Glossary of Terms
Terms have been defined in the context of
service as provided by Tideland EMC
| circuit - the path electric current takes from the substation to the device using the power |
| conductor - a material that allows an electric current to pass through it; normally this is the wire that carries electricity in an electric distribution or transmission system; copper was largely used in earlier electric system construction however given copper’s tendancy to expand and contract during changing weather conditions aluminum is now the preferred conductor. |
| demand - the amount of electricity drawn from an electric system at a given time, measured in kilowatts. |
| insulator - usually made of glass or porcelain, insulators support electric wires to prevent an undesired flow of electricity; insulator cracks very often go undetected until it rains or snows which can result in electric blinks or an outage; special insulators are used along the Outer Banks to prevent accumulation of salt spray which can divert electricity from its normal path along power lines; if you spot a broken or damaged insulator report it immediately |
| kwd - kilowatts of demand as measured by a load profile or time-of-use meter; each KW is equal to 1,000 watts; average household demand is 10 to 20 kilowatts. |
| kwh - The basic measure of electric energy generation or use equal to 1,000 watt-hours; A 100-watt light bulb burning for 10 hours uses one kilowatt-hour; For more information see Appliance Usage. |
| power supplier - Tideland EMC receives the bulk of its power from the following suppliers: Carolina Power & Light, North Carolina Power and the Southeastern Power Administration. However, as long term contracts expire the state’s electric cooperatives are free to buy power on the open market. To date we have purchased power as far away as Ohio. |
| SEER - Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio; The cooling efficiency rating of both heat pumps & central air conditioners. The Federal minimum for both is 10 SEER. The higher the number the more efficient the unit. |
| substation - an electrical facility containing equipment for controlling the flow of electricity from supplier to user; Tideland EMC currently operates fifteen distribution substations |
| transformer - a device used to raise or lower voltage in electric distribution or transmission lines |
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