Lesson 3.3 Key Terms
Key Term / DefinitionAir Handling Unit (AHU) / A device used to condition and circulate air as part of a heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system.
Circuit / The various conductors, connections, and devices found along the path of electric flow from the source through the components and back to the source.
Circuit Breaker / An electric safety switch that automatically opens a circuit when excessive amperage occurs.
Cleanout / A fitting with a removable plug that is placed in plumbing drainage pipe lines to allow access for cleaning out the pipe.
Distribution Panel / A box in which the wires from the meter are connected to individual circuit breakers, which are connected to separate circuits for distribution to various locations throughout the building.
Drain / Any pipe that carries wastewater or water-borne wastes in a building drainage system.
Drainage Fixture Unit / A measure of the probable discharge into the drainage system by various types of plumbing fixtures.
Drainage System / Piping within a building that conveys sewage, rainwater, or other liquid wastes to a point of disposal.
Ducts / Pipes, typically made of sheet metal, used to conduct hot or cold air in the HVAC system.
Electric Meter / An instrument used to measure electric power.
Fenestration / All areas (including the frames) in the building envelope that let in light.
Ground / An electrical connection to the earth.
Heat Pump / A unit designed to produce forced air or hot water for heating and cooling.
Hot Water / Water at a temperature greater than or equal to 110 º F (43º C).
Individual Sewage Disposal System / A system for disposal of domestic sewage by means of a septic tank cesspool mechanical treatment to serve a single establishment or building.
Lavatory / A fixture that is designed for washing hands and face, usually found in a bathroom.
Main / The principal pip artery to which branches are connected.
Nonpotable Water / Water not safe for drinking, personal, or culinary utilization.
Outlet / An electrical connection used to plug in devices. A duplex outlet, with two outlets, is the typical wall plug.
Plumbing Fixture / A device that is connected to the water distribution system and demands a supply of water; discharges wastewater, liquid-borne waste material, or sewage to the drainage system; or requires both a water supply connection and a discharge to the drainage system.
Potable Water / Water free from impurities present in amounts sufficient to cause disease or harmful physiological effects and conforming to the regulations of the public health authority having jurisdiction.
Riser / A water supply pipe that extends vertically one story or more to carry water to fixtures.
Sanitary Sewer / A sewer that conveys sewage but excludes storm, surface, and ground water.
Sewage / Any liquid waste containing animal or vegetable matter in suspension or solution, including liquids containing chemicals in solution.
Sewer / A pipe, normally underground, that carries wastewater and refuse.
Soil Pipe / A pipe that conveys sewage containing fecal matter to the building drain or building sewer.
Stack / Any vertical line of soil, waste, vent, or inside conductor piping that extends through at least one story.
Storm Sewer / A sewer that conveys storm water or other drainage but not sanitary sewage.
Switch Leg / The electrical conductor from a switch to the electrical device being controlled.
Trap / A fitting or device that provides a liquid seal to prevent the emission of sewer gases without materially affecting the flow of sewage or wastewater through the trap.
Valve / A fitting that is used to control the flow of fluid or gas.
Vent Pipe / A vertical pipe installed to provide circulation of air to and from any part of the drainage system.
Water Closet / A water-flushing plumbing fixture, such as a toilet, that is designed to receive and discharge human excrement.
Water Distributing Pipe / A pipe that carries water from the service to the point of use.
Water Heater / Any heating appliance or equipment that heats potable water and supplies such water to the potable hot water distribution system.
Water Meter / A device used to measure the amount of water that goes through the water service.
Water Service / The pipe from the water main or other supply to the water-distributing pipes.
Watt / A unit of measure of power.
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Civil Engineering and Architecture Lesson 3.3 Key Terms – Page 1