electric - electrical

◊ 'electric'

You use electric in front of nouns to talk about particular machines or devices that use electricity.

...an electric motor.

I switched on the electric fire.

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◊ 'electrical'

You use electrical when you are talking in a more general way about machines, devices, or systems which use or produce electricity. Electrical is typically used in front of nouns such as `equipment', `appliance', and `component'.

...electrical appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines.

...electrical fittings.

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You also use electrical to talk about people or organizations connected with the production of electricity or electrical goods.

...electrical engineers.

...the electrical and mechanical engineering industries.

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