Term

Definition

E

Elevator lighting and control cable. Rubber insulation, three overall braids, outer one flame-retardant and moisture resistant. May have steel supporting strand in center, 300V.

EC

Electrical conductor (electrical grade aluminum - now know as Alloy 1350).

Eccentricity

Like concentricity a measure of the center of a conductor's location with respect to the circular cross section of the insulation; expressed as a percentage of center displacement of one circle within the other.

Edison Base

A lampholder having a threaded internal shell approximately 1" in diameter which accepts lamp bulbs of the size commonly used for domestic illuminating.

Efficiency

The efficiency of an electrical machine or apparatus is the ratio of its useful power output to its total power input.

Efficiency

Efficiency is the percentage of the input power that is actually converted to work output from the motor shaft. Efficiency is stamped on the nameplate of most domestically-produced electric motors

EIA

(Electronic Industries Association) Industry trade association which works with the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) in developing standards.

Elastomer

Any elastic, rubber like substance such as natural or synthetic rubber.

Electric Arc

Sustained visible discharge of electricity across gap in circuit or between electrodes. Arcing takes place in switches and other make and break devices when a circuit is opened, and at the brushes of a commutator type motor if brush contact is bad.

Electric Controller

A device, or group of devices, which serves to control, in some manner, the electric power delivered to the apparatus to which it is connected.

Electric Gradient

The space rate of change of potential at a point in the direction of the greatest change.

Electrical Degree

One 360th part of a cycle.

Electrical Length

The length of cable expressed as degrees of a cycle or fraction of a wavelength for the signal transmitted. The equivalent electrical length of a cable equals physical length times the square root of the dielectric constant.

Electrical Load

That part of the electrical system which actually uses the energy or does the work required.

Electro Magnetic

Magentism caused by the flow of an electric current.

Electro Motive Force

That force which determines the flow of electricity; a difference of electric potential.

Electro Positive

A substance which has a tendency to unite electrons in electrolysis leaving it with a positive charge.

Electrode

A conductor through which a current enters or leaves an eletrolytic cell, arc furnace, vacuum tube, gas discharge tube or other non-metallic conductor.

Electrolier

A lampholder of the Edison base type, having a smaller outside diameter then those in general use.

Electrolysis

The production of chemical changes by passage of current through an electrolyte.

Electrolytic Corrosion

Corrosion by means of electrochemical erosion.

Electrolytic Tough Pitch

A term describing the method of raw copper preparation to ensure a good physical and electrical grade copper finished product.

Electroplate

The term used to indicate the application of a metallic coating on a surface by means of electolytic action.

Electro-Tinned

Electrolytic process of tinning wire using pure tin.

Embossing

A means of marker identification by means of thermal indentation leaving raised lettering on the sheath material of cable.

Emergency Overloads

Loads which occur when larger than normal currents are carried through a cable or wire over a certain period of time.

EMI

Electromagnetic interference or unwanted signal pick-up. One of two types of electrical "noise" caused by varying magnetic fields conducted into branch wiring from inductive load switching.

Emitter

The portion or unit of a photoelectric sensor tht contains a light score.

Enameled Wire

A conductor with a baked-on varnish enamel.

Enclosed Cartridge Fuse

A fuse with a tubular body having a terminal on each end and a current-responsive element (link) inside.

Ends

In braiding, a term used to denote the number of wires or threads on a braider carrier.

Energy

The capacity for doing work.

EO

Elevator lighting and control cable. Rubber insulation, cotton braid, neoprene jacket. May have steel supporting strand in center, 300V.

EP, EPR, EPM, EPDM

Designations for synthetic rubber based upon ethylene-propylene hydrocarbon.

Equipment Room (ER)

A centralized space for telecommunications equipment serving one or multiple buildings. It contains more complex equipment than the telecommunications closet, which serves each floor of a building.

Error

The difference between the value indicated by the trandsucer response curve contains points of equal maximum value.

ET

Elevator lighting and control cable. Polyvinyl chloride insulation, three braids, flame-retardant and moisture-retardant finish. May have steel supporting strand in center, 300V.

Ethernet

The most commonly used network protocol.

Excess Gain Ratio

Maximum light available at a given distance. Level of light intensity needed to operate the photoelectric sensor.

Excitation Voltage

The external application of an electrical voltage source applied to a transducer for normal operation.

Exothermic

Characterized by the liberation of heat.

Explosion Proof

A connector so constructed as to meet the requirements of hazardous (classified) locations as defined by the NEC, NFPA-70

Extrusion

The application of a semi-solid plastic or rubber material by forcing it on a conduit or wire passing through the extruder in a continuous fashion.

E-Z-C

Special jacketing combining excellent ozones, oil and abrasion resistance, low-temperature flexibility and color retention.

F

Flat band metallic armor.

F

Fahrenheit

Factor of Assurance

The ratio of the voltage at which wire or cable insulation is tested to that at which it is used.

Fan Hanger Receptacle

A single receptacle furnished with a cover plate and having a stud or other means for suppporting a wall hung fan.

Fan Hum

Noise created by a fan motor when controlled by a standard speed control.

Farad

A unit of electric capacity.

Far-End Crosstalk (FEXT)

Crosstalk measured at the cable end opposite from where the signal originates.

Fast Acting Fuse

A fuse which opens on overload and short circuits very quickly. This type of fuse is not designed to withstand temporary overload currents associated with some electrical loads.

Fatigue Resistance

Resistance to metal crystalization that occurs when the conductors or wires break from flexing.

FCC

Flexible control cable.

FCC

Federal Communication Commission

FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface)

An ANSI standard for 100 Mbps fiber physical and data protocols, generally used in "backbone" applications.

Feed Through

FEP

Fluorinated ethylene propylene insulated wire.

FEPB

Fluorinated ethylene propylene insulated wire but with glass or asbestos braid.

FF-1

Fixuter wire, flexible, rubber insulated, single conductor. 300V, 60°C

FF-2

Same as FF-1 with 600V rating.

FFH-1

Heat-resistant fixture wire otherwise same as FF-1, 300V.

FFH-2

Same as FFH-1 with 600V rating.

Fiber (Optical Fiber)

A thin filament of glass or plastic capable of carrying information in the form of light.

Fiber Optic Cables

The use of transparent glass or plastic fibers to transmit light by internal reflection.

Fiber Optics

Communications scheme which converts electrical energy to light in order to transmit through optical fiber.

Fibrous Filler

A material used to fill interstices in cables made from fibers such as cotton, glass, etc.

Field Adjustable Trim Potentiometer

A small, typically screwdriver-adjustable, variable resistor. Used to adjust minimum level of light or speed of a fan.

Field Wire

A term defining a light, small, wire type usually produced in long lengths for use in communications in the field.

Filler

(a) A material used in the cable to fill large interstices between electrical components. (b) A substance, often inert, added to a compound to improve properties and/or decrease cost.

Filler (Fuse)

A non-conductive medium filling the inside of a fuse for quenching electric arcs and absorbing energy produced by element or link melting during interruption.

Film

Another term to describe thin plastic sheeting.

Firestop

A material or device installed in a cable pathway to prevent the passage of flames, smoke and gases

Flanged Inlet

A plug which is intended for flush mounting on an appliance or equipment and which serves to connect utilization equipment to a cord connector.

Flanged Outlet

A receptacle which is intended for flush mounting on an appliance or equipment which is intended to establish electrical connection with an inserted plug.

Flanged Receptacle

A receptacle which is intended for flush mounting on an appliance or on equipment which is intended to establish electrical connection with an inserted plug.

Flat Conductor

A wire manuractured in a flattened form as opposed to round, or square, conductors.

Flex Life

Ability of a conductor, wire or cable to withstand repeated bending.

Floor Receptacle

a receptical with a protective cover plate intended for mounting flush with the surface of the floor.

Flourescent Lamp

A glass housing that contains phosphorus in a sealed vacuum. When the phosphorus is exited from a voltage charge it becomes ionized and gives off light.

Flourescent Starter

A device rated in watts having a voltage-sensitive switch and a capacitor whose funtion is to provide a hight voltage pulse to start a flourescent lamp.

Flush Wall Plate

A wall plate designed to mount flush with the wall surface or the plane surface of electrical equipment.

Flux

(a) A material that helps produce fusion, as solder flux. (b)A continuous flowing or passing, as in the field created by a magnet.

Focusable Diffuse

A diffuse reflective photoelectric sensor that either allows the optical axis of the emitter and receiver to be adjusted to a focal point or it utilizes an aperture to focus on an area in front of the sensor.

Form Factor

The ratio of the r.m.s. to the average value of a periodic wave.

Four-way Switch

A switch which is uses in conjunction with tow three way switches to control one light or other connected equipment from three or more locations

FPM

Feet per minute

Frame Size

Motors, like suits of clothes, shoes and hats, come in various sizes to match the requirements of the application. In general, the frame size gets larger with increasing horsepowers or with decreasing speeds. In order to promote standardization in the motor industry, NEMA prescribes standard frame sizes for certain dimensions of standard motors. For example, a motor with a frame size of 56 will always have a shaft height above the base of 3-1/2 inches.

Fraying

In cabling, a term used to describe the unraveling of a fibrous braid.

Frequency

The number of cycles per second. One cycle per second equals one Hertz (Hz).

Frequency Converter

Converts the power of alternating current system from one frequency to one more other frequencies.

FRMR

Flame-retarding, moisture-resisting finish.

FRP

Fiberglass reinforced plastics

Full Load Amps

The amount of current the motor can be expected to draw under full load conditions. Also known as Nameplate Amps

Full Load Speed

An indication of the approximate speed that the motor will run when it is putting out full rated output torque or horsepower.

Full Load Torque

Full load torque is the reated continuous torque that the motor can support without overheating within its time rating.

Fuse

An overcurrent protective device containing a calibrated current-carrying member which melts and opens under specified overcurrent conditions.

Fuse Block or Fuse Holder

A device, designed and intended to hold a fuse and provide the means to connect it to the electrical circuit. Fuse blocks consist of fuse clips, insulator and terminals.

Fuse Clip

A conductive mechanical device for accepting and securing the conductive part of a fuse to an electrical terminal or connection point.

Fused Circuit Breaker

An integrally fused circuit breaker which combines the design and operating features of a circuit breaker and current-limiting fuse in one package.

FX

Single rubber-insulated Christmas tree wire with outer braid. 125V, 60°C

FXT

Single plastic-insulated Christmas tree wire. 125V, 60°C

G

Rubber-insulated, neoprene, Hypalon or CPE jacketed, portable power cable with two to five #8 A.W.G. or larger conductors with ground wires.

Gage

Galvanizing

A coating of some metal part (usually steel or iron) with zinc by dipping or electroplating.

Gang

The space required for one wiring device, wall plate etc.

Gas-Proof

Apparatus is designed as gas-proof when so constucted or protected that the specified gas will not interfere with successful operation.

Gas-Tight

Apparatus is designed as gas-tight when so constructed that the specified gas will into enter the enclosing case under specified test conditions.

Gauge Pressure (PSIG)

A measure of pressure reference to atmoshperic pressure.

General Purpose Fuse

A fuse which meets industry standards for overload and short circuit protection as well as physical dimensions. This fuse type is tested and certified by nationally recognized testing laboratories and may be applied in accordance with the National Electrical Code and the Canadian Electrical Code to provide main, feeder and branch circuit protection.

Generator

A machine used to change mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Generator

A machine which converts mechanical power into electrical power.

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interupter)

A personnel protection device that detects current leakage to ground on the load side and removes power to the receptacle.

G-GC

A portable power cable similiar to type G, but also having a ground check conductor to monitor the continuity of the Grounding Circuit.

Giga

A numerical prefix denoting one billion as a gigacycle is one billion cycles

GIGA-Hertz

One billion hertz equal to 1 KMC (1000 megacycles).

Glass Braid

Used to provide thermal and/or mechanical protection to the underlying insulation of certain types of conductors.

Glass Fuses

A loose term describing a group of low voltage fuses, with glass or ceramic bodies, having dimensions smaller than midget fuses. Also called "miniature" fuses, they are typically 1/4" x 1-1/4", 1/4" x 1," or 5mm x 20mm. These fuses are used to protect electronic circuits or components.

Glow Discharge

A fluorescent starter that starts a lamp very rapidly and will continue to try to start a failed lamp, resulting in the lamp flickering until the lamp is replaced.

GOR

Gasoline and oil-resistant wire

Grip

a flexible wire mesh cable holding device

Ground

An electrical term meaning to connect to the earth or other large conducting body to serve as an earth thus making a complete electrical circuit.

Ground Check Conductor

A conductor used in mining cables to monitor the continuity of the grounding circuit, so that a discontinuity or "open" in the grounding circuit causes the power conductors to be de-energized. Also called a "ground monitoring" conductor. Used in Types G-GC, SHD-GC, and MPF-GC. Abbreviated "GC"; identified by yellow colored insulation.

Ground Conductor

A conductor (normally non-current carrying) which is intentionally connected to earth ground (it is identified as the bare or green conductor) to provide an intentional path for fault current to ground.

Ground Support Cable

A cable construction, usually rugged and heavy, for use in ground support control or power systems.

Grounded Conductor

A system or circuit conductor that is intentionally grounded; usually colored white.

Grounding

An adapter that converts a two wire receptacle opening to a two pole three wire grounding receptacle opening.

Grounding Conductor

A conductor used to connect equipment or the grounded circuit of a wiring system to a grounding electrode or electrodes; usually colored green.

Grounding Parts

Parts that are intentionally connected to ground.

Grounding terminal

A designated terminal screw or pressure wire connector located on the internal wall of the field wiring compartment for connection to an equipment grounding conductor from the panelboard.

GSA

(General Services Administration, Federal Supply Service) The U.S. Government administration responsible for the approval of Federal Specifications used in the purchase of products by all Federal agencies.

GTO

Gas tube sign and oil-burner ignition cable. 5,000V-15,000V

H

Shielded power cable. Multi-conductor cables have paper or varnished cambric insulation applied directly over individual conductors. Spiralled metallic shielding tape over insulation with overall protective covering.

Hard Drawn Copper Wire

Copper wire that has been drawn to size and not annealed.

Harness

A term used to describe a group of conductors laid parallel or twisted by hand, usually with many breakouts, laced together or pulled into a rubber or plastic sheath, used to interconnect electrical circuits.

Hash Mark Stripe

A non-continuous, helical stripe applied to a conductor for circuit indentification.

HC

Two or more conductor heater cord, asbestos and rubber insulation with cotton braid over each conductor. Twisted, no overall covering.

HDP

High density polyethylene

Headroom

The overhead of margin, expressed in decibels, by which a communications system exceeds minimum requirements.

Heat Distortion

Distortion or flow or a material or configuration due to the application of heat.

Heat Seal

In cabling, a method of sealing a tape wrap jacket by means of thermal fusion.

Heat Shock

A test to determine stability of a material by sudden exposure to a high temperature for a short period of time.

Heat Sink

A metal plate used for absorbing or removing heat for the switching device in a dimmer or fan speed control

Heat Sink Dimmer/Fan Speed Control

Any dimmer or fan speed control that mounts onto a NEMA standard switch box and onto the surface of the wall itself. Heat sink dimmers and fan controls will not accept a traditional wall plate and usually are supplied with their own unique cover.

Helical Stripe

A continuous, colored, spiral stripe applied over the outer perimeter of an insulated conductor for circuit indentification purposes.

Helix

A spiral winding.

Henry

An electrical unit denoting the inductance of a circuit in which a current varying at the rate of one ampere per second produces an electromotive force of one volt.

High Inertia Load

These are loads that have a relatively high flywheel effect. Large fans, blowers, punch presses, centrifuges, commercial washing machines and other types of similar loads can be classified as high inertia loads.

High Speed Fuses

Fuses with no intentional time-delay in the overload range and designed to open as quickly as possible in the short-circuit range. These fuses are often used to protect solid-state devices.

High Voltage Fuses

Fuses rated 34,500 volts and above.

HMP

High molecular weight polyethylene.

Home Run

Also known as star topology, a cabling system where indiviual calbes are run directly from the telecomunnications closet to each information outlet.

Hook-up Wire

A wire used for low current, low voltage (under 1000V) applications internally within enclosed electronic equipment.

Horizontal Cabling

The portion of the wiring system extending from the workstation to the horizontal cross-connect in the telecommunications closet.

Horizontal Cross-Connect

The cross-connection between horizontal and other cabling, such as backbone cabling.

Horizontal Length

The cable distance from the workstation to the telecommunications closet cross-connect, a maximum of 295 ft. (100 meters).

Horizontal Stripe

A colored stripe running horizontally with the axis of a conductor, sometime called a longitudinal stripe, used as a means of circuit identification.

Horsepower Rated

A device having a marked horsepower rating intended for control of motor loads.

Hospital Grade

A device constructed to meet performance requirements of high abuse areas found in hospital locations, tested to "Hospital Grade" requirements of Underwriters Laboratories Standard UL498

Hospital Only

A connector which is listed by Underwriters Laboratories INC for use in health care facilities.

Hot Dip

A term denoting the covering of a surface to be coated into a molten bath of the coating material.

HPD

Rubber and asbestos-insulated heater cord. No braid on individual conductors but with braid overall. Also made with neoprene insulation and no asbestos or PVC/NBR.

HPN

Two-conductor, neoprene-insulated heater cord. Parallel construction. For use in damp locations.

HS

Rubber and asbestos-insulated heater cord. Cotton serve and rubber-jacketed overall. For use in damp locations #14 or #12 conductors. Also made with neoprene insulated inners and asbestos.

HSJ

Same as type HS but with #18 or #16 conductors and differing thickness of jacket.

HSJO

Same as type HSJ but with neoprene jacket.

HSO

Neoprene jacketed heater cord.

Hub

Equipment which serves as a centralized connection point for a network or a portion of network. Hubs contain multiplexing, switching, and bridging functions and are not considered part of the cabling infrastructure.

HV

High voltage

HW

Radio hookup wire with polyvinyl insulation. With or without nylon jacket, braid or shield, 2500V.

Hybrid Cable

A multi-conductor cable containing two or more types of component.

Hygroscopic

Readily absorbing and retaining moisture.

Hypalon®

Dupont trandmark for chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE) synthetic rubber.

Hysteresis

The error defined by the maximum deviation of measured output from a best fit straight line during any one calibration cycle.