Glossary

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A/C: An apparatus for controlling, especially lowering, the temperature and humidity of an enclosed space.

A/C Circuit: An electric current that reverses direction at regular intervals, having a magnitude that varies continuously in sinusoidal manner. Abbreviation: AC.

A/C Condenser: An apparatus for cooling a gas in order to convert it to to a liquid.

A/C Disconnect: The primary electrical ON-OFF switch.

ABS: (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) Fixed plastic pipe used only for drain lines.

Absolute Humidity: The mass of water vapor present in a unit volume of moist air.

Accelerator: A chemical, usually an alkali, added to a developer to increase the rate of development.

Access Panel: An access port near a fixture used for servicing the fixture.

Accessible: Able to reach without difficulty.

Acre: 43,560 square feet.

Acrylic: A glassy thermoplastic; can be cast and molded or used in coatings and adhesives.

Activate: To make active; cause to function or act.

Actual Dimension (Lumber): The precise dimensions of cut, dried and milled lumber.

Adaptor: A connector for joining parts or devices having different sizes, designs, etc., enabling them to be fitted or to work together.

Adhesion: The molecular force of attraction in the area of contact between unlike bodies that acts to hold them together.

Adhesive Failure: A contact break down between two joined bodies.

Adversely Affect: Unfavorable or antagonistic in purpose or effect.

Aerator: A device for introducing air in order to prevent the accumulation of moisture, keeping it free of fungi and insects.

Aggregate: Any of various loose, particulate materials, as sand, gravel, or pebbles, added to a cementing agent to make concrete, plaster, etc.

Air Chamber: A chamber, especially in a hydraulic system, in which air elastically compresses and expands to regulate the flow of a fluid.

Air Duct: An enclosure, usually of sheet metal, that conducts heated or conditioned air.

Air Filters: A filter that removes dust from the air that passes through it.

Air Infiltration: The gas or dissolved matter that has entered a space, substance, cell, or tissue.

Air Space: The space between barriers such as wall coverings.

Air-Dried Lumber: The time necessary for lumber to minimize moisture. United States standards are a minimum moisture content of 12 to 15 percent and the average is somewhat higher.

Airway: Any passage in a mine used for purposes of ventilation; an air course.

Alarm System: A device that signals the occurrence of some undesirable event.

Algae: Any of various chiefly aquatic, eukaryotic, photosynthetic organisms, ranging in size from single-celled forms to the giant kelp. Algae were once considered to be plants but are now classified separately because they lack true roots, stems, leaves, and embryos.

Alligatoring: The formation of cracks on the surface of paint layers.

Allowable Span: The space between two joists, rafters or a girder.

Allowance(s): To allocate (supplies, rations, etc.) in fixed or regular amounts.

Aluminum Wire: A conductor for carrying electricity. Aluminum is lighter and less expensive than copper, but does not conduct as well.

Amortization: The paying off of debt in regular installments over a period of time.

Ampacity: Denotes the current a wire can safely carry. For example, a 12 gauge electrical copper wire can safely carry up to 20 amps.

Amperage: The strength of a electrical current measured in amperes.

Amps (AMPERES): The basic unit of electric current adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites; "a typical household circuit carries 15 to 50 amps.

Anchor Bolts: Any of several kinds of bolts inserted and fixed in masonry as a hold for timbers, shelves, etc.

Angle Iron: An iron or steel bar, brace, or cleat in the form of an angle.

Angle Stop: A shutoff valve with an outlet angles 90 degrees upward.

Annealing: To subject (glass or metal) to a process of heating and slow cooling in order to toughen and reduce brittleness.

Annual Percentage Rate (APR): The annual rate of interest; the total interest to be paid in a year divided by the balance due.

Anti-Scald: A valve that restricts water flow to help prevent burn injuries.

Anti-Siphon: A tube or conduit that prevents waste water from seeping back into supply lines and possibly contaminating the water supply.

Anti-Walk Blocks: Blocks used to limit lateral glass movement in glazing channels.

Antiquated: No longer used; obsolete or obsolescent.

APA Plywood: (APA=American Plywood Association) Plywood rated by the American Plywood Association.

Aperature: The opening in pipes.

Appliance: A piece of equipment, usually operated electrically, esp. for use in the home or for performance of domestic chores.

Appraisal: An estimate of value, as for sale, assessment, or taxation; valuation.

Approach: The transition from a street to a driveway.

Apron: The trim board installed beneath a window sill.

Arbitration Service: An individual or service retained to resolve complaints.

Architect: A person professionally engaged in the design of certain large constructions other than buildings and the like.

Architects Rule (Ruler): Three sided ruler with different scales on each side.

Architectural Service: The art and science of designing and erecting buildings, etc.

Area Wells: Barrier walls installed to hold back the earth around a basement window.

Areaway: A sunken area leading to a cellar or basement entrance, or in front of basement or cellar windows.

Asbestos: A fibrous mineral, either amphibole or chrysotile, formerly used for making incombustible or fireproof articles.

Asphalt: Any of various dark-colored, solid, bituminous substances, native in various areas of the earth and composed mainly of hydrocarbon mixtures.

Asphalt Plastic Cement: An asphalt-based cement used for bonding roofing materials.

Assessment: An official valuation of property for the purpose of levying a tax; an assigned value.

Associate Member: Entry level inspector.

Astragal: A molding attached to one or both meeting stiles of a pair of double doors in order to prevent drafts.

Attic Access: The opening created to provide access to the attic.

Attic Ventilators: A device that circulates fresh air and expels stale or foul air in the attic.

Auger: A boring tool, similar to but larger than a gimlet, consisting of a bit rotated by a transverse handle.

Awning Window: A window frame having one or more sashes hinged at the top and swinging outward.