Power tools are used by a wide range of professionals, including carpenters, construction workers, machinists, auto mechanics, and HVAC technicians. Each type of professional might use specific power tools specialized to the tasks they perform, but all power tools have some things in common: They're all powered by electricity, and they all require safe handling to prevent injury. If you're new to the world of power tools, it can be helpful to learn some terminology related to these highly useful devices, which can make it easier to learn about them and to communicate with coworkers on the job.

Amperage:
In simple terms, amperage means electrical current, typically measured in amps. Amperage describes the amount of electrical charge that runs through a system.

Double-Insulated:
Double-insulated electrical appliances, also known as Class II electrical appliances, feature two layers of insulation to safeguard users from electrical shock hazards. The primary characteristics of double-insulated appliances is that they are designed to prevent dangerous voltage exposure in the event of a single failure.

Goggles:
Goggles are a type of protective eyewear that protects the area surrounding the eye from harmful chemicals, gases, or flying debris.

Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI):
A ground-fault circuit interrupter is an electrical safety device that protects against electrical shock. GFCIs are usually installed in areas where electrical circuits may come into contact with water.

Guard:
A protective device that covers moving pieces of machinery. Guards are a safety feature that protects workers from injuries while operating machinery by acting as a barrier between the machine and the operator.

Horsepower:
Horsepower is a unit of power output in mechanical systems. Horsepower is commonly associated with engines and motors.

Impact Energy:
Impact energy is the amount of work that can be performed by a single blow of a hammer. By calculating and understanding impact energy, engineers can optimize hammering mechanisms for specific applications and machinery.

Listed:
If a product or material is listed, that means that it has been tested to comply with national standards.

NRTL:
A nationally recognized testing laboratory, or NRTL, is an independent organization recognized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration that inspects, evaluates, and certifies products that meet federal safety standards.

Polarized Plug:
A polarized plug is an electrical plug designed so that it can only be inserted into an outlet one way.

Power Switch:
A power switch controls the flow of electrical current in a machine, allowing the operator to turn it on and off.

Respiratory Protection:
Respiratory protection, most commonly a mask or respirator, protects the wearer from inhaling hazardous fumes, gases, or particles by creating a physical barrier between the mouth and nose and the potential contaminants in the environment.

RPM:
Revolutions per minute, or RPM, is a unit of rotational speed. Understanding RPM allows you to fine-tune equipment for optimal performance.

Voltage:
Voltage is also known as the electrical pressure that pushes electricity. It is measured in volts and represents the potential energy difference between two circuits.

Wattage:
Wattage refers to the amount of electrical power consumed by a tool, appliance, or device to perform its function.

Additional Resources

• Glossary of Power Tool and Woodworking Terms
• A Complete Glossary of Power Terms
• 500 Electrical Terms and Definitions
• Hand and Power Tool Glossary
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• Simple DIY Maintenance Tasks That Will Keep a Car Running Smoothly
• Six Reasons Your Car Shakes While Idling (and How to Fix It)
• 74 Maintenance Tips That Will Extend the Life of Your Car