Page 78 - Puret Sound Energy Hand Book 1218

Glossary

Approved – Acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.
Backfill – Native soil or soil brought in from another area, free from sharp objects, rocks,
scrap building material, and corrosive material.
Clearance – A set distance between two objects.
Conduit – A listed or approved wireway with a smooth interior surface to permit easy
drawing-in of the electrical conductors. A conduit may be metallic or nonmetallic,
depending on its usage, in accordance with codes and Puget Sound Energy Standards.
Current Transformer (CT) Enclosure – A sealable cabinet designed for surface or flush
mounting, and provided with a frame or trim in which doors or removable covers are
hung.
Customer Construction Services (CCS) Representative – The designated
representative of Puget Sound Energy, responsible for design and/or coordination of new
or revised services to PSE customers. The CCS Representative responds to inquiries on
policies, standards, practices, rates, and energy utilization.
Customer Generation – A generation facility installed by PSE customers that are
interconnected and operated in parallel with PSE’s electric distribution system through
the electric service meter (net meter).
Demand – The maximum average kilowatt load used by the customer for a specific
period of time during the billing period.
Direct Burial – The installation of electrical conductors in a trench, without the use of
conduit.
Disconnect Switch – A single blade-type, visible and lockable disconnect.
Drip Loop – A loop formed in overhead secondary conductors at the weatherhead to
prevent water from entering into the service entrance conduit and equipment.
EUSERC – Electrical Utility Service Equipment Requirements Committee
Ground Rod – A ground electrode made up of a rod not less than 8' in length and
5/8" in diameter, typically made of zinc or copper coated steel. More information on
ground rods is available in the National Electric Code.
Guy – Cable or brace used to relieve the strain of overhead conductors on masts
and poles.
Inverter – An electronic device used to change dc current into ac current.
Locked Rotor Current – Locked rotor current is associated with the amount of current
drawn from your electric service necessary to start an electric motor. Typically, a motor
draws its maximum current to transition the rotor from being stationary, or stopped, to
spinning. Once the rotor of a motor is spinning, the current needed to power the motor
is typically reduced. Locked rotor current is sometimes referred to as Locked Rotor
Amperes, In-Rush Current, or Starting Current. Not all motorized devices have a unique
starting current.
Manual Block Bypass (Circuit-Closing Block) – A provision for paralleling the meter
circuit, allowing the meter to be removed without interrupting service to the customer.
Meter Jaw – A spring-loaded receptacle installed inside a meter socket, interfacing the
terminals of the meter to the source and load conductors of the service.
Meter Loop – Any provision in which an electrical meter may be installed. Does not
include the service disconnect device.
Meter Pole – A pole which supports the metering equipment owned and maintained by
the customer.

Electric Service Handbook 2017 — Single-Family Residential Projects 69