See Tensile Strength.

Cleaning aided by the application of high frequency sound waves in a cleaning solution. The high frequency sound waves are produced by transducers that convert electrical energy to mechanical energy causing microagitation. Microagitation results in localized low and high pressure fronts. At a low pressure front the solution vaporizes (boils) to form tiny bubbles. At a high pressure front these bubbles implode (cavitate) producing intense shock waves. It is the cavitation of a multitude of tiny bubbles to both exposed and hidden crevices that enables ultrasonics to clean the surface of components and precision parts (including the holes of diamond drawing dies) as well as removal of lubricant and loose scale on wire.

Technique of piercing a natural diamond in preparation for the manufacture of a diamond die.

A device that detects the ultrasonic noise such as that produced by a corona or leaking gas.

A non-destructible test instrument using the principle of ultrasonic resonance to establish the thickness of metals and plastics. Mechanical vibrations are sent into the material under test, and the resonant frequency returning from the sample appears as two or more vertical traces on a cathode ray tube. It can be used for quality control in the production of such items as lead-sheathed cable.

A nondestructive test applied to sound-conductive materials having elastic properties for the purpose of locating inhomogeneties or structural discontinuities within a material by means of an ultrasonic beam.

Wave of acoustical radiation higher than about 20 kHz, i.e., higher than the range of audible sound. They include longitudinal, transverse, surface and standing waves.

Radiant energy within the wavelength range 10 to 380 nanometers.

Degradation caused by long-term exposure of a material to sunlight or other ultraviolet rays containing radiation. This can be a concern for the jacketing of cables, which can experience voltage breakdown as the jacketing degrades.

Chemicals in a PVC insulation compound that protect the insulation from breaking down when exposed to sunlight.

A transmission line in which voltages on the two conductors are unequal with respect to ground, i.e., a coaxial cable.

Coils not sheared to length following hot rolling.

Less than normal operating current.

1) In wiredrawing, too little reduction in a particular die will result in “skin brittleness” of the drawn wire due to lack of working the entire cross-section. 2) The tendency of metal to curve downward when leaving rolls because of the slower surface speed of the lower roll.

1) A cross section that has not filled up the roll pass so that it is inaccurate in both shape and dimensions. 2) A portion of a forged part that does not have sufficient material to give it the true shape of the impression.

These cables (type USE) are suitable for direct burial to complete the circuit from a utility source to a customer’s meter. They are available as single conductor, multiple conductor and multiple conductor with an outer jacket. All single conductors and multiple conductor cables without jackets must be protected by conduit upon emerging from the earth. Use with an outer jacket may be installed as type SE cable.

Refers to “direct burial” (DB) distribution systems. Pluses: minimizes damage from storms, motor vehicles, fires and foreign objects. Minuses: subject to disruption from accidental digging, leakage of moisture and from certain major natural disasters, such as floods.

Cables for communication exchanges that are used underground and developed with proper insulation and moisture proof jacketing.

The ability to transmit power underground at a higher voltage, using a pipe-type cable. The cable, which has either a copper or aluminum conductor insulated by layers of oil-impregnated paper tape, is pulled through a coated steel pipe that is then filled with an insulating oil or gas. The electrical capacity of the cable can be increased by force cooling using heat exchangers and pumps to circulate and cool the oil contained within the pipe. In addition, there is a technique of using compressed gas as an insulating medium inside aluminum pipe.

Less than normal operating voltage. Usually the result of inadequate wire size for the length of the circuit.