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Glossary
small scale solid model: A model that shows
only the exterior shape of a building; used to
show space relationships and how a building
will fi t in with surrounding buildings.
small-appliance circuit: A type of branch circuit
used in kitchens where appliances requiring
large amounts of current may be used.
smart meter: An electric meter that can be read
remotely by the utility company, eliminating
the need to send a utility worker to read the
meter once a month.
smoke chamber: The area just above the smoke
shelf and damper that directs smoke up and
away from the fi rebox.
smoke detector: A small appliance that gives a
loud warning signal or displays a bright strobe
light when it detects smoke in the house.
smoke shelf: A horizontal shelf-like structure
that defl ects cold air fl owing down the
chimney upward into the rising warm air
from the fi re.
snap: A function that allows the cursor to
“grab onto” certain locations on the screen.
soil stack: A vertical drain pipe that collects
waste from one or more fi xtures in a
residential water and waste removal system.
solar energy: Energy harvested from the sun.
solar harvesting: Collecting solar energy
(sunlight) and converting it to electrical
power or thermal energy.
solar orientation: The placement of the house
on the lot in relation to the sun.
sole plate: The bottom horizontal member of a
frame wall, on which the studs rest.
solid blocking: A method of constructing
headers for window and door openings
in which the header size is increased to
completely fi ll the space from the top of the
rough opening to the top plate.
solid modeling: Creating 3D models that have
volume, mass, and material characteristics.
space diagram: A drawing or sketch showing
the location and arrangement of rooms and
areas in a building.
special-purpose entry: An entry that provides
access to a patio, deck, or courtyard.
special-purpose outlet: An outlet used for
telephone and cable connections, burglar or
fi re alarm systems, or other electrical needs.
setbacks: Boundaries that establish minimum
distances from the property lines where
structures cannot be located.
short break line: Thick line used to show where
part of an object or structure has been removed
to reveal an underlying feature.
shotgun house: A traditional one-story house
style from the south that is one room wide,
with front and back entrances. Each room
opens directly into the next. In today’s
modifi ed shotgun house, the rooms may open
onto a common hallway that has entrances at
the front and back of the house.
sill: For an exterior door, the part of the door
jamb at the bottom of the door opening
between the two side jambs; designed to
drain water away from the door and provide
support for the side jambs. In framing, the
lowest member of the frame of a structure,
which rests on the foundation and supports
the fl oor joists or the studs of the wall. Also
called a sill plate.
single-face fi replace: A fi replace that has a single
opening or can be viewed from one side only.
single-pole switch: A switch that has only two
positions (on and off) and serves to open and
close the circuit.
site: The parcel of land on which a structure
will be built.
site plan: A plan that shows the contours of
a site, as well as any existing topographical
features and structures. The site plan may
also show proposed changes to the contours
of the site.
skylight: A window located on the roof of a
building.
slab construction: A building system in which
the walls rest on a foundation with a concrete
fl oor at ground level.
slab foundation: A fl oor and foundation system
constructed with a concrete slab fl oor.
sleeping area: The area where the family sleeps,
rests, and bathes.
sleeping level: The highest level in a split-level
house; contains the bedrooms and bathrooms.
sliding doors: Doors that slide next to each other
when opened; often used for large openings.
Also called bypass doors.