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The Book of Terms

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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.

   

 

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

Composite Conductor

A composite conductor consists of two or more strands of different metals, such as aluminum and steel, or copper and steel (i.e., ACSR, ACAR, AWAC). A conductor con­sisting throughout its length of two or more metal conductors providing parallel paths sharing the load. A composite cable is one in which the gauge of the conductors, and/or the type of construction, is not the same throughout its cross-section.

Compound

A mixture of resin and the ingredients necessary to modify the resin to a form suitable material for processing into the finished article (wire insulation, jacket, tape or tubing).

Compounding

The step/process of mixing a basic resin with additives such as plasticizers, stabilizers, fillers and pigments in a form suitable for processing into finished articles.

Compressed Strand

A stranding configuration with concentric strands in which either all layers or the outer layer only is passed through a die to reduce the conductor diameter by 3 percent.

Compressibility

A density ratio determined under finite testing conditions.

Compression

For cables, the act of reducing the overall diameter of the conductors.

Compression Cable

A mass-impregnated pressure cable in which the pressure medium is separated from the insulation by a membrane or sheath. In these external pressure cables, the insulated cores are constructed in the same way as for solid cables. Each core is usually covered with a polythene or thin lead sheath, which serves as a diaphragm. One or more cores are then enclosed in an outer protective covering. See Pipeline Compression Cables and Self Contained Cable.

Compression Lug

Installed by compressing the connector onto the strand into a cold weld.

Compression Set

The amount of compression an elastomer retains. Expressed as a percentage of original dimensions.

Compression Splice

Installed by compressing the connector onto the strand into a cold weld.

Compression Spring

A spring whose dimension in the direction of the applied load reduces under the action of that load.

Compressive Yield Strength

The yield strength of a material under compression. See Yield Strength.

Computer Cable

Used for interconnecting computers, electronic equipment and the conveyance of information such as telemetering instrumentation and control.

Concentrated Oil of Vitriol

Another name for sulfuric acid.

Concentration of Coolant

An amount of oils and additives in a water-base solution expressed as a percent by volume of the total.

Concentric

Having a common center or axis.

Concentric Cable

A cable containing two or more separate conductors, arranged concentrically, with insulation between them.

Concentric Lay Cable

A concentric lay conductor or multiple conductor cable composed of a central core surrounded by one or more layers of helically laid conductors. Each of these succeeding layers is applied with an opposite direction of twist. The number of wires covering the center wire is six, with each succeeding layer having six more so that the number of wires in the strands will be 7, 19, 37, 61, etc.

Concentric Neutral

A number of wires concentrically stranded about a cable for use as a neutral.

Concentric Strand

A strand that consists of a central wire or core surrounded by one or more layers of spirally laid wires. See Concentric Lay Cable.
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