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The Book of Terms

The Book of TermsThe WJI Book of Wire & Cable Terms: an interactive experience of learning and sharing
This book, written by industry volunteers and containing more than 5,000 entries, is an asset for newcomers to wire and cable.

At the same time, it also represents an opportunity for industry veterans to give back by either updating or adding to the more than 5,000 entries. This is an honor system process. Entries/updates must be non-commercial, and any deemed not to be so will be removed. Share your expertise as part of this legacy project to help those who will follow. Purchase a printed copy here.

   

 

All   0-9   A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Constant Friction

Term for the resistance generated where there is relative motion between two surfaces. It is assumed that the shear stress is proportional to the length of the work piece.

Constant Horsepower

Phrase used in developing a machine’s ability to provide constant horsepower along with constant line speed.

Constant Slip

One of two types of wire slip (the difference between the circumferential speed of the drawing blocks and the surface speed of the wire) designed into wiredrawing machines. The constant slip means that the amount of slip will be the same for each step. Normally, the slip is determined for the next to the last capstan and this value is kept uniform with all other capstans.

Constant Tension

Phrase used in processes where, with constant horsepower and speed, the wire will be kept at a constant tension. A dancer provides constant tension by automatically adjusting for differences in wire length as it is pulled through the machine.

Constant Voltage

The common type of power system in which all loads are connected in parallel, different amounts of current flow through each load.

Constant-Clean Coolant

Term used in the clarification function to maintain a clarity level where the fluid is kept at a constant level of contaminants, which is tolerable in performing its function of lubrication and cooling.

Constantan

An alloy of 55 percent copper and 45 percent nickel used in thermocouples with copper in the temperature range of -169 to 386°C (-336 to 727°F). Usually, the copper is the positive wire and the constantan is the negative wire. See entries for Copper Constantan and Thermocouple.

Constituent

1) One of the ingredients that make up a chemical system. 2) A phase or combination of phases that occur in a characteristic configuration in an alloy microstructure.

Contact

The part of a connector that actually carries the electrical current. Contacts are touched together or separated to control the flow of electricity.

Contact Area

Area in contact between two conductors or a conductor and a connector permitting flow of electricity.

Contact Resistance

Maximum permitted electrical resistance of pin and socket contacts when assembled in a connector under typical service use. Electrical resistance of each pair of mated pin and socket contacts in the connector assembly is determined by measuring pin to the extreme terminal end of the socket (excluding both crimps) when carrying a specified test current.

Contact Size

The largest size wire that can be used with the specific contact. Also, the diameter of the engagement end of the pin.

Contact Wire

An overhead conductor from which electric power is supplied to electrically equipped vehicles. Also known as trolley wire.

Contact-Jaw

See Clamping Die.

Contactor

A type of relay.

Contacts

The parts of a connector, which actually carry the electrical current, and are touched together or separated to control the flow.

Containment

A secure storage area. For wiredrawing, this typically refers to fluids used in the metalworking process.

Contaminants

Term used for material found in any liquid, solid or gas that is undesirable for the application of that substance. The term can also apply to air quality measurements.

Continuity

The state of being whole, unbroken. A test of the conductor of a cable to ensure that it is intact throughout its length.

Continuity Check

A test performed on a length of finished wire or cable to determine if the electrical current flows continuously throughout the length. Each conductor may also be checked against each other to ascertain that no short exists.
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