GlossaryElectrical
Electrical
Words you will hear when marking power points, switches, and the DB with an electrician. Tap a term for a short plain-English note — sockets include a simple diagram.
Sockets
- Single socketOne 13A outlet on a faceplate — the basic power point for a single plug.
- Double socketTwo 13A outlets on one faceplate — the most common living-room and bedroom power point.
- Switched socketA socket with an on/off rocker so you can cut power without unplugging.
- 13A socketThe standard UK/Singapore household plug rating — almost every home power point is 13A.
- Power pointSingapore everyday term for a wall socket — what you ask the electrician to install.
- USB socketA power point with built-in USB-A or USB-C ports so phones can charge without a plug brick.
- Weatherproof socketA sealed outdoor or wet-area outlet with a cover — for balconies, yards, and similar spots.
- Floor socketA power (and sometimes data) outlet set into the floor — common under desks and island tables.
Switches Lighting
- One-way switchA simple on/off switch controlling a light from one location.
- Two-way switchLets you control the same light from two places — classic stair or long-corridor setup.
- Intermediate switchThe middle switch when you need three or more control points for one light.
- Dimmer switchA switch that varies brightness — must match your LED or lamp type.
- Lighting pointA prepared ceiling or wall position where a light fitting will be connected.
- Ceiling roseThe round ceiling connector where pendant flex joins the house wiring.
- Pendant pointA ceiling lighting point intended for a hanging pendant lamp.
- Wall light pointA wired outlet on the wall for a wall lamp or sconce.
Distribution Protection
- Distribution boardThe metal board that holds your breakers — the heart of the home’s circuits.
- MCBThe switch that trips when a circuit overloads or shorts — replaces old rewirable fuses.
- RCCB / RCDTrips on earth leakage — the life-saving device that cuts power if current leaks to earth.
- IsolatorA local on/off switch that safely cuts power to one appliance for servicing.
- Fused connection unit (FCU)A fused outlet plate used to hardwire an appliance instead of using a plug.
- SpurAn extra socket or FCU branched off an existing ring or radial circuit.
Appliance Points
Wiring
- Live, neutral, earthThe three conductors in normal Singapore wiring — brown live, blue neutral, green/yellow earth.
- Concealed wiringCables run inside walls or ceilings — neat finish, harder to change later.
- Surface wiringCables run on the surface in conduit or trunking — easier to modify, more visible.
- ConduitTube that protects cables — can be concealed in walls or run on the surface.
- TrunkingRectangular cover that hides and protects surface cables — common for air-con and data runs.
- Cable sizeThe conductor thickness in mm² — bigger circuits need thicker cable.
- Twin and earthCommon flat cable with live, neutral, and a bare earth between them.
- Junction boxAn accessible box where cable joints are made and covered.