Page 720 - 2018_IRC

CHAPTER 35

ELECTRICAL DEFINITIONS

ICC user note:
About this chapter: The electrical trade, like other construction trades, has its vernacular. If people do not understand the language of the
code text, they will have difficulty interpreting that text. Many words have a unique meaning in the context of a particular code and may be
defined differently in a dictionary.
Because much code text meaning depends on the definitions of the terms used in the text, Chapter 35 lists the definitions of terms that do not
have everyday, common, universally accepted or dictionary-defined meanings. Chapter 35 is provided as the key to understanding the electri-
cal text.

SECTION E3501 ATTACHMENT PLUG (PLUG CAP) (PLUG). A device
GENERAL that, by insertion into a receptacle, establishes connection
E3501.1 Scope. This chapter contains definitions that shall between the conductors of the attached flexible cord and the
apply only to the electrical requirements of Chapters 34 conductors connected permanently to the receptacle.
through 43. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following AUTOMATIC. Performing a function without the necessity
terms shall, for the purpose of this code, have the meanings of human intervention.
indicated in this chapter. Words used in the present tense BATHROOM. An area, including a basin, with one or more
include the future; the singular number includes the plural of the following: a toilet, a urinal, a tub, a shower, a bidet, or
and the plural the singular. Where terms are not defined in similar plumbing fixture.
this section and are defined in Section R202 of this code, such
terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them in that sec- BONDED (BONDING). Connected to establish electrical
tion. Where terms are not defined in these sections, they shall continuity and conductivity.
have their ordinarily accepted meanings or such as the con- BONDING CONDUCTOR OR JUMPER. A reliable con-
text implies. ductor to ensure the required electrical conductivity between
ACCESSIBLE. (As applied to equipment.) Admitting close metal parts required to be electrically connected.
approach; not guarded by locked doors, elevation or other BONDING JUMPER (EQUIPMENT). The connection
effective means. between two or more portions of the equipment grounding
ACCESSIBLE. (As applied to wiring methods.) Capable of conductor.
being removed or exposed without damaging the building BONDING JUMPER, MAIN. The connection between the
structure or finish, or not permanently closed in by the struc- grounded circuit conductor and the equipment grounding
ture or finish of the building. conductor at the service.
ACCESSIBLE, READILY. Capable of being reached BONDING JUMPER, SUPPLY-SIDE. A conductor
quickly for operation, renewal or inspections, without requir- installed on the supply side of a service or within a service
ing those to whom ready access is requisite to take actions equipment enclosure(s) that ensures the required electrical
such as to use tools, other than keys, to climb over or under, conductivity between metal parts required to be electrically
to remove obstacles or to resort to portable ladders, etc. connected.
AMPACITY. The maximum current in amperes that a con- BRANCH CIRCUIT. The circuit conductors between the
ductor can carry continuously under the conditions of use final overcurrent device protecting the circuit and the out-
without exceeding its temperature rating. let(s).
APPLIANCE. Utilization equipment, normally built in stan- BRANCH CIRCUIT, APPLIANCE. A branch circuit that
dardized sizes or types, that is installed or connected as a unit supplies energy to one or more outlets to which appliances
to perform one or more functions such as clothes washing, air are to be connected, and that has no permanently connected
conditioning, food mixing, deep frying, etc. luminaires that are not a part of an appliance.
APPROVED. Acceptable to the authority having jurisdic- BRANCH CIRCUIT, GENERAL PURPOSE. A branch
tion. circuit that supplies two or more receptacle outlets or outlets
ARC-FAULT CIRCUIT-INTERRUPTER. A device for lighting and appliances.
intended to provide protection from the effects of arc-faults BRANCH CIRCUIT, INDIVIDUAL. A branch circuit that
by recognizing characteristics unique to arcing and by func- supplies only one utilization equipment.
tioning to de-energize the circuit when an arc-fault is
detected. BRANCH CIRCUIT, MULTIWIRE. A branch circuit con-
sisting of two or more ungrounded conductors having voltage

2018 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE ® 695
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