Codi Knowledge Hub
At Codi PCS, we believe that informed decisions lead to better projects, safer operations, and stronger long-term performance. That’s why we’ve created this Power Distribution Knowledge Hub — your go-to resource for understanding the concepts, components, and standards that keep critical electrical systems running. We also added this section because it looks really good to search engines, and I don't know if you know this, but we are up against some serious giants in this space, so we need all the help we can get.
From UL891 switchboards and NEMA enclosure ratings to short circuit current ratings, busbars, and the latest advances in industrial stainless steel fabrication, this hub brings together industry terms, practical explanations, and best practices in one place. Whether you’re an engineer, contractor, facility manager, or simply someone interested in how power distribution works, you’ll find clear, concise, and actionable information here.
We’re committed to keeping this resource current, relevant, and grounded in real-world applications. Many of the definitions and guides you’ll find are paired with deeper articles, case studies, and insights into how Codi PCS applies these standards in our own custom-built, quick-ship switchgear and power solutions.
Explore, bookmark, and check back often — knowledge is power, and at Codi PCS,
we’re here to make sure you have plenty of both.
Glossary of Power Distribution & Electrical Industry Terms
A
Alternating Current (AC) – An electric current that reverses direction periodically, commonly used in commercial and industrial power systems. Ampacity – The maximum amount of current a conductor or device can safely carry without exceeding its temperature rating. Ampere (Amp) – The unit of measurement for electrical current, representing one coulomb of charge per second. Arc Flash – A sudden, explosive release of energy caused by an electrical fault, capable of causing burns, injury, or equipment damage. Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) – A device that detects and interrupts arc faults to reduce the risk of electrical fires. Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) – A switch that automatically transfers power from the utility to a backup generator during an outage.
B
Branch Circuit – A circuit extending from a panelboard to supply power to specific loads. Busbar – A conductive bar (usually copper or aluminum) that distributes power inside a switchboard, panel, or busway. Busway – An enclosed system of busbars that distributes power within a building or facility.
C
Camlock Connector – A heavy-duty electrical connector used for quick, secure temporary power connections, common in generator docking systems. Circuit Breaker – A protective device designed to automatically interrupt electrical flow in the event of overloads or short circuits. Conduit – A protective tube or duct for electrical wiring, made from metal or nonmetallic materials. Continuous Load – An electrical load expected to run for three hours or more. Current Transformer (CT) – A device used to measure alternating current by producing a scaled-down output proportional to the input current.
D
Dead Front – A design that prevents the user from touching live parts during normal operation. Demand Load – The maximum load a system will carry at any given time. Distribution Panel – A panelboard or switchboard that distributes power to various branch circuits.
E
Earth Ground – A physical connection between electrical equipment and the earth to prevent shock hazards. Enclosure – The housing that protects electrical components from damage, dust, moisture, and other environmental hazards. Equipment Grounding Conductor (EGC) – A conductor used to connect non-current-carrying metal parts of equipment to the grounding system.
F
Feeder – Conductors that carry power from the service equipment to panelboards or other distribution equipment. Frequency (Hertz, Hz) – The number of cycles per second of an alternating current; standard in North America is 60 Hz. Fusible Disconnect – A switch equipped with fuses that can disconnect power while providing overcurrent protection.
G
Generator Docking Station (GDS) – A permanent connection point for tying in portable generators safely and quickly. Ground Fault – An unintentional electrical path between a conductor and ground. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) – A device that detects ground faults and quickly disconnects power to prevent shock.
H
High Voltage (HV) – Electrical systems operating at voltages above 35kV, typically used in transmission networks. Harmonics – Voltage or current waveforms that deviate from a pure sine wave, often caused by nonlinear loads.
I
Insulator – A material that resists electrical current flow, used to separate conductive parts. Interrupting Capacity – The maximum fault current that a circuit breaker or fuse can safely interrupt. ISO 9001 – An international standard for quality management systems, ensuring consistent product quality and process control.
L
Load Center – A small-scale panelboard that distributes electricity to branch circuits, common in residential and light commercial use. Load Shedding – The intentional reduction of electrical load to prevent overloading the system. Low Voltage (LV) – Electrical systems operating at voltages below 1kV.
M
Medium Voltage (MV) – Electrical systems operating between 1kV and 35kV, typically for industrial distribution. Metering – Equipment used to measure voltage, current, power, and energy usage. Motor Control Center (MCC) – An assembly of motor starters, drives, and control equipment used for centralized motor control.
N
NEMA Rating – A standard by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association that defines the level of protection enclosures provide against environmental conditions. Neutral – A grounded conductor that carries current in a balanced system.
O
Overcurrent – A condition in which current exceeds the rated limit of equipment or conductors. Overcurrent Protection Device (OCPD) – A device, such as a fuse or circuit breaker, designed to protect circuits from overload or short circuit conditions.
P
Panelboard – A distribution device with overcurrent protection that divides incoming power into subsidiary circuits. Phase – A measure of the distribution of alternating current; most industrial systems use three-phase power. Portable Power Distribution Box – A temporary power device used to distribute electricity from a generator or other power source to multiple loads. Protective Relay – A device that monitors electrical parameters and triggers protection devices when abnormalities occur.
S
SCCR (Short Circuit Current Rating) – The maximum fault current a piece of equipment can safely withstand. Service Entrance – The point where power enters a building from the utility. Service Disconnect – A device that can completely disconnect electrical power from a building or facility. Switchboard – A large, permanently installed assembly that distributes power to multiple circuits or loads. Switchgear – An assembly of switching and protective devices for controlling and protecting electrical circuits. Stainless Steel Fabrication – A manufacturing process using stainless steel for increased durability, corrosion resistance, and long-term performance in harsh environments.
T
Temporary Power – A power supply system used during construction, events, or emergencies, often with generator docking solutions. Transformer – A device that changes voltage levels in an AC electrical circuit. Transfer Switch – A switch used to transfer power from a utility source to a backup generator.
U
UL Listed – A product safety certification from Underwriters Laboratories verifying compliance with specific safety standards. UL Recognized – A certification for components, not complete systems, indicating suitability for use in UL-listed assemblies. UL891 – The UL standard for switchboards, covering safety, performance, and construction requirements. UL67 – The UL standard for panelboards, covering safety and performance specifications.
V
Voltage Drop – The reduction in voltage as electric current flows through conductors due to resistance. Voltage Rating – The maximum voltage that electrical equipment is designed to handle safely.
W
Watt (W) – A unit of electrical power equal to one joule per second. Wiring Diagram – A schematic representation showing the connections and layout of an electrical system.
At Codi Power & Controls, we believe that knowledge is just as important as the equipment powering your facility. By understanding the fundamentals of electrical distribution — from switchgear to safety protocols — our customers are better equipped to make informed decisions, reduce downtime, and optimize performance.
This Power Distribution Knowledge Hub is part of our ongoing commitment to transparency, education, and innovation in the industry. Whether you’re a facility manager, electrical contractor, or simply curious about how power systems work, we aim to be your trusted source for reliable information and high-quality solutions.
When you combine industry expertise with cutting-edge manufacturing, you get more than just a product — you get a partner dedicated to keeping your operations running safely, efficiently, and on schedule.