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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

Output

1) The energy delivered by a circuit or device. 2) The terminals for such delivery. 3) A measurement of inputs after processing.

Outside Plant

All cables and wires extending outward from the network protectors on the main distribution frame to connect the terminal equipment to the Outside Plant.

Oval Bar

1) Term to define a cross section that is not round. 2) A hot-rolled carbon steel bar product that is oval in cross-section.

Oval-Round Sequence

A rolling sequence where the product is passed through a series of alternating oval and round grooved rolls to change its profile.

Ovality

The dimensional deviation from a round section. This is generally caused by distortion of the die profile. Often the condition arises due to incorrect alignment of the die in relation to the capstan.

Ovality of Wire

A defect in drawing usually caused by incorrect positioning of the drawing die holder in relation to the block or capstan. To prevent ovality, the axial direction of the bore must conform to the drawing direction of the wire. Ovality may also be caused to some extent by uneven or inade­quate lubrication, or by scale that has not been removed completely in the course of pickling.

Overall Diameter

1) Finished diameter of a wire or cable. 2) Outside diameter of a cylindrical object.

Overcoat

Individual strands of tinned copper wire stranded together and then covered with a tin coating.

Overcoat Conductor

A stranded conductor made from individual strands of tin-coated wire stranded together, and then given an overall tin coat.

Overcurrent

The current that exceeds the design specification and usually causes an excessive temperature rise in a conductor.

Overcurrent Device

A device such as a circuit breaker or fuse that automatically interrupts the circuit when current in excess of a given rating flows through the circuit because of a short circuit, overload or a ground fault.

Overcurrent Protection

De-energizing a circuit whenever the current exceeds a predetermined value. The usual devices for de-energizing are fuses, circuit breakers or magnetic relays.

Overcurrent Relay

See Relay, Overcurrent.

Overdrawn Wire

Wire that was drawn excessively, resulting in loss of ductility. Such a wire may have had too much reduction in cross sectional area during drawing. This wire will demonstrate reduced ductility as aging occurs.

Overfill

A defect of longitudinal protrusion in a rolled section that is formed when the section is too large for the pass it is entering. Also known as a fin or overlap. Can be caused by worn rolls, extrusion into the clearance of the rolls, incorrect pass design, rolling at too low a temperature and changes in inter-stand tension in multi-stand continuous mills.

Overhead Distribution

Line conductors on poles for an electrical distribution system using cables designed for overhead installation.

Overhead Transmission

Transmitting power with an overhead line using cables designed for elevated and outside installation.

Overlap

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

Overload Capacity

The maximum level of current, voltage or power that a device can withstand before it is damaged.

Overpickling

A surface condition on pickled steel rod caused by excessive pickling time or insufficient inhibitor in the acid. Characterized by a black smut on the steel surface, which is very difficult to remove. High carbon steels are most prone to overpickling.
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