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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

Vinyl

An abbreviated term for polyvinyl chloride, PVC. A synthetic resin formed by the polymerization of compounds derived from ethylene. As a cable jacket material, it affords normal mechanical protection and is usually specified for indoor use and general-purpose applications.

VIR

Designation for vulcanized rubber insulated.

Virgin Metal

Metal obtained directly from ore and not used before.

Viscosity

The degree to which fluid resists flow under an applied force. The units of measure are many but all reflect that the higher the number, the more viscous the fluid. Measurements are taken under strict conditions including a given temperature.

Viscous

Thick, resistant to flow. Applied to a liquid.

Visioplasticity

A way to determine the flow of metal during plastic deformation. A work piece is split, a grid pattern inscribed and the two haves put together again. The resulting grid pattern shows the way the metal flows into the die.

Vitriol

Vitriol is a com­bination of sulfur and oxygen, or of these with metals. Oil of vitriol is concentrated sulfuric acid. Green vitriol is copperas or green sulfate of iron. Blue vitriol is sulfate of copper; white vitriol is white sulfate of zinc, etc. See Pickling.

VM

Designation for cable having two or more type V conductors twisted together under an outer fibrous covering.

VM-1

A flammability rating established by Underwriter Laboratories for wires and cables that pass a specially designated vertical flame test, formerly designated FR-1.

Voice Frequency

Any of the frequencies that is audible to the human ear.

Void

A defect in wire that may resemble inclusions or cuppy wire breaks. They are usually formed during the casting of rod, either by excess gas in the molten metal or by solidification shrinkage in the center of the casting. In insulation and jacketing materials, a void is usually the result of entrapped air during the extrusion process.

Volt

A unit of electromotive force. One volt is the amount of potential required to produce current of one ampere through one ohm of resistance.

Voltage

The term most often used in place of electromotive force, potential, potential difference, or voltage drop, to designate electric potential that exists between two points and is capable of producing a flow of current when a closed circuit is connected between the two points.

Voltage Breakdown Test

Test to determine maximum voltage of insulated wire before electrical current leakage through insulation.

Voltage Classification

A category of conductors or equipment based on voltage ratings.

Voltage Contact

A small voltage that happens whenever two conductors of different materials are brought into contact. This stems from either the difference in work functions or the ease with which electrons can cross the surface boundary in two directions.

Voltage Divider

1) A network consisting of impedance elements connected in series to which a voltage is applied and from which one or more voltages can be obtained across any portion of the network. 2) An adjustable voltage divider of the resistance type is frequently referred to as a potentiometer.

Voltage Drop

1) The difference of voltages at the two terminals of a passive impedance. 2) The difference between the voltages at the transmitting and receiving ends of a feeder, main or service. With alternating currents the voltages are not necessarily in phase and hence the voltage drop is not necessarily equal to the algebraic sum of the voltage drops along the several conductors.

Voltage Life Test

Test to determine the period of time a defined voltage can be applied to an insulated wire before electrical current leakage through insulation.

Voltage Rating

1) The highest voltage that can be continuously applied to a wire in conformance with the standard or specification. 2) The voltage rating printed on the wire, cable or electrical component.
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