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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

Oil Lubricants

An oil used to reduce friction. There are two types: vegetable oils and oils produced from a mineral base. The lubricant must have suffi­cient viscosity at the temperature present to form a satisfactory oil film. Many oils are formulated with other ingredients to enhance their performance.

Oil of Vitriol

See Vitriol.

Oil Quenching

Immersion of hot metal in oil after heat-treatment to cool at a desired rate. See Quenching.

Oil Resistance

The ability of a conductor or cable insulation to resist physical degradation caused by exposure to oil.

Oil Stain

A condition of surface quality when stains are produced by the incomplete burning of lubricants on the surface of a product. Subsequent operations on the stained area will change color of the stain to further add to the poor quality issue.

Oil-Feeding Reservoirs

Oil storage tanks situated at intervals along the route of an oil-filled cable or at oil-filled joints of solid cable for the purpose of keeping the cable constantly filled with oil under pressure.

Oil-Filled Cable

An impregnated, paper-insulated cable so designed that the impregnating fluid is free to flow at all working temperatures. One or more internal oil ducts are provided and oil is maintained under pressure by means of oil tanks connected to the cable at suitable positions along the route.

Oil-Filled Pipe Cable

A pipe cable in which the pressure is developed by an oil that has access to the insulation.

Oil-Hardened Steel

Used to describe tool or alloy steels where oil is used as the quenching medium in the hardening process.

Oil-Proof

Able to operate safely despite the accumulation of oil or vapors.

Oil-Tight

Constructed to prevent the entrance of oil or vapors under normal operating conditions.

Oiled

A final product that has had an application of a thin film of oil to retard rusting. Where surface is a consideration, it is also desirable for reducing friction scratches that may develop in transit. The oil coating is not intended to serve as a lubricant for subsequent fabrication.

Oils, Metal Removing

Oils, often water-soluble, used in the grinding and machining of metal products, such as spring ends.

OL

Designation for Overload.

One-Minute Wire

Galvanized wire that will withstand immersion in a standard neutral copper sul­fate solution for one minute

Open

A circuit that is energized but is not continuous, preventing current flow.

Open and Ground End

The end of an open coiled helical spring that has been ground flat.

Open Butt

See Taped Insulation.

Open Cell

Foamed or cellular material with cells that are generally interconnected. Closed cells are not interconnected.

Open End

The end of an open coiled helical spring where the helix angle of the end coil has been progressively reduced.
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