small control current to energize or de-

energize a load.

control transformer A type of transformer used to decrease the voltage to the

value required by the motor control system.

diaphragm-operated switch A type of pressure switch that senses small pressure changes
at low pressures.

direct current Current that flows in one direction. Direct current does not
reverse the direction of flow.

electric motor A machine that converts electricity into mechanical energy or

motion. An electric motor is a common power source for a
mechanical system.

electromagnetic starter A device that has a magnetic coil that sends enough voltage to
start a motor.

float switch A type of switch that controls the action of a pump as it

relates to the level of liquid in a tank. The float switch symbol
has a circle connected to a line that represents a ball float.

flow switch A type of switch that detects the movement of air or liquid in
a duct or pipe. The flow switch symbol has a flag or paddle
shape that represents either an air flow switch or a liquid flow
switch.
fuse A safety device that detects excess current in a circuit. Fuses
often have a component that melts and opens the circuit.

ladder diagram Another name for a line diagram, due to its resemblance to a
ladder. In this sense, each circuit line is a "rung" of the
ladder.

limit switch A type of switch that detects the presence or absence of an

object. The limit switch symbol has a wedge that represents
the bumper arm.

line diagram A diagram that shows the logic of an electrical circuit or

system using standard symbols. Also known as a ladder
diagram.

liquid flow switch A type of flow switch that detects the movement of liquid.
The liquid flow switch symbol has a flag shape that represents
a paddle.

logic The reasoning behind the functioning of something. Circuit

logic comprises all the principles required to understand
electrical circuitry.

magnetic relay A type of overload relay that senses the strength of the
magnetic field that the current flow produces. Magnetic relays
are often used in areas that experience extreme changes in
temperature.

maintained contact device A type of device in which the switch or button physically
keeps the circuit in the actuated position. An example of a
maintained contact device is a light switch.

momentary contact device A type of device in which the switch or button closes or opens
the circuit only when it is actuated.

mushroom head A type of pushbutton that is shaped like a mushroom.

National Electrical Manufacturers Association An organization that defines a product, process, or procedure
with reference to safety, performance, and testing. NEMA
provides commonly used electrical symbol standards.

normally closed contact An electrical contact that regularly allows electricity to flow.
An NC contact has parallel lines with a diagonal line crossing
them showing a closed connection.

normally closed held open A type of switch that is connected normally closed but the
contacts are held open when the circuit is de-energized.

normally open contact An electrical contact that rarely allows electricity to flow. An
NO contact symbol has parallel lines showing an open
connection.

normally open held closed A type of switch that is connected normally open but the
contacts are held closed when the circuit is de-energized.

off-delay timer A type of timer in which the contacts change position

immediately when the coil is energized, but delay returning to
their normal position when the coil is de-energized.

on-delay timer A type of timer in which the contacts delay changing position
when the coil is energized, but change back to their normal
position immediately when the coil is de-energized.
output device A device that performs a mechanical action after receiving
the electrical signal to do so.

overload relay A device that protects a motor from overheating due to an

overload condition in the machinery.

pictorial diagram A type of electrical print that shows the external appearance
of each component in the circuit. A pictorial diagram is much
like a photograph of the circuit.

pilot light A type of indicator light found on machines.

pole A set of moveable contacts that belong to a single circuit.

pressure switch A type of switch that senses the pressure in a pneumatic or

hydraulic system. The pressure switch symbol has a semi-
circle connected to a line that represents the diaphragm.

prime mover The device in a power transmission system that introduces

energy into the system and converts the energy into the
appropriate form.

pushbutton A manual control device that opens or closes a circuit when

pressed. Pushbuttons can be normally open or normally
closed.

relay An electrically controlled mechanical device that controls one

circuit by opening and closing the contacts in another circuit.

schematic diagram An electrical print in which all electrical components are

represented with a symbol. Schematic diagrams show the
electrical relationship of all components, but not the physical
relationship of the components.

selector switch A type of switch that can be turned to different positions to

make a connection with the contacts in that particular
position.

series motor A method of connecting field windings in series with the

armature. A DC series motor provides very high start-up
torque but must never be run without a load.

shunt field A winding of small wire and many turns designed to be

connected in parallel with the armature of a DC motor or
generator.

shunt motor A method of connecting field windings in parallel with the

armature. The shunt DC motor is commonly used because of
its excellent speed regulation.

sine wave The most common type of AC waveform. A sine wave consists
of 360 electrical degrees and is produced by rotating
machines.

single-phase motor A type of AC motor that operates on either 120 or 240 volts
and is used for most simple residential applications like
furnaces, washing machines, and air conditioners.

solenoid A coil of wire that converts electrical energy into linear

motion.

squirrel cage rotor A type of three-phase AC motor whose rotor is constructed by

connecting metal bars together at each end. It is the most
common AC motor type.
switch A device that opens and closes a circuit.

symbol Something that is used to signify something else. A schematic

symbol represents an electrical component in a diagram.

temperature switch A type of switch that detects the expansion of a metal. The
temperature switch symbol represents a bimetal strip.

thermal relay A type of overload relay that connects a heater with a motor.

three-phase motor A motor with a continuous series of three overlapping AC

cycles offset by 120 degrees. Three-phase power is used for
all large AC motors and is the standard power supply that
enters homes and factories.

throw The number of stationary contacts that match the moveable

contacts.

timing relay A type of relay that delays changing position when the coil is
energized or de-energized.

torque A force that produces rotation.

wiring diagram The most detailed of electrical prints. A wiring diagram shows
the physical relationship of all the components, as well as the
information needed to wire the circuit.

wobble stick A type of lever used to actuate contacts on a pushbutton or

switch unit.

wound rotor A three-phase motor containing a rotor with windings and slip
rings. This motor type permits control of rotor current by
connecting external resistance in series with the rotor
windings.