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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

Superconductive Wire

Wire that has virtually no elec­trical resistance at temperatures near absolute zero, -273°C (-460°F).

Superconductivity

The abrupt and large increase in electrical conductivity exhibited by some metals as the temperature approaches absolute zero.

Superconductor

Materials whose resistance and magnetic permeability are infinitesimal at absolute zero (-273°C). These are materials in which the resistance drops to almost zero. Superconductivity is exhibited by many of the metallic elements, their alloys and intermetallic compounds.

Superheating

1) Heating a phase above a temperature at which an equilibrium can exist between it and another phase with more internal energy, without obtaining the high-energy phase. 2) Heating molten metal above the normal casting temperature so as to obtain more complete refining or greater fluidity.

Supervised Circuit

A closed circuit with a current-responsive device to indicate a break or ground.

Surface Checking

General breaking and cracking of the surface, which may result from a variety of causes, such as over-rolling, overforming or atmospheric attack at grain boundaries.

Surface Conditioning

Blooms and billets can be conditioned to minimize surface imperfections. Methods employed may include scarfing, chipping or machine grinding. The depth of conditioning should not exceed 19.05 mm (0.750 in.), and the width of the conditioning should be at least four times its greatest depth.

Surface Conductance

Conductance of electrons along the outer surface of a conductor.

Surface Finish

1) Condition of a surface as a result of a final treatment. 2) Measured surface profile characteristic. The preferred term is Roughness.

Surface Grinding

Producing a plane surface by grinding.

Surface Inspection

The inspection of the surface of products for defects such as scabs, seams, burned steel, laps, twist and guide marks.

Surface Leakage

The passage of current over the boundary surfaces of an insulator as distinguished from passage through its volume.

Surface Printing

Method of wire identification in which engraved wheels turn in a bath of marking ink. Legends are imprinted on the rapidly moving material as the insulation is applied.

Surface Resistivity

The resistance of a material between two opposite sides of a unit square of its surface. It is usually expressed in ohms. A temporary and relatively large increase in the voltage or current in an electric circuit or cable. Also called transient.

Surface Transfer Impedance

If a current is caused to flow on the outside of a cable shield, then an induced longitudinal voltage will result along the inside of that shield. The ratio of that induced voltage to the driving current is an impedance or surface transfer impedance.

Surge

A temporary and relatively large increase in the voltage or current in an electrical circuit or cable. Also called transient.

Surging

A pronounced fluctuation in output over a short period without deliberate change in operating conditions.

Suspension Cables

For suspension bridges of great span a large number of parallel galvanized high tensile steel strands are used. The strands run the length of the bridge in one long catenary length, secured in strand shoes at each end. Cable bands of cast steel are bolted around cable strands at intervals and over these are placed long wire rope suspenders that hang down and carry the deck of the bridge.

Suspension Process

A method of manufacturing resins where vinyl chloride droplets are suspended in water by means of protective colloids such as polyvinyl alcohol, gelatin, methyl or cellulose with other ingredients and are then rapidly agitated.

SV

Designation for rubber-insulated conductor with a rubber jacket for damp locations, 300V, 60°C (140°F).
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