Term

Definition

M

Suffix indicating two or more insulated, twisted conductors under an outer, non-metallic covering.

M.O.V.

Metal Oxide Varistor, primary component of TVSS.

Magnetic Field

The region within which a body or current experiences magnetic force.

Magnetic Flux

The rate of flow of magnetic energy across or through a surface (real or imaginary).

Main Cross-Connect (MC)

A cross-connect used with first level backbone, entrance, or equipment cables.

Maintained Contact Switch

When the actuator is moved to the ON postition, this switch makes and retains the circuit contact until the actuator is moved to the OFF position.

Manual Controller

A horsepowere rated switch without overload protection used for the operation of small A.C. or D.C. motors.

Manual Reset

A fluorescent starter that automatically deactivates a failed lamp to eliminate flickering. A reset button is provided on the starter to activate the circuit after lamp replacement.

Marked Ratio

The marked ratio of an instrument transformer is the ratio of the rated primary value to the rated secondary value as stated on the nameplate.

Marker Tape

A tape laid parallel to the conductors under the sheath in a cable, imprinted with the manufacturer's name and the specification to which the cable is made.

Marker Thread

A colored thread laid parallel and adjacent to the strand in an insulated conductor which identifies the manufacturer and sometimes the specification to which the wire is made.

Master Switch

A switch which serves to dominate the operation of contactors, relays and auxiliary devices of an electric controller.

Maximum Load

The most current that can flow through a device continually, without damaging the device.

Mbps (MegaBits Per Second)

One million bits per second.

MC

Denotes cable with interlocking metal tape or corrugated tube enclosure.

MCM

Thousand circular mils; e.g. 500 MCM is 500,000 circular mils.

Medium Base Lampholder (Edison)

The most common type of screw-in lampholder found in everyday lighting fixtures, table lamps , and accepting incandescent bulbs with screw bases approximately 1" in diameter.

Medium Voltage Fuses

Fuses rated from 601 volts to 34,500 volts.

Megacycle

One million cycles.

Megaohm

One million ohms.

Megavolt

One million volts.

Megawatt

One million watts.

Melt Extrude

To heat a material above its crystalline melt point and extrude it through an orifice.

Melting Time

The amount of time required to melt the fuse link during a specified overcurrent.

Mesh

The tubular open braid portion of a wire mesh grip

Mesh Termination

The method of securing woven strands at the ends of a wire mesh grip.

Messenger

A bare cable used for its strength characterstics to support power conductors and insulated power cables. A messenger can be used as a conductor, partial conductor, or non-conductor.

Method of Detection

Sensing technique used by the photoelectric sensor. Three types: Thru-Beam, Retroreflective, or Diffuse Reflective.

MFT

Abbreviation for 1000 feet.

MHD

Medium hard drawn.

Mho

An electrical unit of conductivity, being the conductivity of a body with resistance of one ohm.

MI

One or more conductors insulated with highly compressed refractory minerals and enclosed in a liquid-tight and gas-tight metallic tube sheathing.

Micro Fuses

Term describing the smallest sizes of fuses, usually mounted on, or used to protect, printed circuit boards or small electronic components.

Microfarad

One millionth of a farad.

Microhenry

One millionth of a henry.

Microinch

One millionth of an inch.

Micrometer

An instrument used for measuring diameter usually in thousandths of an inch.

Microprocessor

Single chip computer element containing the control unit, central processing circuitry; arithmethic an logic function

Microware

A short electrical wave usually a wave length of less than 30 cm.

Microwave Frequency

The frequency of a microwave usually above 1000 megacycles per second.

Midget

A device with a body diameter smaller than those devices of a similar rating.

Midget Fuse

A term describing a group of fuses used for supplementary circuit or component protection, all having dimensions of 1-1/2" long and 13/32" diameter.

Mil

One one thousandth of an inch

Milivolt

One one thousandth of one volt.

Miniature Lampholder

The smallest screw-in type lampholder accepting incandescent lamp bulbs of approximately 3/8" diameter commonly used in games, flashlights and the smallest Christmas tree bulbs.

Minimum Load

Minimum current that the external load must draw to ensure proper operation of the photoelectric sensor. Most often associated with standard AC-two wire devices.

Mining Cable

A flame retardant cable especially constructed to withstand long time immersion or exposure to moisture for underground use in the environment of a mine or tunnel.

Mis-match

A termination having a different impedance than that for which a circuit or cable is designed.

MKS

Meter-kilogram-second

ML

Single-conductor, paper-lead cables twisted together without overall covering. Type A - AVC mine locomotive cable; Type B - motor lead wire.

MLD

(Multi-Location Dimming) This is acheived through the use of specific components designed to interface and allow dimming control from any location, master or remote. In a true MLD situation, the master unit performs all dimming and switching functions. The remote units provide input to the master (i.e. dim, bright, on or off, as desired).

MM

Mining machine cable.

Modular Jack

A female telecommunications connector, which is mounted in a fixed location. Jacks are specified in IEC 603-7 and FF Part 68 Subpart F.

Modular Plug

A male telecommincations connector, specified in IEC 603-7 and FCC part 68 subpart F.

Modulus of Elasticity

The ratio of stress to strain in an elastic material.

Mogul Lampholder

The largest screw-in type of lampholder accepting incandescent lamp bulbs having screw bases approximately 1 1/2" in diameter.Used in street lighting fixtures and industrial high bay fixtures.

Moisture-Resisting

Apparatus is designed as moisture-resisting when so constructed or treated that it will not be readily injured by moisture.

Molded On

An adapter that is factory molded to a length of flexible cord.

Molded-Case Circuit Breaker

A circuit breaker which is assembled as an integral unit in a supporting and enclosing housing of molded insulating material.

Momentary Contact

A switch which establishes circuit contact when its actuator is moved to and held in the ON postion. The circuit is broken when the actuator is allowed to return, of itself, to the OFF postion (such a switch may also be furnished to operate in the opposite mode).

Mono filament

A term denoting a single strand filament as opposed to a braided or twisted filament.

Monomer

A term denoting a single property or ingredient. A molecule of low molecular weight used as a starting material for polymerization to produce molecules of larger molecular weight called polymers.

Motor

A machine which converts electrical power into mechanical power.

Motor-Generator Set

A conversion device consisting of one or more motors mechanically coupled to one or more generators.

MPF

Mine power feeder. 5-8-15KV

MRFR

Moisture resistant, flame-retardant finish.

MSHA

Mine Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Dept. of Labor. Establishes standards and safety requirements for mines. "MSHA" may be printed on cables that have been accepted for listing as flame-resistant.

MTW

Thermoplastic-insulated machine tool wire. 90°C to 105°C, 600V

Multiconductor

More than one conductor within a single cable complex.

Multimedia

Applications which communicate information using more than one cabling means.

Multimode Optical Fiber

An optical fiber cable that allows light to travel in many bound modes; used in LAN applications. Multimode fibers have a larger core than single mode (core/cladding 62.5/125 micrometers)

Multiple

An adapter that is attached to the power cord for equipment that provides an additional receptacle opening at the top of the adapter.

Multiple Weave

Wire mesh grips woven utilizing single, double and triple strand of each wire material.

Multiplexing

Combining a number of individual messages over a common path - usually by frequency division or time division.

Multi-User Telecommuincations Outlet Assembly

A device grouping several telecommunications outlets into one location.

Mutual Capacitance

Capacitance between two conductors when all other conductors including ground are connected together and then regarded as an ignored ground.

Mutual Interference Protection

A feature in photoelectric sensors that eliminates false-singaling between similar mounted next to, or in close proximity to each other.

MV

Medium voltage 5-35KV

MW

Radio hookup wire with polyvinyl insulation and plain or nylon jacket, or braid, or shield, 1000V.

MYD

Marina Yard and Dock Cable.

Mylar®

A synthetic compound with high dielectric qualities. A product of Dupont®. Usually sold in film form.

N.P.S.

National Pipe Straight Thread

N.P.T.

National Pipe Tapered Thread

Narrow Wall Plate

A cover plate designed for flush mounting on narrow partitions having a width dimension of two inches or less.

NBR/PVC

(Same properties of EZC) A blend of acrylonitrile - butadiene rubber and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Used for jacketing.

N-Conductor Cable

A cable having N-conductors that are insulated from one another. "N" respresents the number of insulated conductors in the cable.

N-Conductor Concentric Cable

A cable composed of an insulated central conductor with tubular stranded conductors concentrically twisted around it and separated from each other by layers of insulation.

Near-End Crosstalk (NEXT)

Electrical noise coupled from one pair of wires to another, measured from where the signal is transmitted.

NEC

National Electrical Code

NEC Dimensions

These are dimensions once referenced in the National Electrical Code. They are common to Class H and K fuses and provide interchangeability between manufacturers for fuses and fusible equipment of given ampere and voltage ratings.

Negative charge

The condition in which a body has more than the normal quantities of negative electrons; more negative electricity than an uncharged or neutral body.

NEMA Ratings

Standards which define a product, process or procedure taking several considerations into account: nomenclature, composition, dimensions, construction, tolerances, safety, operational characteristics, quality, performance, electrical rating, testing, and the service for which it was intended. Prepared by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA).

Neo-Contaminating Compound

A compounded material that will not leach ingredients so as to contaminate or degrade adjacent materials under given environmental conditions.

Neoprene

Trade name for polychloropene, used for jacketing (SEE polychlorpene).

Neper

An electrical unit similiar to decibel, used to express the ratio between two amounts of power existing at two distinct points. A neper is 8.686 decibels.

Network

An interconnection of computers, peripherals, and data/voice communications facilities.

Neutral Conductor

In multiphas circuits the conductor used to carry unbalanced current and in single phase systems the conductor used for a return current path.

NFPA

( National Fire Protection Association) An organization devoted to promoting the science and improving the methods of fire protection.

NM

Non-metallic sheathed cable, braid or plastic covered. For dry use, 90°C conductor rating, 60°C ampacity.

NMC

Non-metallic sheathed cable, plastic or neoprene covered. Wet or dry use, 90°C conductor rating, 60°C ampacity.

Nominal (NOM)

The preferred size or weight that is specified or indicated for a certain cable element.

Non-Inductive Load and Inductive Load

A non-inductive load is a load in which the current is in phase with the voltage across the load. An inductive load is a load in which the current lags behind the voltage across the load.

Non-linearity

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

Nonmetallic Sheathed Cable

A cable assembly consisting of individually insulated conductors, jacketed, or sheathed, with a nonmetallic material. The material usually consists of PVC or polyehylene.

Non-Renewable Fuse

An enlosed fuse with a link which cannot be replaced after operation. This fuse conatins an arc quenching filter.

Non-repeatability

The error defined by the ability of a transducer to reproduce an output signal when the same pressure value is applied to it consecutively, under the same conditions, and in the same direction.

Nordel®

DuPont trademark for FPDM synthetic rubber.

Normally Closed (N.C.)

Current flow through the switching device is possible only when the device is in the off-state or energized.

Normally Closed (N.C.) Output

The sensor opens a circuit to the load when a target is detected.

Normally Open (N.O.)

Current flow through the device is not possible when the device is deenergized (turned-off).

Normally Open (N.O.) Output

The sensor closes a circuit to the load when a target is detected.

NPN (sinking)

A transistor having an n-type semiconductor as its emitter and collector and a p-type semiconductor as its base.

NRHW

Moisture and heat-resistant rubber insulation with neoprene jacket for use in ducts. Dry and wet locations, 600V, 75°C. Also RHWN.

OAW

Overall width.

OD

Outside diameter

OFF-delay

Allows an output signal to continue for a present time beyond the end of the input signal.

OHM

Unit of electrical resistance.

Ohm

A unit of electrical resistance, the resistance of a circuit in which a potential difference of one volt produces a current of one ampere.

Ohm-pound/mile

A unit of weight resistivity expressing the resistance of a wire one pound in weight and one mile in length.

Ohm's Law

The relationship between voltage, current and resistance, expressed by the equation E=IR, where E is the voltage in volts, I is the current in amperes, and R is the resistance in ohms.

Oil Circuit Breaker

A circuit breaker arranged to interrupt one or more electric circuits in oil.

Oil Switch

A switch arranged to interrupt one or more electric circuits in oil.

ON-delay

Allows an output signal to delay for a preset time after the start of the input signal.

One Time Fuses

Generic term used to describe a Class H nonrenewable cartridge fuse, with a single element.

One-Shot

An output signal produced for a preset time that is indendent of the duration of the input signal. It may begin at the start of the input signal or be delayed.

Open Collector

NPN and PNP devices that have no other components connected to the collector portion of the device. An external load connected to an open collector output provides similar operation to a SPST mechanical relay.

Open System Architecture

International standards for data network which allows multi-vendor/multi-product applications.

Operating Distance

The distance from the sensing face to the plane of the target's path once it reaches the operating point.

Operating Point

The point at which a target is sensed as it approaches the sensing field of the sensor. Also called "trip point."

Operating Range

The range in the x,y,z plane that will cause the switch to operate when a detectable object is in it.

Operating Temperature Range

The range of ambient temperatures within which the transducer may be operated and not suffer any damage or permanent change in specifications.

Operation Mode

Two possible modes that will cause the switch to operate and produce an output. Light-on or Dark-on mode.

Optical Fiber

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

Organic Fiber

A fiber derived or composed of matter originating in plant or animal life or composed of chemicals of hydrocarbon origin, either natural or synthetic.

Oscilloscope

Test instrument for showing visually the changes in a varying current by displaying the corresponding voltage wave form on a fluorescent screen.

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 administered by the U.S. Dept. of Labor which establishes standards and safety requirements which all businesses must meet.

OSHA

(Occupational Safety and Health Administration) part of the U.S. Department of Labor responsible for assuring that employers provide safe and healthful working conditions and equipment for employees, and that employees properly avail themselves of these conditions.

Outlet

A fixed connection where horizontal cable terminates and work area equipment can be connected.

Outlet

A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment.

Output

The electrical signal which is produced by an applied input to the transducer.

Output Transistor

A semiconductor device used to provide ON/OFF switching of external holds.

Overcurrent

Any current in excess of conductor ampacity or in excess of equipment continuous current rating.

Overlap

The amount the trailing edge laps over the leading edge of a spiral tape wrap.

Overload

The operation of conductors or equipment a current that will cause damage if allowed to persist.

Oversized Wall Plate

A wall plate with length and width dimensions greater then standard wall plates.

Oxidation

The process of uniting a compound with oxygen, usually resulting in an unwanted surface degradation of the material or compound.

Ozone

Form of oxygen produced by discharge of electricity into the air.

Ozone Test

Exposure of material to a high concentration of ozone to give an accelerated indication of oxidation in normal environments and in proximity to ozone producing apparatus.

P

Two or more rubber-insulated stranded conductors with cotton braid over each. Reinforced with overall covering of cotton braid over rubber filler. For pendant or portable use in damp locations. 300V-600V

PAC

Preassembled aerial cable

Package

An object used for accumulating and dispensing wire and cable for further processing or end use. A few of the more popular types of packages are reels, bobbins, spools, stems, and coils.

Pair

Two wires, twisted together with a reciprocal color code.

Paracril

Uniroyal tradename for nitrile rubber/PVC blend usually used for jacketing. (See EZC and NBR/PVC)

Passive Infrared

(P.I.R.) Typically this term is used in reference to detecting infrared. A P.I.R. detector functions as a receiver of infrared emitted from a transmitter, such as the human body.

Paste Extrude

An extrusion method whereby the extrudable material is in a fine powder form mixed with a lubricant and is forced through a die of given size, without heat, as opposed to melt extrude.

Patch Cord

A length of cable, with connectors on the ends, used to join telecommunications links at a cross-connect.

Patch Panel

Connecting hardware that can be accessed with patch cords to form cross-connection (usually located in a telecommunications closet) used to modify, reconfigure, or administer communications networks.

Pay-Off

The process of feeding a cable or wire from a bobbin, reel, or other packages. Also a device used for paying out wire or cable into a piece of equipment or machinery.

PBX

(Private Branch Exchange)A telephone switching device serving a specific Customer.

PBX (Private Branch Exchange)

A telephone switching system serving one organization or business, which is connected to the public telephone system.

PCG

Portable mine cable with power, control and ground conductors.

PD

Rubber-insulated stranded conductors with cotton braid over each. Conductors twisted with braid overall. Light duty, dry locations on appliances. 300V

PDN

(Public Data Network) A network established and operated for the specific purpose of providing datat transmission services to the public.

Peak Current

The short duration peak current rating of a surge suppression device.

Peak Let-Through Current, Ip

The instantaneous value of peak current let through by a current-limiting fuse, when it operates in its current limiting range.

Peak Torque

Many types of loads such as reciprocation compressors have cycling torques where the amount of torque required varies depending on the position of the machine. The actual maximum torque requirement at any point is called the peak torque requirement. Peak torques are involved in things such as punch presses and other types of loads where an oscillation torque requirement occurs.

Peak Voltage

The maximum instantaneous voltage.

Percent Conductivity

The conductivity of a material expressed as a percentage of that of copper.

Period

The time required for the current to pass through one cycle.

PG

Portable mine cables having power and ground conductors. 600V

Phase

A particular stage or point of advancement in an electrical cycle. The fractional part of the period through which the time has advanced measured from some arbitrary point usually expressed in electrical degrees where 360° represents one cycle.

Phase

Phase is the indication of the type of power supply for which the motor is designed. Two major categories exist; the single phase and three phase. There are some very spotty areas where two phase power is available but this is very insignificant.

Phase Control

The electronic process of chopping or turning on and off the AC line every half line cycle. It is commonly used in dimming and fan speed control applications.

Phase Difference: Lead and Lag

The difference in phase between two sinusoidal waves having the same period, usually expressed in electrical degrees. The voltage wave if generally taken as the reference, so in an inductive circuit the current lags the voltage, and in a capacitive circuit the current leads the voltage.

Phase Modifier or Phase Advancer

A machine which suppiles leading or lagging reactive volt amperes to the system to which it is connected. Phase modifiers may be either synchronous or asynchronous.

Phase Shift

A change in phase of a voltage or current after passing through a circuit or cable

Photoelectric Sensor

A light sensitive device that converts visible and infrared light waves into an electrical signal.

Pick

Distance between two adjacent crossover points of braid filaments. This measurement, in picks per inch, indicates completeness of coverage (the more per inch, the more complete the coverage).

Picofarad

One micro-microfarad.

Pilot Light

A switch with an integral lamp in the actuator which lights when the switch is in the "ON" position.

Pin

Denoting an electrical terminal, usually in a connector. Normally a smaller termination than a lug.

Pin and Sleeve

Industrial wiring devices utilizing round pin-shaped blades and tubular designed sleeve contacts.

Pitch Diameter

The diameter of a circle passing through the center of the conductors in any layer of a multiconductor cable.

PL

Two rubber-insulated, parallel-laid, lamp cords with overall cotton or rayon braid. For light duty on small appliances in dry locations. 300V

Planetary Twister

A twisting machine whose payoff spools are mounted in rotating cradles that hold the axis of the spool in a fixed direction as the spools are revolved about one another so the wire will not kink as it is twisted.

Plant Factor or Plant Capacity

The ratio of the average load to the rate capacity of the power plant.

Plasticizer

A chemical agent added in compounding plastics to make them softer and more flexible.

Plating

The application of one metal over another.

Plenum

A chamber which forms part of a building's air distribution system.

PLSJ

All-rubber, parallel-jacketed, two-conductor, light duty cord for pendant or portable use in damp locations.

PLT

Same as PLSJ except thermoplastic insulation.

Plug

A device utilizing blades which when inserted into a receptacle establishes connection between the conductors of the attached flexible cord and the conductors connected to the receptacle.

Plug Fuse

A "household" type fuse with a threaded base such as an Edison-base or Type S tamperproof base. Rated 0-30 amperes, 125 volts.

PNA, PNW

Polyethylene-insulated control cables with nylon sheath on individual conductors. Cabled tape and polyvinyl chloride jacket. Dry or wet locations, 600V, 75°C

PNP (sourcing)

A junction transistor having a p-type semiconductor as its emitter and collector and an n-type semiconductor as its base.

PO

Two stranded copper conductors with separator and code rubber insulation and cotton braid over each. Laid parallel with cotton or rayon braid overall. For use in dry locations on small appliances. 300V-600V

Polar Ingredient

Any ingredient in a material or complex capable of ionization.

Polarization

A means of assuring the mating of plugs and receptacles of the same rating in only the correct position.

Polarized

Visible light from the emitter of a retroreflective photoelectric sensor that is filtered so as to be projected in only one plane. The receiver of a polarized unit is filtered to accept only light that is reflected perpendicular to the emitted light. Corner cube reflectors are required to properly rotate the emitted light source.

Pole

The term "Pole" as used in designating plugs and receptacles refers to a terminal to which a circuit conductor (always current carrying) is connected. In switches, the number of poles indicates the number of conductors being controlled.

Polychloroprene

Chemical name for Neoprene. A rubber-like compound used for jacketing where wire and cable will be subject to rough usage, moisture, oil, greases, solvents and chemicals. May also be used as low insulating material.

Polyethylene

A family of insulating materials derived from polymerization of ethylene gas. They are basically pure hydrocarbon resins, with excellent dielectric properties.

Polymer

A material having molecules of high molecular weight formed by polymerization of lower molecular weight molecules.

Polyphase

A general term applied to any system of more than a single phase. This term is ordinarily applied to symmetrical systems.

POSJ

All-rubber, parallel, light duty rip-cord for use on lamps and small appliances. 300V, 60°C

POSJX

All-rubber, parallel, #20 A.W.G. rip-cord for use on lamps, clocks and Christmas tees. 125V

POT

Thermoplastic, parallel, light duty rip-cord. 300V, 60°C to 105°C

Potential Transformer

A transformer designed for shunt or parallel connection in its primary circuit, with the ratio of transformation appearing as a ratio of potential differences.

Potentiometer

(POT) A variable resistor, when used in a phase control it adjusts the light intensity.

Potting

The sealing of a cable termination or other component with a liquid, which thermosets into an elastometer or solid compound to exclude moisture.

Power

Rate or work, equals work divided by time.

Power Cable

A cable of various sizes, various construction and insulation. Used to supply power to a variety of types of equipment.

Power Consumption

Maximum amount of power required to properly operate the device.

Power Factor

The ratio of the power to the effective values of the electromotive force multiplied by the effective value of current in volts and amperes respectively. The cosine of the angle between voltage applied and the current resulting.

Power Factor

Per cent power factor is a measure of a particular motor's requirements for magnetizing amperage.

Power in an Alternating-Current Circuit

The product of the voltage, current and the cosine of the phase difference between them. Expressed in watts.

Powersum

A test method for four-pair cable which compares the sum of the pair-to-pair crosstalk from three pairs to the fourth pair.

POWQERFLEX 90® POWER CABLE

A premium 600/200 volt portable power cable.

POXT

Same as POT, but #20 A.W.G. for clock and Christmas tree use. 125V

Premises Wiring

The technology of wiring buildings and equipment for data, telephone, video and other electrical/electronic functions.

Premises Wiring System

The complete wiring system, on a user premises, used for the transmission of voice, data, and video.

Preset

The ability of a dimmer or fan speed control to remember a desired level of output.

Pressure Range

The minimum and maximum pressure limits over which a specified transducer is designed to operate.

Primary

The windings of a transformer which receiver every from the supply circuit.

Primary Insulation

The layer of material which is designed to do the electrical insulating, usually the first layer of material applied over the conductor.

Proof Pressure (Overload Pressure)

The maximum pressure that can be applied to the sensing element of a transducer without causing permanent change in the output specifications.

Propagation Constant

A complex quantity characteristic of a radio frequency transmission line which indicates the effect of the line on the transmitted wave. The real part indicates the attenuation and the imaginary part the phase shift.

Propogation Delay

Time between when a signal is transmitted and when it is received at the opposite end of the cable.

Protocol

A set of rules governing the transmission of information over a data channel.

Prototype

Original design or first operating model.

Proximity Effect

The phenomena of nonuniform current distribution over the cross-section of a conductor caused by the variation of the current in an adjoining conductor.

PS

Thermostat cable with solid conductors, individual rubber insulation and cotton braid. Twisted, rubber jacket and cotton braid overall.

PSI

Pound per square inch.

Pull Chain Lampholder

An incandescent lampholder containing a switching mechanism that is actuated by pulling downward on a beaded chain.

Pull Out Torque

Also known as breakdown torque, this is the maximum amount of torque that is available from the motor shaft when the motor is operating at full voltage and is running at full speed. The load is then increased until the maximum point is reached.

Pull Switch

A switch with an actuator mechanism operated by a downward or outward pull

Pull Up Torque

The lowest point on the torque speed curve for a motor that is accelerating a load up to full speed is called the pull up torque. Some motor designs do not have a value of pull up torque because the lowest point may occur at the locked rotor point. In this case pull up torque is the same as locked rotor torque.

Pulling Grip

A reusable wire mesh grip for pulling cable, rope or bare conductor

Pulling Tension

The amount of pull (foot-pounds of tension) placed on a cable during installation.

Pulse Cable

A cable specifically constructed to withstand and transmit repeated high voltage pulses without undue physical or electrical degradation.

Pulse Modulated

Light sources that are pulsed (ON/OFF) at a high frequency by an oscillator circuit. The receiver of a pulse modulated photoelectric only receives light at that frequency, thus minimizing interference from ambient light.

Punchdown

Securing a conductor to a wiring terminal by placing the insulated conductor in the terminal groove and pushing down with a "punchdown" (impact) tool - creating an insulation displacement connection (IDC).

Push Back

That property of a braid or shield which allows the braid or shield to be pushed back along the cable core easily.

Push Through Lampholder

A lampholder having an insulated projection through its sides, which when pushed from either side, turns the lamp on or off.

Push/Push

A means of achieving the preset features on a rotary dimmer or fan speed control. The secondary switching mechanism is activated by pushing the knob at any preset of light or speed.

Put-Up

Refers to packaging of wire and cable, the term itself refers to the packaged product that is ready to be stored or shipped out.