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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

Geometric Factor

A parameter used and determined solely by the relative dimensions and configuration of the conductors and insulation of a cable.

Geophysical Cable

Cable used in exploring for underground oil deposits.

Germanium

Element, chemical symbol Ge. A grayish-white metal, chemically similar to tin, that is obtained from the processing of copper and zinc. It is used in the production of infrared glasses, fiber optics, electronic detectors and semiconductors.

GG

Designation for ground to ground.

Ghost Line

A segregated streak on the surface of a section of the product, usually con­taining sulfide, phosphide and/or oxide, that is lower in carbon than the surrounding material.

Gigabit per second (Gb/s)

Transmission rate of one billion bits per second.

Gigahertz(GHz)

A unit of frequency equal to one billion hertz.

Gilbert

A unit that can be used to quantify magnetomotive force (magnetic potential), which relates to magnetic fields.

Gilding Metal Wire

Usually contains 80 to 90 percent copper with the remainder being zinc. Used where its attractive golden color is an advantage, as in jewelry and decorative applications.

Gimmick

A short length of wire soldered onto a circuit component and used as a small adjustable capacitor.

Glass

An amorphous transparent or translucent brittle material usually made via the fusion of silica, soda ash, lime and salt cake or similar materials. Glass fibers are used in yarn servings and braids and as strength members. They offer a high tensile strength, inflammability, flexibility and resistance to moisture and high temperatures. Glass is also used in the production of fiber optic cables.

Glass Braid

Used to provide thermal and/or mechanical protection to the underlying insulation of certain types of conductors.

Glass Fiber

Used as insulation for wire in cloth or tape form, or in continuous fine lengths. It has a high tensile strength, a high resistance to extreme heat and is un­affected by acids (except hydrofluoric), oils and corrosive vapors. Glass yarns are used as a braiding material in the braiding phase of wire manufacture. Glass fibers are also used as an insulating film where they are bonded to the conductors via a thermosetting varnish. Fiberglass is a registered trade name for a material of this type.

Glow Discharge

When a high voltage is applied between two electrodes in a rarified atmosphere during strand annealing. The gases in the atmosphere become ionized, and the positively charged ions move rapidly to the cathode being accelerated as they pass through the electrical field. As these ions bombard the cathode, they cause a secondary emission of electrons that create a glow discharge.

Glyptal

Synthetic resin used as an insulating varnish. Resistant to heat, oil and other agents.

GND

Designation for Ground.

Gold

Element, chemical symbol Au. A yellow mineral that is the most malleable and pliable of all metals. It is also very soft and ductile, and noted for its resistance to corrosive media and high thermal and electrical conductivity. Used primarily as a coating or plating as it does not tarnish or corrode, and is unaffected by exposure to air or water. Also used as conductor in printed circuit. Along with copper and silver, these three metals are known as the “noble metals.”

Gold Dot

An interconnection system for flat cable. Gold dots are placed directly onto the flat flexible circuitry so that, when compressed, the gold flows to produce a gas-tight joint.

Gold Solder

Usually containing substan­tial proportions of silver and copper with perhaps a little zinc, these gold-base alloys are used for joining gold.

GOR

Designation for gasoline and oil-resistant wire.
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