Cable Industry Glossary

B

• Backbone Cable – A network cable connecting multiple rooms and communication panels, typically forming the longest cable run.
• Balanced Cable – A cable with two conductor wires and a ground wire, where the additional conductor significantly reduces noise in audio signals.
• Balanced Circuit – A circuit arranged such that the impressed voltages on each conductor of the pair are equal in magnitude but opposite in polarity with respect to ground.
• Balanced Interconnects – Cables using three conductors to transmit an audio signal, its inverted signal, and a ground, to eliminate noise.
• Balanced Line – A cable having two identical conductors with the same electromagnetic characteristics in relation to other conductors and to ground.
• Balanced Pair – A pair of identical conductors with equal impedance to ground and other circuits along their length.
• Balun – A device for matching an unbalanced coaxial transmission line to a balanced two-wire system.
• Band Marking – A continuous circumferential band applied to a conductor at regular intervals for identification.
• Band Width – The difference between the upper and lower limits of a given band of frequencies, expressed in hertz, representing the range a transmitted signal occupies or a receiving system can accept.
• Bare Conductor – A conductor having no covering or insulation, typically bare copper.
• BC-Bare Copper – Abbreviation for bare copper, indicating a conductor made of uninsulated copper.
• Beach Anchor – A concrete block embedded in the ground, used as an anchor point for shore-end cables.
• Beach Joint – A joint connecting land cables to shore-end cables.
• Bedding – A protective layer of fibrous material, such as jute or hessian tape, to prevent core corrosion and mechanical damage.
• Beldfoil – Belden trademark for a highly effective electrostatic shield using reinforced metallic foil.
• Belt – A layer of insulation on a conductor or multiple layers of jacket on a cable.
• Belted-type Cable – A multiple conductor cable having a layer of insulation over the assembled insulated conductors.
• Bend Radius – The maximum radius a cable can be bent before damage or signal loss occurs.
• Bi-wire – A method using two separate cables to connect a speaker’s low-frequency and high-frequency sections.
• Binder – A tape or thread used for holding assembled cable components in place.
• Binding Post – A speaker terminal that accepts bare wire or banana plugs.
• Blown Jacket – An outer cable covering applied by controlled inflation of the cured jacket tube, then pulling the cable through it.
• BNC Connectors – Common miniature cables with bayonet coupling for easy connection and disconnection.
• BFA Connectors – A variant of 4mm banana plugs coated with ABS, designed for EU safety to address similarities with Schuko AC terminals.
• Bond – An attachment at the interface between an adhesive and an adherent or between materials attached together.
• Bond Strength – The amount of adhesion between surfaces, such as in bonded ribbon cables.
• Boot – A protective covering over any portion of a cable or conductor in addition to its jacket or insulation.
• Booster – An amplifier inserted into a cable to increase signal amplitude, compensating for attenuation and extending transmission range.
• Braid – A group of textile or metallic filaments interwoven to form a tubular flexible structure, applied over one or more wires or flattened to form a strap.
• Braid Angle – The angle between a strand of wire in a braid shield and the longitudinal axis of the cable it is wound around.
• Braid Carrier – A spool or bobbin on a braider holding a group of strands or filaments, which revolves during braiding operations.
• Brand Ends – The number of strands used to make up one carrier, wound side by side on the carrier bobbin and lying parallel in the finished braid.
• Branch Joint – A cable joint used for connecting one or more cables to a main cable.
• Brazing – The joining of ends of two wires, rods, or groups of wires with a nonferrous filler metal at temperatures above 800°F (427°C).
• Breakdown – A disruptive discharge through the insulation.
• Breakdown of Insulation – Failure of insulation resulting in current flow through it, caused by excessive voltage, defects, or decay.
• Breakdown Voltage – The voltage at which insulation between two conductors fails, allowing electricity to conduct or arc.
• Breakout – The point at which a conductor or conductors are separated from a multiconductor cable to complete circuits at various points along the main cable.
• Buffer Tube – A loose, crush-resistant polymer tube applied over optical fibers to provide mechanical protection.
• Building Wire – Wire used for light power, 600 volts or less, typically not exposed to outdoor environments.
• Bunch Stranding – Conductors twisted together with the Définir la traduction same lay and direction without regard to geometric pattern.
• Bundle (Fiber Optic) – A number of fibers grouped together, usually carrying a common signal.
• Buried Cable – A cable installed directly in the earth without underground conduit, also called direct buried cable.
• Bus – Wire used to connect two terminals inside an electrical unit.
• Butt – Joining of two conductors end-to-end, with no overlap and axes aligned.
• Butt Splice – A splice where two wires from opposite ends butt against each other or against a stop in the center of the splice.
• Butt Wrap – Tape wrapped around an object or conductor in an edge-to-edge condition.

D

• Decibel (dB) – A unit to express differences of power level. Used to express power gain in amplifiers or power loss in passive circuits or cables.
• Delay Line – A transmission line or equivalent device designed to delay a wave or signal for a specific length of time.
• Derating Factor – A multiplier used to reduce the current-carrying capacity of conductors in more adverse environments, such as higher temperature, or where multiple conductors are together in one conduit.
• Dielectric – An insulating (non-conducting) medium. It is the insulating material between conductors carrying a signal in a cable. In coaxial cables, it is between the center conductor and the outer conductor. In twisted pair cables, it is the conductors plus any surrounding air or other material. The insulation between.
• Dielectric Absorption – That property of an imperfect dielectric whereby there is an accumulation of electric charges within the body of the material when it is placed in an electric field.
• Dielectric Breakdown – The voltage at which a dielectric material is punctured, which is divisible by thickness to give dielectric strength.
• Dielectric Constant (K) – Also called relative permittivity. That property of a dielectric which determines the amount of electrostatic energy that can be stored by the material when a given voltage is applied to it. Actually, the ratio of the capacitance of a capacitor using the dielectric to the capacitance of an identical capacitor using a vacuum (which has a dielectric constant of 1) as a dielectric. A number which indicates the quality of a material to resist holding an electrical charge when placed between two conductors.
• Dielectric Strength – The voltage that insulation can withstand before it breaks down. Usually expressed as “volts per mil”.
• Dielectric Test – A test in which a voltage higher than the rated voltage is applied for a specific time to determine the adequacy of the insulation under normal conditions.
• Direct Burial Cable – A cable installed directly in the earth.
• Direct Capacitance – The capacitance measured directly from conductor to conductor through a single insulation layer.
• Direct Current (DC) – An electric current which flows in only one direction.
• Direct Current Resistance (D.C.R) – The resistance offered by any circuit to the flow of direct current.
• Directional Coupler – A passive device used in a cable system to divide or combine unidirectional RF power sources.
• Dissipation Factor – The tangent of the loss angle of the insulating material (Also referred to as loss tangent, tan δ, and approximate power factor).
• Disturbed Conductor – A conductor that receives energy generated by the field of another conductor or an external source such as a transformer.
• Double Foot – Combined length of one linear foot of paired material; i.e., one double foot is equal to one foot of positive material plus one foot of negative material. Usually used in determining thermocouple wire loop resistance.
• Drain Wire – In a cable, the un-insulated wire in intimate contact with a shield to provide for easier termination of such a shield to a ground point.
• Drawing – In wire manufacturing, pulling the metal through a die or series of dies to reduce diameter to a specified size.
• Drum Packed – The method of coiling wire into fiber drums for shipment.
• Duct – An underground or overhead tube for carrying electrical conductors.
• Duofoil – Belden trademark for a shield in which metallic foil is applied to both sides of a supporting plastic film.
• Duplex Insulated – In the thermocouple industry, a combination of dissimilar metal conductors of a thermocouple or thermocouple extension wire.

E

• Earth Continuity Conductor – A conductor used to connect the earthing circuit of equipment or a wiring system to a grounding electrode.
• Eccentricity – A measure of the displacement of a conductor’s center relative to the circular cross-section of the insulation, expressed as a percentage.
• ECTFE – Ethylene chloro-trifluoroethylene, a fluoropolymer used as an insulator or jacketing material, known by the trademark Halar (Solvay Solexis).
• Edge Connector – A connector with a row of contacts designed to mate with the edge of a printed circuit board, often used in cabling systems.
• EIA – Abbreviation for Electronic Industries Association, a standards organization for electronics and cabling.
• Elastomer – A rubber-like material that returns to its original dimensions after being stretched or distorted.
• Electrical Length – The length of a cable multiplied by its relative propagation velocity, affecting signal timing.
• Electrical Screen – A metallic shield used to isolate equipment from external electromagnetic fields.
• Electricity – The flow of electric current along a conductor, resulting from the movement of free electrons from one atom to the next.
• Electromagnetic – Pertaining to the combined electric and magnetic fields associated with the movement of electrons through conductors.
• Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) – The ability of electronic equipment to operate without causing or suffering from electromagnetic interference.
• Electromagnetic Coupling – Energy transfer between circuits or conductors due to a changing magnetic field.
• Electromagnetic Disturbance – Signal interference caused by superimposed electromagnetic fields.
• Electromagnetic Induction – The generation of voltage in a conductor due to changes in magnetic flux through a coil or loop.
• Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) – Unwanted electrical noise that disrupts signal quality in cables or electronic systems.
• Electromotive Force (e.m.f.) – The electrical pressure or voltage that causes current to flow in a circuit.
• Electronic Cable Shield – A shielding mechanism designed to manage electromagnetic interference (EMI) efficiently.
• Electrostatic – Relating to static electricity or electricity at rest, characterized by a constant intensity electric charge.
• Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) – The sudden flow of electricity between two objects caused by contact or an electric field, potentially damaging cables or electronics.
• Electro-tinned – An electrolytic process of tinning wire using pure tin to enhance conductivity and corrosion resistance.
• EL-FEXT (Equal Level Far-End Crosstalk) – A measurement of far-end crosstalk (FEXT) normalized by considering signal attenuation.
• Elongation – The fractional increase in the length of a material when stressed in tension.
• Embossing – A method of marking identification by thermal indentation, leaving raised lettering on the sheath material of a cable.
• Emergency Overload – A condition where larger-than-normal currents are carried through a cable or wire over a certain period, exceeding standard operating limits.
• Enamelled Wire – A wire coated with a thin layer of enamel insulation, used in applications requiring compact insulation, such as transformers and motors.
• Endosmosis – The penetration of water into a cable by osmosis, aggravated and accelerated by DC voltage on the cable.
• Energize – To apply rated voltage to a circuit or device to activate it.
• Equilay – A conductor construction with multiple layers of helically laid wires, with the direction of lay reversed for successive layers and the length of lay identical for each layer.
• Etched Wire – A fluoroplastic wire passed through a sodium bath to create a rough surface, enabling epoxy resin to bond to the fluoroplastic.
• ETFE – Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, a fluoropolymer used as insulation, commonly known as Tefzel or Teflon.
• Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) – An ozone-resistant rubber composed primarily of ethylene propylene diene terpolymer, used in cable insulation or jacketing.
• Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR) – An ozone-resistant rubber composed primarily of ethylene propylene copolymer, used for cable insulation or jacketing.
• ETPC – Abbreviation for Electrolytic Tough Pitch Copper, with a minimum conductivity of 99.9%.
• Expanded Diameter – The diameter of heat-shrink tubing before heating, relevant to cable insulation or protection.
• External Interference – The effects of electrical waves or fields causing unwanted signals or noise, distinct from the desired signal.
• Extruded Cable – A cable insulated by applying insulation material in a continuous extrusion process.
• Extrusion – The process of continuously forcing a plastic or elastomer and a conductor core through a die to apply a continuous coating of insulation or jacket.

F

• Farad – The unit of capacitance, relevant to the electrical properties of cables.
• Faraday Cage – A metallic enclosure that prevents the entry or escape of an electromagnetic field, often related to cable shielding.
• Fatigue Resistance – Resistance to metal crystallization that causes conductors or wires to break due to repeated flexing.
• Fault Current – The current that flows during a short circuit, significant for cable protection design.
• F Connector – A type of coaxial cable connector commonly used in video and RF applications.
• Feeder Cable – A cable that supplies power or signals to a distribution point.
• FEP – Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene, a “Teflon” fluorocarbon resin and a registered trademark of the DuPont Company, used as a melt-extrudable fluorocarbon resin for insulation.
• Ferrite – A magnetic material used in cable components to suppress high-frequency noise.
• Fiber – A single, separate optical transmission element characterized by a core and cladding.
• Fiber Channel – A high-speed network technology utilizing fiber optic cables, primarily for storage networking.
• Fiber Dispersion – Pulse spreading in a fiber optic cable caused by differing transit times of various modes.
• Fiber Optic Cable – A cable containing one or more optical fibers for transmitting light signals.
• Fiber Optics – A technology that transmits information as light pulses through optical fibers for communication and signaling; it carries more data than copper wire and is less prone to interference.
• Fiber Tubing – A loose, crush-resistant cylinder applied over individual fibers for mechanical protection, also known as a buffer tube.
• Fibrous Coverings – Materials commonly used on high-temperature cables due to their excellent heat resistance.
• Field – An area through which electric and/or.Concurrent magnetic lines of force pass, relevant to cable functionality.
• Field Coil – An insulated winding mounted on a field pole to magnetize it, used in some cable-related applications.
• Field Molded Splice – A joint where solid dielectric insulation is fused and cured thermally at the job site.
• Filled Cable – A telephone cable with a core filled with material to prevent moisture ingress or passage.
• Filler – Nonconducting components cabled with insulated conductors or optical fibers to enhance roundness, flexibility, or tensile strength.
• Fine Stranded Wire – Stranded wire with component strands of 36 AWG or smaller, offering enhanced flexibility.
• Flame Resistant – The ability of a material to stop fueling a flame once the heat source is removed.
• Flammability – The measure of a material’s ability to support combustion.
• Flammability Test – A test to assess a cable’s resistance to ignition near a heat or flame source and its ability to self-extinguish when removed.
• Flat Braid – A woven braid of tinned copper strands rolled flat during manufacture to a specified width.
• Flat Cable – A cable with two smooth or corrugated, essentially flat surfaces.
• Flat Conductor – A wire with a rectangular cross-section, distinct from round or square conductors.
• Flat Conductor Cable – A cable containing multiple flat conductors.
• Flat Ribbon Cable – A cable with conductors arranged in a flat, parallel configuration, often used in electronics.
• Flex Life – The measure of a conductor or cable’s ability to withstand repeated bending.
• Flexible – The quality of a cable or component that allows bending under external force, distinct from limpness caused by its own weight.
• Flexibility – The ability of a cable to bend in a short radius or conform to surfaces, as seen in microphone cables.
• Floating – Referring to a circuit with no ground connection, relevant to some cable configurations.
• Fluoropolymers – Extrudable thermoplastics, such as Teflon, used for low-voltage insulation in cables.
• Foamed Plastic – Insulation with a cellular structure, used to enhance cable properties.
• Foil – A thin, continuous sheet of metal, often used in cable shielding.
• Foil Shield – Typically made of aluminum foil, provides excellent protection against electromagnetic interference.
• FR-1 – A former Underwriters Laboratories flammability rating for cables passing a vertical flame test, now replaced by VW-1.
• Frequency – The number of periodic actions per second, measured in Hertz, critical to cable signal performance.
• Frequency Response – The range of frequencies over which a cable operates effectively, vital for signal integrity.
• Fuse Wire – Wire made from an alloy that melts at a low temperature, used for circuit protection.
• Fused Conductors – Strands of heavily tinned copper wire stranded and bonded together by induction heating.
• Fused Spiral Tape – PTFE-insulated hookup wire where the spiral-wrapped conductor is sintered to fuse overlaps.

G

• Galvanic Corrosion – A process where dissimilar metals in contact corrode when exposed to an electrolyte, relevant in cable connections where different metals are used.
• Galvanized Steel Wire – Steel wire coated with zinc to prevent corrosion, commonly used in cable construction for added strength and durability.
• Galvanometer – An instrument used for detecting or measuring small electrical currents, often employed in testing cable conductivity.
• Gang Strip – The process of stripping insulation from all or several conductors simultaneously, typically used in cable preparation for termination or splicing.
• Gas Filled Cable – A self-contained pressure cable where the pressure medium is an inert gas, providing access to the insulation for enhanced performance and longevity.
• Gauge – A term denoting the physical size of a wire, typically measured using the American Wire Gauge (AWG) standard for cables.
• Gel-Filled Cable – A type of cable filled with gel to prevent moisture ingress, commonly used in outdoor or underground applications to protect against water damage.
• Giga – A numerical prefix denoting one billion, often used in cable specifications for frequency (e.g., gigahertz) or data rates (e.g., gigabits per second).
• Gigabit Ethernet – A high-speed networking standard that uses cables to transmit data at rates up to one gigabit per second, commonly employed in modern data networks.
• Glass Fiber – Optical fibers made of glass, used in fiber optic cables for high-speed data transmission with minimal signal loss.
• Ground – A conducting connection between an electrical circuit and the earth or another large conducting body, completing the electrical circuit and ensuring safety.
• Ground Conductor – A conductor in a transmission cable or line that is grounded, providing a path for fault currents and enhancing system stability.
• Ground Fault – An unintentional electrical path to ground, which can occur in cables and requires protective measures such as circuit breakers or fuses.
• Ground Loop – An unwanted current flow in a ground conductor, often causing interference in cable systems, particularly in audio or video applications.
• Ground Plane – An expanded copper mesh laminated into some flat cable constructions as a shield, reducing electromagnetic interference.
• Grounding Clamp – A device used to connect a grounding conductor to a grounding electrode, ensuring proper grounding of cables and systems.
• Grommet – A protective ring or eyelet through which cables pass, preventing abrasion and damage at entry or exit points.
• GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) – A material used in cable trays and supports for its strength, lightweight properties, and corrosion resistance.
• Guarded Cable – A cable with additional shielding or protection to prevent interference or physical damage, often used in sensitive or harsh environments.
• Guy – A tension wire connected to a tall structure and another fixed object to add strength, commonly used in cable-supported structures like towers or poles.

H

• Halar – A trade name of Allied Chemical for their copolymer of ethylene and chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE), used in cable insulation.

• Halogen-Free – Cables that do not contain halogen elements, reducing toxic emissions in case of fire.

• Hard Drawn Copper Wire – Copper wire that has not been annealed after drawing, making it stiffer and suitable for specific applications.

• Harmonics – Frequencies that are integer multiples of the fundamental frequency, which can affect cable performance, especially in power transmission.

• Harness – An arrangement of wires and cables, often with multiple breakouts, used to interconnect an electric circuit.

• Hash Mark Stripe – A non-continuous helical stripe applied to a conductor for identification purposes.

• Heat Distortion – Distortion or flow of a material or configuration due to the application of heat.

• Heat Endurance – The time a material can withstand heat aging before failing a specific physical or electrical test.

• Heat Resistance – The ability of a substance to maintain physical and chemical integrity and electrical performance under specified temperature conditions.

• Heat Seal – A method for sealing materials by thermal fusion.

• Heat Shock – A test to determine the stability of a material by sudden exposure to high temperature for a short period.

• Heat Shrink Tubing – Tubing that shrinks when heated, used for insulation, protection, or bundling of cables.

• Heat Sink – A device that absorbs and dissipates heat, often used in cable assemblies to manage thermal conditions.

• Helical Stripe – A continuous, colored spiral stripe applied to a conductor for circuit identification.

• Helical Wrap – A method of wrapping tape or other materials around a cable in a spiral fashion for protection or insulation.

• Helix – A spiral winding, often referring to the structure of certain cable components.

• Henry – The unit of inductance where the induced voltage in volts is numerically equal to the rate of change in current in amperes per second.

• Hermetically Sealed – A gas-tight enclosure completely sealed by fusion or other comparable means, used in some cable connectors or splices.

• Hertz (Hz) – The unit of frequency, equal to one cycle per second, replacing the term "cycles-per-second."

• High Bond Insulation – Insulation that exhibits strong bond strength to the conductors, enhancing durability.

• High-Flex Cable – A cable designed to withstand repeated flexing without damage, used in dynamic applications.

• High Temperature – Refers to wire or cable with a temperature rating of 125°C or higher.

• High-Voltage Power – Generally, a wire or cable with an operating voltage of over 35,000 volts.

• Hinge Cable – A cable connected between a hinged or swinging device and a stationary object, requiring flexibility.

• Hi Pot – A test designed to determine the highest voltage that can be applied to a conductor without breaking down the insulation.

• Holding Strength – The ability of a connector to remain assembled to a cable when under tension.

• Hood – A protective cover for a connector or splice, often used to prevent environmental damage.

• Hook-up Wire – A single insulated conductor used for low current, low voltage (usually under 600 volts) applications within enclosed electronic equipment.

• Horizontal Cabling – The portion of a structured cabling system that connects workstations to the telecommunications room.

• Hot Stamping – A method of printing on cable jackets using heat and pressure for identification or branding.

• Hot Tin Dip – A process of passing bare wire through a bath of molten tin to provide a protective coating.

• Housing – A metallic or other enclosure for an insulated splice, providing protection and support.

• Humpback – A defect in cable insulation where it bulges outward, potentially affecting performance.

• Hybrid Cable – A multiconductor cable containing two or more types of components, such as copper and fiber optics.

• Hybrid Fiber Coaxial (HFC) – A network architecture that combines fiber optic and coaxial cables for broadband communication.

• Hydrophobic – Materials that repel water, used in some cable designs to prevent moisture ingress.

• Hygroscopic – Capable of absorbing and retaining moisture, a property considered in cable insulation materials.

• Hypalon – DuPont’s trade name for chlorosulfonated polyethylene, an ozone-resistant synthetic rubber used in cable jackets.

• Hz – Abbreviation for Hertz, a measure of frequency or bandwidth equal to one cycle per second.

I

• IEC – International Electrotechnical Commission, an organization similar to ISO, setting standards for electrical technologies.
• IEEE – Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, a global society issuing standards and part of ANSI and ISO.
• Impact Resistance – A cable’s capacity to endure mechanical shock or impact without sustaining damage.
• Impedance – The total opposition a circuit presents to alternating or varying current at a specific frequency.
• Impedance Match – When the impedance of a cable or component equals that of the connected circuit or device.
• Impedance Matching Stub – A segment of transmission line or conductors adjusted to align with a load’s impedance.
• Impedance Matching Transformer – A transformer built to harmonize impedance between two circuits.
• Impulse Test – A test assessing a cable’s ability to endure high-voltage impulses.
• IMSA – International Municipal Signal Association Specifications, often for fire alarm cables.
• In-Line Connector – A connector linking two cable lengths in a straight configuration.
• Incandescent – A lamp type producing light by heating a filament, often wired with specific cables.
• Index Matching Fluid – A fluid in fiber optics reducing reflection losses at connection points.
• Indirect Lightning Strike – A lightning event inducing voltage surge in a cable without direct contact.
• Induced Current – Current generated in a circuit by electromagnetic induction from intersecting magnetic fields.
• Inductance – A wire property storing current in a magnetic field, measurable in Henrys, enhanced by coiling.
• Inductive Coupling – Crosstalk caused by electromagnetic field interaction between conductors.
• Inductive Reactance – Resistance to alternating current flow due to inductance.
• Infrared – Electromagnetic waves beyond visible light, used in certain cable-based communication systems.
• Inner Conductor – The central conductive element in a coaxial cable.
• Input Impedance – The impedance measured at a cable or device’s input end.
• Insertion Loss – Signal power reduction from adding a device or cable to a transmission line.
• Instrumentation Cable – Cables transmitting low-power signals from transducers to control systems.
• Insulated Splice – A splice covered with dielectric material over conductors and adjacent insulation.
• Insulating (Isolating) Joint – A joint mechanically connecting but electrically separating cable segments.
• Insulation – Dielectric material separating electrical components like conductors in cables.
• Insulation Displacement Connector (IDC) – A connector piercing insulation to contact the conductor.
• Insulation Level 100% – Cable for grounded systems with rapid fault clearing within one minute.
• Insulation Level 133% – Cable for grounded systems where faults are cleared within one hour.
• Insulation Resistance (I.R.) – Resistance of insulation to DC voltage, affecting leakage current.
• Insulation Resistance Test – A test measuring insulation material’s resistance.
• Insulation Thickness – The depth of insulation applied to a cable.
• Integrated Circuit (IC) – A semiconductor with multiple components, often cable-connected.
• Intelligent Cable – A cable with built-in electronics for monitoring or control.
• Interaxial Spacing – The center-to-center distance between adjacent cable conductors.
• Interconnect – A link between multiple devices or systems via cables.
• Interconnecting Cable – Wiring linking modules, units, or larger system parts.
• Interference – Unwanted electrical signals induced in a conductor electromagnetically.
• Interference Filter – A device minimizing electromagnetic interference in cables.
• Interlocked Armor – Protective interlocking construction applied over insulation or jackets.
• Intermetallic Compound – A compound of metals, relevant in cable soldering processes.
• Internal Wiring – Cables used within devices or equipment.
• International Annealed Copper Standard (IACS) – A conductivity standard for copper in cables.
• Interstices – Gaps between strands in a conductor, affecting electrical properties.
• Intrinsically Safe – Design ensuring electrical equipment avoids ignition in hazardous areas.
• Inverter Cable – A cable connecting an inverter to a power source or load.
• Ionization – Ion formation in materials, relevant to some cable manufacturing.
• Irradiation – Radiation exposure process used in cable production.
• ISA – Instrument Society of America, relevant to instrumentation cable standards.
• ISO – International Standards Organization, influencing cable standards.

J

• Jacket – The outer protective covering of a cable that may also provide additional insulation.

• JAN Specification – Joint Army-Navy specifications, the forerunner of present Military Specifications for cables and wires.

• Jitter – The slight movement of a transmission signal in time or phase that can introduce errors and loss of synchronization in high-speed synchronous communications.

• Joint – The portion of a conductor where the ends of two wires, rods, or groups of wires are joined by brazing, soldering, welding, or mechanical means.

• Joint Resistance – The electrical resistance at the point where two conductors are joined, which can affect signal quality.

• Jointing – The process of connecting two cables together, often involving splicing or welding.

• Jumper Cable – A short flat cable used to interconnect two wiring boards or devices.

• Junction Box – A container for electrical connections, often used to house cable splices or terminations.

• Jute – A material sometimes used in cable insulation or as a filler for its durability and flexibility.

K

• Kelvin (K) – The SI unit of thermodynamic temperature, used in cable specifications to denote temperature ratings or operating conditions.

• KEMA KEUR – An approval agency mark indicating compliance with Dutch electrical safety and performance standards for cables and wires.

• Kevlar – A strong, lightweight synthetic fiber used as a strength member in cables, particularly in fiber optic cables, to enhance tensile strength.

• Keying – A mechanical feature on connectors or cables to ensure correct orientation and prevent improper mating.

• Kiloampere (kA) – A unit of electrical current equal to 1,000 amperes, used to specify the current-carrying capacity of high-power cables.

• Kilohertz (kHz) – A unit of frequency equal to 1,000 hertz, used to describe signal transmission characteristics in communication cables.

• Kilometer (km) – A unit of length equal to 1,000 meters, used to specify cable lengths in telecommunications and power distribution.

• Kilovolt (kV) – A unit of electrical potential equal to 1,000 volts, used to denote voltage ratings of power cables.

• Kink – An undesirable sharp bend or twist in a cable that can cause mechanical stress or signal degradation.

• Knee Voltage – The voltage at which a cable’s insulation begins to exhibit nonlinear behavior under high electric fields, relevant in high-voltage applications.

• Kynar – A trade name for polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), a fluoropolymer used as an insulating or jacketing material for cables due to its chemical resistance and durability.

L

• Low-Voltage Cable: A cable designed for voltages up to 1,000 volts, used in residential and commercial wiring.

M

• Multiconductor Cable: A cable containing multiple insulated conductors within a single jacket.

O

• Ohm – The SI unit of electrical resistance, used to quantify the opposition to current flow in cables and conductors.
• Oil Resistance – The ability of a cable’s insulation or jacket to withstand degradation when exposed to oils, critical for industrial applications.
• OKOBON® – A moisture-resistant cable finish consisting of an aluminum/copolymer tape fused to itself and to an overall jacket.
• OKOBUS® – Fieldbus instrumentation cable designed for industrial communication networks.
• OKOCLEAR® TP (TPPO) – Thermoplastic Polyolefin low smoke/zero halogen jacket compound, used for enhanced safety in fire-sensitive environments.
• OKOCLEAR® TS – Thermosetting Polyolefin low smoke/zero halogen jacket compound, providing durable protection with minimal smoke emission.
• OKOGUARD® – Okonite’s exclusive ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR) based, thermosetting insulation with superior electrical and physical properties, used on power cables rated 600 V and above.
• OKOLENE® – Thermoplastic polyethylene-based insulating or jacketing compound, offering robust protection for various cable types.
• OKONITE® – Okonite’s exclusive ethylene propylene rubber (EPR) based, thermosetting insulation used for cables up to 2000 V.
• OKONITE-FMR® – Okonite’s exclusive flame and moisture-resistant ethylene propylene rubber (EPR) insulation used for cables up to 2000 V.
• OKOGUARD-OKOLON® – A composite insulation system consisting of a layer of ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR) covered with a chlorinated thermoset compound.
• OKOPACT® – Okonite’s unique compact round conductor shape and design, optimizing space and performance.
• OKOSEAL® – A polyvinyl chloride (PVC) insulation or jacketing compound with excellent resistance to flame and most chemicals.
• OKOSEAL-N® – PVC-insulated and nylon-jacketed low-voltage conductors, compliant with Type THHN, THWN-2, and TFN standards.
• OKOLON® TP-CPE – Thermoplastic chlorinated polyethylene-based compound used for outer sheaths, providing durability and flexibility.
• OKOLON® TS-CPE – Thermoset chlorinated polyethylene-based compound used for outer sheaths, offering enhanced thermal stability.
• OKOTEMP® – Thermoplastic rubber jacketing compound with excellent abrasion resistance and flexibility.
• OKOTHERM® – Heat-resistant silicone rubber-based insulation for use in high-temperature environments.
• OKOZEL® – Okonite’s ETFE-based flame and radiation-resistant insulating and jacketing compound, ideal for harsh environments.
• Optical Fiber – A thin, flexible glass or plastic fiber that transmits light signals for communication, used in fiber optic cables.
• Outer Jacket – The outermost layer of a cable, providing protection against environmental factors such as moisture, abrasion, and chemicals.
• Overall Shield – A shield that covers the entire cable core, typically made of foil or braided metal, to protect against electromagnetic interference.

Q

• Quad Cable: A cable with four conductors twisted together, often used in telecommunications.

R

• Raceway: An enclosed conduit or channel for housing and protecting electrical cables.

T

• Teck 90 Cable – A type of armored cable suitable for wet or dry locations, often used in industrial settings.
• TC – Abbreviation for Tray Cable, an NEC type designation for power and control cables used in cable trays, as specified in NEC Article 336.
• TC-ER – Abbreviation for Tray Cable – Exposed Run, an NEC type designation for power and control tray cables approved for exposed runs without conduit, per NEC Article 336.
• Tensile Strength – The maximum stress a cable can withstand while being stretched before breaking, critical for assessing durability.
• TFN – Abbreviation for Thermoplastic Fixture Wire, Nylon-jacketed, an NEC conductor type designation for PVC-insulated, nylon-jacketed conductors in sizes #18 and #16 AWG, suitable for dry locations.
• Thermoplastic – A type of insulation or jacketing material that softens when heated and hardens when cooled, allowing for flexibility and ease of processing in cables.
• Thermoset – A type of insulation or jacketing material that, once cured, remains rigid and does not soften when heated, offering enhanced thermal stability.

• Thermocouple Cable – A cable consisting of two dissimilar metals or alloys, electrically joined at one end, used to measure temperature based on the thermoelectric effect. Common types include:

• Type K (Nickel-Chromium / Nickel-Alumel): General-purpose, suitable for high-temperature applications.
• Type J (Iron / Constantan): Suitable for lower temperatures and oxidizing environments.
• Type T (Copper / Constantan): Ideal for cryogenic and low-temperature applications.
• Type E (Nickel-Chromium / Constantan): Offers higher EMF output, suitable for cryogenic use.
• Type N (Nicrosil / Nisil): Provides improved stability and oxidation resistance.
• THHN – Abbreviation for Thermoplastic High Heat-resistant Nylon-coated, an NEC conductor type designation for PVC-insulated, nylon-jacketed conductors suitable for dry locations.
• THWN-2 – Abbreviation for Thermoplastic Heat and Water-resistant Nylon-coated, an NEC conductor type designation for PVC-insulated, nylon-jacketed conductors rated for 90°C in wet or dry locations.
• Tinned Copper – Copper conductors coated with a thin layer of tin to enhance corrosion resistance and solderability.
• TPPO – Abbreviation for Thermoplastic Polyolefin, a thermoplastic jacket material with low smoke and zero-halogen characteristics, used for safety in fire-sensitive environments.
• Twisted Pair – A cable configuration where two insulated conductors are twisted together to reduce electromagnetic interference, commonly used in communication cables.

U

• UL (Underwriters Laboratories)- An organization that certifies the safety and performance of electrical products.

V

W

• Wire Gauge- A measurement of wire diameter, typically using the AWG system.

X

• XHHW-2 – Abbreviation for Cross-Linked High Heat Water-resistant, an NEC conductor type designation for conductors with heat and moisture-resistant thermoset insulation, rated for use in 90°C wet or dry locations.
• XLPE – Abbreviation for Cross-Linked Polyethylene, a thermosetting insulating compound used in cables for its high thermal stability, excellent electrical properties, and resistance to moisture.
• XLPO – Abbreviation for Cross-Linked Polyolefin, a thermoset jacketing material with low smoke and zero-halogen characteristics, used for enhanced safety in fire-sensitive environments.

Y

Z

• Z – Abbreviation for an NEC conductor type designation for conductors with ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) insulation, suitable for use in dry locations due to its high thermal and chemical resistance.

• Zero-Halogen – A cable insulation or jacketing material that does not contain halogens, reducing toxic gas emissions during combustion, used in fire-sensitive environments.

• ZW – Abbreviation for an NEC conductor type designation for conductors with ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) insulation, suitable for use in wet or dry locations, offering enhanced moisture resistance.