Wirenet Image Band
wirenet.org mobile image band

The Book of Terms

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.

   

 

All   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

CPV

French for PVC.

CR Compounds

Chloroprene Rubber. Used as an insulating compound. It has good weathering properties, oil resistance, flame resistance, ozone resistance and good mechanical toughness.

Cracked Ammonia

See Ammonia, Cracked.

Cracked Back

A band of transverse cracks along a drawn wire. Also known as broken back. The cracks frequently have the appearance of a herringbone pattern.

Cracked Scale Pattern

Term used to describe the over-etched surface of wire where the acid pickling process attacked the base metal at the scale cracks prior to removing scale. The condition is generally the result of aggressive pickling process or lack of inhibitors. The over-etched areas are noticeable after the drawing process and will be visible after plating. Also referred to as “Crows Feet.”

Cracks

Term used for defects appearing on the surface of rolled or drawn products. For example, in hot rolled aluminum rod, cracks are attributed to defects in the cast ingot. Cracks due to improper rolling temperatures or rolling conditions are common. Several aluminum alloys, mainly those that have a wide solidification range, are most susceptible to cracking during hot rolling.

Cradled Configuration

See Configuration, Cradled.

Cramp Test

A test carried out by com­pressing a spring to a specified length for a defined period.

Crapo Process

A patented process of continuous lead annealing followed by treatment in a molten salt mixture that results in a slight surface carburizing action and roughening of the wire surface before immersion in molten zinc for hot galvanizing.

Crazing

Minute cracks on or near the surface of materials such as plastics.

CRCS

Continuous Rigid Cable Support. Synonymous with tray.

Creel Stand

A frame for holding bobbins or yarn or fine wire so disposed that there is a clear lead for each yarn or wire to a machine, e.g., for bunching.

Creep

The dimensional change with time of a material under a mechanical load. The flow or plastic deformation of metals held for long periods of time at stresses lower than the normal yield strength. Plastic deformation that proceeds slowly and continuously when stress is applied at elevated temperatures. In steel, creep is negligible below about 300°C (572°F). Methods of creep testing involve the determination of strain/time curves under constant tensile load and at constant temperature.

Creep Limit

The maximum stress that will result in a creep at a rate lower than an assigned rate. A stress that will produce a stated deformation or rate of deformation at a specified temperature and time or over a specified period.

Creep Strength

The constant nominal stress that will cause a specified quantity of creep or secondary creep in a given time at a constant temperature. The resulting rate of continuous deformation is often expressed as psi to produce 0.1 percent elongation in 10,000 hours at the temperature indicated.

Creepage

The conduction of electricity across the surface of a dielectric.

Creepage Path

The path across the surface of a dielectric between two conductors. Lengthening the creepage path reduces the possibilities of arc damage or tracking.

Creepage Surface

An insulating surface that provides physical separation as a form of insulation between two electrical conductors of different potential.

Crimp

The act of compressing a connector barrel or terminal wings around a cable in order to make an electrical connection.

Crimp Depth

The thickness of the crimped portion of a connector measured between two opposite points on the crimped surface.
Display # 

Contact us

The Wire Association Int.

71 Bradley Road, Suite 9

Madison, CT 06443-2662

P: (203) 453-2777