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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

Mass Polymerization Process

A technique to produce resins used for insulating wire.

Mass Termination

The simultaneous termination of several or all conductors of a cable. This process generally uses terminals that pierce the insulation without stripping in order to cold flow mate with the conductors and form a gas-tight, metal-to-metal joint. See Insulation Displacement Connector.

Mass-Impregnated Cable

A paper in­sulated cable in which the paper tapes are applied un-impregnated. The complete cable is subsequently dried and impregnated. The insulated core is placed under vacuum in special heated tanks that are flooded with compound when the insulation is suf­ficiently free from moisture.

Mat Wire

Produced in mild steel, hard drawn, with a bright or galvanized finish.

Matrix

1) The basic crystalline phase of an alloy in which the other phases are embedded. 2) A multidimensional array of items.

Matte Surface

A dull surface that is free from shine or highlights.

Matteucci Effect

Voltage generating property of a twisted ferro-magnetic wire upon change of magnetization.

Mattress Chain

A form of double jack chain, having one single loop and one double loop.

Mattress Wire

Upholstery grade of steel spring wire primarily used in mattresses and support foundations. Wire is drawn directly from rod or from in-process heat-treated wire. Typically drawn through powdered lubricants.

Maximum Core Loss

Electrical energy dissipated as heat generated within a core that is being magnetized. Energy is also lost in the coil surrounding the core.

Maximum Reduction

The largest wiredrawing reduction in cross-sectional area that is possible without exceeding the material strength. The maximum reduction is a function of the die angle and friction.

Maxwell

The unit of magnetic flux through a square centimeter normal to a field of one gauss.

Maxwell’s Rule

Every part of an electric circuit is acted upon by a force tending to move it in a direction to enclose the maximum magnetic flux.

Maypole Braiders

Braiders in which the carriers containing the bobbins follow a path similar to that of a maypole. Tubular maypole braiders are used for solid cords and for wire and cable cover­ing. Flat maypole machines are used for the manufacture of ornamental braids and lace.

Mb/s

Designation for megabits per second. A measure of data throughput by a network protocol only, never a quantitative measure of the cabling system.

MC

1.) Designation for cable with interlocking metal tape or corrugated tube enclosure.
2.) Designation for Megacycles.

MCF

Designation for Millions of Conductor Feet.

MCM

Designation for thousands of circular mils; e.g., 500 MCM is 500,000 circular mils (kcmil). (Capital letters used to distinguish from centimeter.)

MCOP

Designation for multiple conductor (16 AWG) oil resistant, portable synthetic insulation cable. Cable with fillers, binder, impervious sheath overall.

McQuaid-Ehn Test

A test for revealing a material’s grain size. A sample is heated to 927°C for eight hours, then allowed to cool. The treatment causes the grains of the steel to be outlined sharply when polished, etched and viewed under a microscope. There are eight standard grain sizes, from No. 1 (very coarse) to No. 8 (very fine).
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