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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

Thermocouple Lead Wire

An insulated pair of wires used from the thermocouple to the junction box or to the recording instrument.

Thermocouple Wire

A two-conductor cable with each conductor employing a dissimilar metal, made up specifically for use in thermocouples.

Thermocouple, Expendable

Such a thermocouple is made of fabric- or plastic-covered wire. The wire is provided in coils or on spools. Insulation usually consists of glass braid, asbestos or ceramic fiber cloth on each conductor plus glass braid overall.

Thermocouple, Non-Expendable

Those thermocouples that are not covered with fabric or plastic insulation. One type consists of ceramic insulators over bare thermocouple wire, sometimes inserted in a tube for stability and protection. A second type consists of a combination of thermocouple wires, mineral insulation and a protecting metal sheath compacted into a small diameter.

Thermoelectric Generator

A device that converts thermal energy to electricity by direct interaction of a heat flow with the charge carriers in an electric circuit. For this process, it requires a temperature difference in the electric circuit.

Thermoelectric Heat Pump

A device that transfers thermal energy from one body to another by the direct interaction of an electrical current and the heat flow.

Thermoelectricity

When two dissimilar metals are bonded together and heated, a voltage can be produced. Such a bond is called a thermocouple. Electricity generated by heat action is thermoelectricity.

Thermoembrittlement

A term for the condition of some insulating materials that have become embrittled and cracked after being subjected to elevated temperatures while under stress.

Thermoplastic

A material that can be softened repeatedly by heating and hardened by cooling through a temperature range characteristic of the plastic. In the softened state, it can be shaped by molding or extrusion. In its cooled state it retains the shape imparted when hot. It is the opposite of a thermoset material.

Thermoplastic Elastomer

A jacket material that has many of the characteristics of rubber, as well as excellent electrical, mechanical and chemical properties. A thermoplastic material, it is less expensive than neoprene or chlorosulfonated polyethylene.

Thermoset

A classification of resin used for insulation that is crosslinked by a heating process known as curing. Once the plastic is cured, it cannot be re-softened or distorted from its formed shape. It is the opposite of a thermoplastic material.

Thermostat

A temperature-sensitive device that automatically opens and closes an electric circuit to regulate the temperature of the space with which it is associated.

Thermostat Wire

Single or multi-conductor wire, bare soft solid copper conductor, usually PVC-insulated. May be twisted and/or jacketed. May have enameled or nylon covered conductors and may have a metal armor covering.

THHN

Designation for thermoplastic insulated, high heat resistant, nylon jacketed building cable, 90°C (194°F), 600 volt, dry and damp locations.

THHN-2

Designation for cable similar to THHN, but with a 90°C (194°F) wet rating.

Thimble

A grooved metal fitting to protect the eye of a wire rope.

Thomson Effect

The absorption or evolution of thermal energy produced by the interaction of an electric current and a temperature gradient in a homogeneous electric conductor.

Thread Rolling

A cold working process in which a thread form is impres­sed on the work piece by rolling it between hardened steel dies. The grain of the material is not cut as in thread cutting, but regrouped by plastic deformation into the shape of the thread profile. Advantages associated with thread rolling include cons­tant sizing, burnishing, surface hardening, wear and corrosion resistance, greater tensile strength, greater resistance to bending and significantly improved fatigue life.

Threading-up

The process of threading a wire through a wiredrawing machine. Also known as “stringing” a machine.

Three-Conductor Cable

Three insulated conductors assembled with other necessary cable components such as shield and filler to form a core, protected by an overall jacket.
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