Custodial

Brute

Large round trashcan on wheels

Wet Vac

Extraction of liquids from carpeting or flooding on other floors

Electrical

Ballast

Operates fluorescent lights (when turning out, it often smells like sulfur)

Breaker

Circuit breaker trips off (i.e., “blown fuse”). You may have overhead lights but no power to wall outlets, computers, copiers, etc.

Conduit

This is the protective molding that encloses electrical wiring that runs along the baseboard horizontally or vertically from a light switch up through the ceiling

Double duplex

This is a 4-plug outlet

Relamping

For light replacement, fluorescent (tubes), incandescent (light bulbs), halogen (spotlights), outdoor lighting, etc.

Single duplex

This is a 2-plug outlet

Environmental

Air handler

A “big fan” for the building

Chiller

A “big air conditioning compressor”

Condensation

The water from the atmosphere that condenses on components of a cooling system. Some leaks are caused from condensation drip-catching pans that clog and overflow.

Condenser

Either air cooled or water cooled. This removes heat from the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system.

DDC

Stands for direct digital control. This is when your HVAC is controlled centrally by a computer.

Dampers

These are building vents that can be opened to let outside air in

Diffuser

This is a metal piece attached to HVAC ducts to deflect or redirect the air

Fume hoods

This can include exhaust fans, electrical, natural gas, nitrogen, & water (replacement belts for fan & motor or cable on door)

HVAC

This stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system