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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

VCL

Designation for varnished cambric insulation, lead-covered cable. Ends must be hermetically sealed.

VD

Designation for twin wire having two type V conductors laid parallel under an outer fibrous covering.

Velocity of Propagation

Applied to coaxial cables, the velocity of propagation is the ratio of the dielectric constant of air to the square root of the dielectric constant of the insulator. It indicates the transmission speed of an electromagnetic signal in a length of cable (or optical fiber).

Vermiculite

A hydrous silicate mineral used as an insulating top layer that floats on the surface of the molten zinc in a galvanizing bath. The material is easy to move, radiation losses are low and it effectively limits zinc ash.

Vernier

An auxiliary scale permitting measurements more precise than the main scale. Also known as dial calipers.

Vernier Signal

Term used in wire and cable industry to offer feedback on a dancer used for speed control.

Vertical Riser

See Cable, Vertical Riser.

VG

Designation for varnished glass type over a flexible copper conductor. Varnished glass or nylon braid, 600V or 3000V, 130°C (266°F).

VHF

Designation for Very High Frequency. A frequency in the band between 30 and 300 mHz.

Vickers Hardness Test

See Diamond Pyramid Hardness Test.

Victor Chain

A knotted chain formed of pieces of wire bent to form two loops, the ends being twisted round the wire at the junction of the two loops.

Video Cable

Coaxial cables which are used for transmission of video signals such as those used in TV cameras. The signals range in frequency from audio (20Hz) to 5 MHz and above. They are monitored for structural return loss (SRL) and usually have two high-covered braids to minimize signal interference.

Video Pair Cable

A transmission cable containing low-loss pairs with an impedance of 125 ohms. Used for TV pick-ups, closed circuit TV, telephone carrier circuits, etc.

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.
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