Glossary

& Links to Wikipedia© Entries on the Subject

ALTERNATING CURRENT (AC)
An electric current that reverses direction in a circuit at regular intervals.
External Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternating_current

ANSI -- American National Standards Institute
Used here to refer to standardized sizes for faceplates.
External Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_National_Standards_Institute

CONTINUOUS DUTY
A device that is designed to operate continuously without rest.

CURRENT
Measured flow of electrons through an electrical conductor. Normally measured in amperes.
External Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_current

DIRECT CURRENT (DC)
An electric current flowing in one direction.
External Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct_current

DOOR HANDING FAIL SAFE (RS) A device that is normally open and locks when power is applied to the unit. Often listed as “RS” External Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fail_safe FAIL SECURE A device that is normally closed or locked until power is applied. Example: During a loss of power the device remains locked. FUSE A device that is placed in the path of energy that will break the circuit if the current becomes too great. This is accomplished by having a strip or metal that will melt when the current exceeds the required amount. External Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuse_(electrical) INTERMITTENT DUTY A device that is designed to operate for a short period of time; generally less that 45 seconds. LOCKSET TYPES NORMALLY OPEN The contacts of a switch or relay are normally open or not connected. When activated the contacts close or become connected. EXAMPLE: A switch is not depressed and the circuit is not complete. NORMALLY CLOSED The contacts of a switch or relay are normally closed or connected. When activated the contacts open or become disconnected. EXAMPLE: A switch is not depressed and the circuit is complete. OHMS The measure of resistance of an electrical device to resist the flow of energy. See our Basic Electronics Page. RECTIFIER A device that is commonly used to convert AC to DC. Commonly used to silence the audible sound that an electrical strike can make while energized on AC current. External Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rectifier RELAY An electro-magnetic device activated by a variation in conditions in one electric circuit and controlling a larger current or actuating other devices in the same or another electric circuit. External Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relay STANDARD VOLTAGE 12 and 24 DC Voltage is standard -- Must specify when ordering strikes Most light commercial Electric door strike supplied with magnetic coils: 4-6VDC/8-16VAC. Electric door strikes supplied with a solenoid coil: 6-10VDC, 10-16VAC: other voltages available. TRANSFORMER A device consisting essentially of two or more coils of insulated wire that transfers alternating current by electro -magnetic induction from one winding to another at the same frequency, but usually with changed voltage & current. External Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transformer VOLT A unit of electric potential equal to the difference of electric potential between two points that have a resistance of one ohm and through which a current of one amperes is flowing. See our Basic Electronics Page. VOLTAGE DROP? We recommend the following wire sizes: Wire Length 12V 24V Up to 50 ft. 18 AWG 20 AWG 51-150 ft. 16 AWG 18 AWG 151-300 ft. 14 AWG 16 AWG 301-600 ft. 12 AWG 14 AWG WATT The power developed in a circuit by a current of one ampere flowing through a potential difference of one volt. External Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watt