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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

Current, Charging

The current needed to bring the cable up to voltage, determined by capacitance of the cable; after withdrawal of voltage, the charging current returns to the circuit; the charging current will be 90° out of phase with the voltage.

Current, Direct

Electrical current whose electrons flow in one direction only; it may be constant or pulsating as long as their movement is in the same direction.

Current, Leakage

That small amount of current which flows through insulation whenever a voltage is present and heats the insulation because of the insulation’s resistance; the leakage current is in phase with the voltage, and is a power loss.

Curtain Rod Wire

A medium carbon steel wire used for curtain rods that is hard drawn with a tinned or galvanized coat. The wire is coiled in spiral form. Also produced in stainless steels that have an extruded plastic sheath over a bright wire spiral.

Cut Length

Linear dimensions of straightened-and-cut wire.

Cut Resistance

The ability of a material to withstand mechanical pressure without rupture.

Cut-through Resistance

Ability of a material to withstand mechanical pressure without separation. Pressure is usually applied as a sharp edge of prescribed radius.

Cutout

A fuse holder that may be used to isolate part of a circuit.

Cutover

Changing from one reel to another without stopping the manufacturing process.

CV

See Continuous Vulcanization.

CVD

Designation for Chemical Vapor Disposition.

CX

Designation for two-conductor, #18 AWG, rubber-insulated, twisted Christmas tree cord, 300V.

CXT

Designation for two-conductor, #18 AWG, plastic-insulated, twisted Christmas tree cord, 300V.

Cyaniding

A process of case hardening a ferrous alloy by heating molten cyanide, thus causing the alloy to absorb carbon and nitrogen simultaneously. Cyaniding is usually followed by quenching to produce a hard case.

Cycle

The complete sequence of alternation or reversal of the flow of an alternating electric current. (See Hertz.)

Cycle Aging

A test on a closed loop of cable having voltage applied, and induced current applied in cycles to cause expansion and contraction; simulates cable operating in a dry environment.

Cyclones

A shortened term usually referring to hydro cyclones, which are separating devices to remove solids from liquid on typical water-based fluid applications. Also, a term used for devices that clean air or solids by air separation. Both use centrifugal forces to perform the separation function. Also a term to describe large vertical storage cylinders.

Cyclotron

A device for accelerating positive ions by causing them to move in a magnetic field.

D

Used as a suffix to indicate a twin wire with two insulated conductors laid parallel under an outer, non-metallic covering.

D Cable

A two-conductor cable, each conductor having the shape of the capital letter D with insulation between the conductors themselves and between conductors and sheath.
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