Electric Utility Glossary - Section L
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
L – The abbreviation for inductance.
Lateral – A distribution line that branches out from the main distribution line.
Lightning Arrestor – A device used to divert lightning from an electrical system into the earth, minimizing damage to the system.
Load – Anything that will draw current from a source. Load can be measured in Amps, Watts or Volt-Amperes.
Load Break Elbow – A 90-degree connector used in pad mounted transformers. Load break elbows are designed to be pulled off with a hot stick with full-load current flowing.
Load Interrupter – A switching device used to disconnect equipment at full load. It will not interrupt fault current as a circuit breaker or circuit switcher can.
Line Jack – (Most areas of North America call a line jack a cutout.) A fused disconnect switch used in distribution that swings open when the fuse link blows, or when a line crew worker pulls it open. Line jack is a regional term used in the Southeast U.S.
Load Shedding – A procedure in which customers are disconnected from the utility system.
Locked Rotor Amps – The amount of current that would flow if a motor shaft was welded to the housing (so that the shaft cannot turn…locked in place) and the motor then energized. On a practical level, this is the amount of current that will flow as a motor is started under full mechanical load.
Locked Rotor Current - The amount of current, measured in amps, that would flow if a motor shaft was welded to the housing (so that the shaft cannot turn…locked in place) and the motor then energized. On a practical level, this is the amount of current that will flow as a motor is started under full mechanical load.
Low Side – The low-voltage side of a transformer.
LRA – See Locked Rotor Amps.
LTC – An acronym for Load Tap Changer. A load tap changer is a device that will change a transformer’s turns ratio, and therefore the output voltage, without de-energizing the load being served.
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