Arc Flash / Lockout

Related terms

• Permit

  Official jurisdiction authorization to perform regulated work, triggering required inspections. Unpermitted remodels can force teardown,…

• Backdrafting

  Combustion gases (including CO) being pulled back into the house instead of up the flue, often from negative pressure caused by exhaust f…

• Anode Rod

  A sacrificial rod inside a tank water heater that corrodes instead of the tank. Replacing it periodically greatly extends heater life.

• Backflow Preventer

  A device stopping contaminated water from being siphoned back into the potable supply. Code-required at hose bibs, irrigation, and boilers.

• Amperage / Service Size

  The home's total electrical capacity (commonly 100A, 150A, 200A). Kitchens, EV chargers, and heat pumps often force a 200A upgrade.

• Backwater Valve

  A check valve in the building drain preventing municipal sewer backups from flooding the home. A recommended add in basement remodels.

• Aluminum Branch Wiring

  1960s–70s aluminum branch circuits prone to connection overheating. Requires approved remediation (e.g., COPALUM/AlumiConn) for safety.

• Blower Door Test

  A fan-and-gauge test measuring whole-house air leakage. Code increasingly requires a passing result after major remodels.