GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Ampere (Amp): A unit measure for the flow (current) of electricity. Typical service to a residence is 100 amps; 200 amps is required for homes with electric heat.

Kilovolt (kV): 1000 volts.

Kilo-volt-ampere (kVA): A measure of electrical load on a circuit or system: single phase = amperes x voltage / 1000 three phase = amperes x voltage x 1.732 / 1000.

Kilowatt (kW): 1000 watts. A measure of electrical load on a circuit or system - related to kVA: single phase = amperes x voltage x power factor / 1000 three phase = amperes x voltage x power factor x 1.732 / 1000.

Kilowatt Hour (kWH): The work performed by one kilowatt of electric power in one hour. The unit on which the price of electrical energy is based. A 1000 watt light bulb operating for one hour would use one kWh.

Single Phase Power: (typically 230V AC in Africa) is carried between two wires: live and neutral and sometimes a third ground wire for safety. The frequency of AC voltage is 50 or 60 Hz. Single-phase power is used in many applications, for example to power all typical home electrical appliances, you get single-phase power from a normal electrical outlet at home.

Three Phase Power: is very common and is a more efficient use of conductors. Voltage is carried through three conductors 120° out of phase with the other two. Three-phase power provides a more efficient means of supplying large electrical loads like motors, and is used more in industrial areas.

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