Toolbox Talk: Electricity and Breaker Panels

The process of forcing electrons to move through a material creates electricity. A standard generator performs this process. The best material for carrying electricity is a “conductor.” Most metals are excellent conductors and the most common material used for electrical wiring is copper. To provide protection from direct contact with the conductor, an “insulator” is used as a cover around the conductor. Electrons will not move easily through insulators, such as most plastics and rubber. Insulators and proper grounding help to prevent electrical shocks.