Fire Inspection & Code Enforcement (6th Edition)
Chapter 4 Terms
Fire Hazard Recognition
Ampere
(1) The amount of current sent by one volt through one ohm of resistance; (2) Unit of measurement of electrical current.
Brands
(1) Large, flying, burning embers that are lifted by a fire's thermal column and carried away with the wind. (2) Small burning pieces of wood or charcoal used to test the fire resistance of roof coverings and roof deck assemblies.
Circuit
The complete path of an electric current.
Common Hazard
A condition likely to be found in almost all occupancies and generally not associated with a specific occupancy or activity.
Conductor
A substance or material that transmits electrical or heat energy.
Electric Shock
Injury caused by electricity passing through the body. Severity of injury depends upon the path the current takes through the body, the amount of current, and the resistance of the skin.
Electrical Systems
Those wiring systems designed to distribute electricity throughout a building.
Electron
A minute component of an atom that possesses a negative charge.
Fire Hazard
Any material, condition, or act that contributes to the start of a fire or that increases the extent or severity of fire.
Fire Load
The maximum amount of heat that can be produced if all the combustible materials in a given area burn.
Fire Risk
The probability that a fire will occur and the potential for harm it will create.
Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning System (HVAC)
The mechanical system used to provide environmental control within a structure.
Live Load
The force placed upon a structure by the addition of people, objects, or weather.
Neutron
A part of the nucleus of an atom that has a neutral electrical charge.
Ohms
Units of measurement of electrical resistance.
Proton
A part of an atom that possesses a positive charge.
Reactive Material
A material that will react violently when combined with air or water.
Refrigerant
A substance used within a refrigeration system to provide the cooling action.
Salamander
A portable heating device generally found on construction sites.
Semiconductor
Material that is neither a good conductor nor a good insulator, and therefore may be used as either in some applications.
Special Fire Hazard
A fire hazard arising from the processes or operations that are peculiar to the individual occupancy.
Static Electricity
An accumulation of electrical charges on opposing surfaces created by the separation of unlike materials or by the movement of surfaces.
Voltage
Units of electric potential.