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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

Instrumentation Cables

Family of cables that includes a broad range of electronic cables that connect two or more instruments. Instrumentation cables must be electronically compatible with the type of measuring instrument and recording device used. Typically, they consist of a twisted pair of individual conductors inside an overall jacket.

Insulated

Separated from other conducting surfaces by a non-conducting substance.

Insulating Joint

A device that mechanically couples and electrically insulates the sheath and armor of contiguous lengths of cable.

Insulating Lines

Manufacturing lines in the wire industry where wire is insulated for various final applications. Different types of insulating lines include single conductor, tandem, enameling, jacketing, sheathing, and vulcanizing.

Insulation

A material having good dielectric properties permitting close assembly of conductors in cable and equipment.

Insulation Adhesion

The degree of tightness of the insulation over the base conductor measured in terms of force required to remove a specified length of insulation from the wire.

Insulation Crimp

The area of a terminal, splice, or contact that has been formed around the insulation of the wire.

Insulation DC Resistance Constant

A system to classify materials according to their resistance on a 304.8 m (1,000 ft) basis at 15.5°C (60°F).

Insulation Displacement Connector

A mass termination connector with contacts that displace the conductor insulation to make contact with conductors.

Insulation Fill-in

The filling of strand interstices, especially the inner interstices, which may contribute to connection failures.

Insulation Grip

Extended cylinders at the rear of crimp-type contacts designed to accept the bared wire and a small length of its insulation.

Insulation Level

A designation used to identify the insulation thickness required to protect a high voltage cable under ground fault conditions. Expressed as a percentage (e.g., 100 percent level, 133 percent level).

Insulation Piercing

A method of crimping whereby lances cut the insulation of the wires and enter into the strands to make electrical contact.

Insulation Resistance

That property of an insulating material that resists electrical current flow through the insulating material when a potential difference is applied.

Insulation Shield (HV Cable)

A two-part shield consisting of a non-metallic component and a metallic component. The first component is an extrusion of black semi-conducting thermoset material over the insulation, which provides uniform radial stress distribution across the insulation.

Insulation Stress

High-voltage stress, which causes molecular separation in the insulation at sharp projections in the conductor. Can be controlled by conductor and insulation shielding, known as a stress relief shield. Measured in volts per mil.

Insulation System

All of the insulation materials used to insulate a particular electrical or electronic product.

Insulation Thickness

The wall thickness of the applied insulation.

Insulation, Class Rating

A temperature rating descriptive of classes of insulations for which various tests are made to distinguish the materials. Not related necessarily to operating temperatures.

Insulation, Electrical

A medium in which it is possible to maintain an electrical field with little supply of energy from additional sources. The energy required to produce the electric field is fully recoverable only in a complete vacuum (the ideal dielectric) when the field or applied voltage is removed. Used to save space, enhance safety and improve appearance.
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