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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

Light

In the laser and optical communications fields, the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum of about 0 to 700 nano-meters that can be handled by the basic optical techniques used for the visible spectrum.

Light Diffusion

Scattering of light by reflection or transmission. Diffuse reflection results when light strikes an irregular surface such as a frosted window or coated light bulb.

Light Emitting Diode

A semiconductor device that emits incoherent light from a p-n junction (when biased with an electrical current). Commonly called LED.

Light Metal

A loose term that is usually understood to mean a metal with a specific gravity below 3.8.

Light Oil

Term used for light viscosity oil mainly in describing the fluid used in fine wire aluminum drawing systems.

Light Rod

Wire rod in sizes falling between 5 and 9.5 mm (0.2 to 0.37 in.) in diameter.

Lightning Arrestor

A device designed to protect circuits and apparatus from high transient voltage by diverting the over-voltage to ground.

LIM

Designation for Laboratory Inspection Manual. A summary of specified values for quality testing.

Lime

Calcium oxide, CaO. An odorless, white or grayish, lumpy material that is a staple in the wire industry. See Liming.

Lime (Soda Ash Process)

Technique used to treat water for softening. The process converts the calcium and magnesium salts into an insoluble compound, which then settles out or is removed by filtration. This reduces the hardness.

Liming

The process of applying a lime coating to material after descaling for protection against corrosion and to assist in cold drawing as a lubricant carrier. In chemical descaling, lime is applied by submersion in a heated bath. For mechanical descaling, the lime is applied by spraying as material is run through a drying process.

Limit Analysis

Term used in the study of the metal forming processes based on the principle of minimum energy. In wiredrawing and extrusion, it uses stated assumptions to approximate solutions, which place upper and lower boundaries on drawing or extrusion forces as a function of the process parameters, i.e., angle of the die, reduction, friction, and material strength.

Limit of Proportionality

The stress (load divided by original area of cross section of the test piece) at which the strain (elongation per unit of gauge length) ceases to be proportional to the corresponding stress. If the load is removed for any stress up to this point, the material will spring back, or assume its original dimensions. The limit is usually determined from a load-elongation diagram, obtained by plotting extensometer readings and is the stress at which the load-elongation line ceases to be straight.

Limited Decarburization

Restricted decarburization. Decarburization limitations may be specified in special bar quality steels when maximum affected depth of surface decarburization is required for special applications.

Limited Smoke

A conductor rating that indicates the product has passed tests for low smoke production and short flame travel and duration. See Halogen and Halogen-Free.

Limiter

A device in which some characteristic of the output is automatically prevented from exceeding a predetermined value.

Limiting Oxygen Index

Percentage of oxygen necessary to support combustion of a specified material.

Limits of Error

The maximum deviation (in degrees or percent) of a thermocouple or thermocouple extension wire from the standard EMF temperature to be measured.

Limpness

The ability of a cable to lay flat or conform to a surface as with microphone cables.

Line

1) A circuit between two points. 2) Loose term for power line. 3) Ropes used during overhead construction.
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