GLOSSARY

AV (Audio Visual)

Referring to equipment, systems, and services that combine sound and visual components, such as projectors, speakers, and video conferencing systems.

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface)

A digital interface standard for transmitting high-definition audio and video signals between devices.

Projector

A device that projects visual content, such as video or presentations, onto a screen or other surface for viewing.

Receiver

An audio device that receives signals from various input sources, processes the audio, and amplifies it for output through speakers.

Soundbar

A slim, elongated speaker system designed to improve audio quality and provide surround sound experience, often used with televisions.

Video Conferencing

A technology that allows users in different locations to hold face-to-face meetings, featuring audio and video communication over a network.

Beam

A horizontal structural element that supports loads and transfers them to vertical elements.

Brace

A structural component used to provide support and stability to a frame.

Cabinetry

The craft of building cabinets and other storage solutions.

Carpenter’s Square

A tool used to mark and measure right angles in carpentry work.

Chisel

A hand tool with a sharp edge used to cut and shape wood.

Cornice

Decorative trim used where walls meet the ceiling.

Fascia

The horizontal board that runs along the edge of the roofline.

Framing

The structural skeleton of a building, made up of beams, studs, and joists.

Joinery

The method of connecting pieces of wood together to create furniture, structures, and other items.

Joist

A horizontal structural element that supports floors and ceilings.

Lattice

A framework consisting of crossed strips of wood or metal, often used as a decorative or functional element in structures.

Miter Joint

A joint made by beveling each of two parts to be joined, usually at a 45° angle, to form a corner.

Mortise and Tenon

A type of joint where a projection (tenon) on one piece fits into a cavity (mortise) on another.

Plywood

An engineered wood product made of thin layers of wood veneer glued together.

Rabbet

A recess or groove cut into the edge of a piece of wood, usually to receive another piece.

Rafter

A structural element of a roof that slopes from the ridge or hip to the wall plate.

Sheathing

The boards or panels that cover the framing of a building and to which exterior siding is applied.

Stud

A vertical framing member in a wall.

Trim

The finishing materials, such as moldings and baseboards, used to cover joints and edges.

Veneer

A thin layer of wood or other material applied to the surface of a less expensive material.

Wood Glue

Adhesive used to bond pieces of wood together.

Workbench

A sturdy table at which carpentry and other manual work is performed.

Workbench Vise

A mechanical apparatus used to secure an object to allow work to be performed on it.

Wall panelling

Paneling on the lower part of walls that adds a decorative and protective element.

Cat5e (Category 5e) Cable

A type of twisted pair cable used for Ethernet and other data communications, supporting speeds up to 1 Gbps.

Cat6 (Category 6) Cable

A higher-performance twisted pair cable than Cat5e, supporting speeds up to 10 Gbps over shorter distances.

Patch Panel

A mounted hardware assembly containing ports used to connect and manage incoming and outgoing network cables in a structured cabling system.

RJ45 Connector

A type of connector commonly used for Ethernet networking cables, featuring eight pins to connect twisted pair wires.

Router

A device that forwards data packets between computer networks, managing traffic and directing data to its destination.

Switch

A network device that connects multiple devices on a local area network (LAN), using MAC addresses to forward data to the correct destination.

Circuit Breaker

A device designed to interrupt the flow of electricity in a circuit as a safety measure in the event of an overload or short circuit.

Conduit

A protective tube or pipe through which electrical cables are run, providing physical protection and ease of installation.

Earthing

The process of connecting the exposed metal parts of an electrical installation to the ground to prevent electric shock in case of a fault.

GPO (General Purpose Outlet)

A standard electrical outlet or power point used for connecting appliances and devices to the mains electricity supply.

RCD (Residual Current Device)

A safety device that quickly disconnects a circuit when it detects an imbalance between the live and neutral conductors, indicating a potential electric shock hazard.

Switchboard

A central panel that distributes electricity to different circuits within a building, housing circuit breakers, fuses, and other control devices.

Automatic Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

Systems designed to detect fire and automatically alert occupants and emergency services.

Emergency Lighting

Lighting that activates automatically when the main power supply is cut off, ensuring that exits and safety routes are illuminated.

Exit and Directional Signs

Signs that clearly indicate the location of exits and the paths to reach them.

Fire Doors

Doors designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke between different compartments of a building.

Fire Extinguishers

Portable devices used to extinguish small fires.

Fire Hose Reels

Reels equipped with hoses for firefighting purposes, usually mounted on walls.

Fire Hydrant Systems

Networks of pipes and hydrants designed to provide water for firefighting.

Fire Isolation

Barriers such as fire-resistant walls and floors that prevent the spread of fire within a building.

Fire Sprinkler Systems

Systems that automatically discharge water when they detect heat from a fire.

Mechanical Ventilation Systems

Systems that ensure adequate ventilation to prevent the buildup of smoke and toxic gases during a fire.

Occupant Warning Systems

Systems designed to alert building occupants of an emergency, typically through alarms, announcements, or visual signals.

Path of Travel to Exits

Clear and unobstructed routes that occupants can use to evacuate the building safely.

Smoke Alarms and Detectors

Devices that detect smoke and trigger alarms to alert occupants of a fire.

Smoke Control Systems

Systems designed to control the movement of smoke within a building, often using mechanical ventilation or pressurization.

Standby Power Systems

Backup power sources that ensure essential safety measures remain operational during a power outage.

Asset Management

The process of managing a company's physical assets to maximize their value and lifespan.

Benchmarking

Comparing a facility’s performance metrics to industry standards or best practices.

Building Automation System (BAS)

A system that controls and monitors a building’s mechanical and electrical equipment.

Capital Expenditure (CapEx)

Funds used by a company to acquire, upgrade, and maintain physical assets such as property, industrial buildings, or equipment.

Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM)

Software that assists facility managers in planning, managing, and tracking facility operations.

Corrective Maintenance

Maintenance performed to identify, isolate, and rectify a fault so that the failed equipment, machine, or system can be restored to an operational condition.

Deferred Maintenance

Maintenance that is delayed or postponed due to budget constraints, labor shortages, or other factors.

Energy Management

The process of monitoring, controlling, and conserving energy in a building or organization.

Facility Condition Assessment (FCA)

A survey conducted to evaluate the current condition of a facility and identify maintenance and repair needs.

Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS)

Software that supports the management of real estate, capital projects, facilities, and maintenance operations.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Metrics used to evaluate the performance and effectiveness of a facility management process.

Lifecycle Cost

The total cost of owning, operating, maintaining, and disposing of a building or facility over its entire lifespan.

Outsourcing

Hiring external vendors or contractors to perform services that could be done in-house.

Predictive Maintenance

Maintenance that monitors the condition of equipment during normal operation to reduce the likelihood of failures.

Preventive Maintenance

Scheduled maintenance performed to prevent equipment failures and extend the life of assets.

Service Level Agreement (SLA)

A contract between a service provider and a customer that specifies the level of service expected during its term.

Space Management

The process of managing a facility’s physical space to optimize its use.

Sustainability

Practices and strategies that reduce environmental impact and enhance the long-term sustainability of facility operations.

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

The purchase price of an asset plus the costs of operation and maintenance over its lifetime.

Work Order

A document that provides details on a task or job to be completed, often including instructions and required materials.

Air Handling Unit (AHU)

A device used to regulate and circulate air as part of an HVAC system. AHUs typically include a blower, heating or cooling elements, filters, and dampers.

Chiller

A machine that removes heat from a liquid via a vapor-compression or absorption refrigeration cycle. The cooled liquid is then used to provide air conditioning.

Cooling Tower

A heat rejection device that expels waste heat to the atmosphere through the cooling of a water stream to a lower temperature.

Ductwork

The system of ducts used to transport air from the HVAC system throughout the building.

Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV)

Systems that recover energy from exhausted air and use it to precondition incoming fresh air.

Heat Exchanger

A device that transfers heat between two or more fluids without mixing them.

Heat Pump

A device that transfers heat energy from a source of heat to a heat sink. Heat pumps can provide both heating and cooling.

Humidity Control

The regulation of moisture levels in the air to maintain a comfortable and healthy indoor environment.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

The quality of the air inside buildings, influenced by factors such as pollutants, temperature, humidity, and ventilation.

Makeup Air Unit (MAU)

An air handler that conditions 100% outside air, typically used to replace air that has been exhausted from a building.

Refrigerant

A substance used in HVAC systems to absorb and release heat during the refrigeration cycle.

Thermostat

A device that regulates the temperature of a system so that the system's temperature is maintained near a desired setpoint.

Variable Air Volume (VAV) System

An HVAC system that provides varying air flow at a constant temperature, typically used to control temperature in different zones of a building.

Ventilation

The process of supplying fresh air and removing stale air from a space to improve indoor air quality.

Zone

A specific area within a building that is controlled separately from other areas in terms of heating, cooling, and ventilation.

Acrylic Paint

A fast-drying paint made of pigment suspended in acrylic polymer emulsion, known for its durability and water resistance.

Base Coat

The first layer of paint applied to a surface, serving as a base for subsequent coats.

Brushwork

The technique and style in which a painter applies paint with a brush.

Curing Time

The period required for a painted surface to reach its full hardness and durability.

Drop Cloth/Drop Sheet

A protective sheet used to cover floors and furniture to prevent paint splatters.

Enamel Paint

A type of paint that dries to a hard, glossy finish, often used for its durability.

Epoxy Paint

A paint containing epoxy resins, providing a tough, protective coating resistant to chemicals and abrasion.

Faux Finish

Decorative painting techniques that replicate the appearance of materials like marble, wood, or stone.

Gloss

The shine or luster of a painted surface, ranging from flat (no shine) to high gloss (very shiny).

Latex Paint

A water-based paint known for its ease of use, quick drying time, and low VOC emissions.

Matte Finish

A non-reflective finish that hides surface imperfections but is less washable than glossier finishes.

Oil-Based Paint

A paint made with oil as the primary binder, known for its smooth finish and durability.

Paint Primer

A preparatory coating applied before painting to improve adhesion, enhance durability, and provide a uniform surface.

Pigment

The substance that gives paint its color.

Roller Cover

The cylindrical sleeve on a paint roller, which comes in various nap lengths for different textures and surfaces.

Sanding

The process of smoothing a surface before painting by using sandpaper or an abrasive material.

Sealant

A protective coating applied to painted surfaces to protect against moisture, dirt, and wear.

Solvent

A substance, typically liquid, used to dissolve other substances; in painting, it's often used to thin paint or clean tools.

Stain

A type of coating that penetrates the surface of wood to enhance its color and grain without forming a solid layer.

Surface Preparation

The process of cleaning, repairing, and priming a surface before painting to ensure proper adhesion and finish.

Tack Cloth

A sticky cloth used to remove dust and debris from surfaces before painting.

Top Coat

The final layer of paint applied to a surface, providing the finished appearance and protection.

Touch-Up

Minor repairs and repainting to fix small defects or damage on painted surfaces.

Undercoat

A layer of paint applied beneath the top coat to build up the opacity and improve the finish.

Varnish

A clear protective finish applied over paint or bare wood to provide a glossy, durable surface.

Backflow Preventer

A device installed in plumbing systems to prevent water from flowing backward and contaminating the clean water supply.

Ball Valve

A valve that uses a spherical disc to control the flow of liquid or gas.

Boiler

A vessel in which water is heated to produce hot water or steam for heating and other purposes.

Cleanout

An access point in a plumbing system for clearing blockages.

Drainage System

The network of pipes that removes wastewater and sewage from a building.

Fixture

Any device that uses water and is connected to the plumbing system, such as sinks, toilets, and showers.

Gray Water

Wastewater from baths, sinks, washing machines, and other kitchen appliances, which can be recycled for uses like irrigation.

Hot Water Heater

A device that heats water for domestic use.

Manifold

A device that connects multiple pipes to distribute water or gas to different parts of a building.

PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene)

A flexible plastic tubing used for water supply piping systems.

Pipe Fittings

Various types of joints and connections used to connect sections of pipe, such as elbows, tees, couplings, and unions.

Plumbing Codes

Regulations and standards that dictate the design, installation, and inspection of plumbing systems to ensure safety and functionality.

Potable Water

Water that is safe for human consumption.

Septic System

An on-site sewage treatment system used in areas not connected to a municipal sewer system.

Shut-off Valve

A valve used to stop the flow of water in a plumbing system, typically installed at fixtures and appliances.

Sump Pump

A pump used to remove accumulated water from a sump pit, typically found in the basements of homes.

Trap

A U-shaped pipe below sinks and other fixtures that holds a small amount of water to prevent sewer gases from entering the building.

Vent Stack

A vertical pipe that allows air to enter the plumbing system to maintain proper pressure and facilitate drainage.

Water Main

The primary pipeline that supplies water to a building or area from the municipal water supply.

Water Softener

A device that removes minerals such as calcium and magnesium from the water supply to prevent scaling and improve water quality.