Wirenet Image Band
wirenet.org mobile image band

The Book of Terms

  • Home
  • /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.

   

 

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

XF Wire

Designation for A conductor coated with a polyolefin insulation that is capable of withstanding up to 150°C (302°F).

XHHW

Designation for heat and moisture resistant cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulated building wire, 90°C (194°F), dry location, 75°C (167°F), wet location.

XHHW-2

Designation for heat and moisture resistant cross-linked polyethylene insulated building wire for use in wet or dry locations, to 90°C (194°F).

XL

Designation for cross-linked thermosetting materials with good physical properties.

XLEVA

Designation for cross-linked ethylenevinyl acetate and polyethylene copolymer thermosetting materials with good physical and electrical properties.

XLP

Designation for cross-linked polyethylene insulation. Thermosetting with good physical and electrical properties.

XLPE

Designation for cross-linked polyethylene. In cross-linking, individual polymer molecules are tied together to form a network structure. Polyethylene can be cross-linked by irradiation or chemical means. The result of either method is a three-dimensional network of resin molecules. The cross-linked material no longer has a true melting point, but is converted to a thermal setting compound. XLPE has excellent insulating characteristics and good heat resistance.

XLPVC

Designation for cross-linked poly vinyl chloride thermosetting insulation and jacketing material with good physical properties.

XLTPE

Designation for cross-linked thermoplastic elastomer thermosetting materials with good physical and electrical properties.

XMFR

Designation for Transformer.

XT

Designation for two FXT wires twisted together, color-coded, 125V, 60°C (140°F).

Yellow Wire

A wire made from a copper-zinc alloy that has a copper content of 62-65 percent. It is the most common (and lowest cost) type of a copper-zinc brass wire for engineering purposes. Sometimes referred to as basic brass wire or as yellow brass.

Yield Point

The stress level on a material, usually less than the maximum attainable stress, at which there is the first sign of strain without an increase in the load. If there is a decrease in stress after yielding, a distinction may be made between upper and lower yield points. See Yield Strength.

Yield Strength

The stress at which a material exhibits a specified limiting deviation from proportionality of stress and strain. The minimum stress at which the material will start to physically deform without further increase in load. The load per unit of original cross-sectional area at that stress level. An offset of 0.2 percent is used for many metals such as aluminum-base and magnesium-base alloys, while a 0.5 percent total elongation under load is frequently used for copper alloys. See Tensile Strength.

Yield Stress

The level of stress (load divided by original area of cross-section of a test piece) at which there is a sudden increase in elongation without any corresponding in­crease in load. It is the point at which plastic yielding of the metal commences. Also called Yield Point.

Young’s Modulus

This is a measure of rigidity based on the ratio of stress to corresponding strain in an elastic material. When a material is subjected to an external load it becomes distorted or strained. With metals, provided the loading is not too great, they return to their original dimensions when the load is removed, i.e., they are elastic. Within the limits of elasticity, the ratio of the linear stress to the linear strain is termed the modulus of elasticity or more commonly known as Young’s Modulus.

Zelonite Process

A procedure to soften water where complex minerals and synthetic resin compounds contain sodium. When hard water comes in contact with them, the calcium and magnesium salts in the water are exchanged for sodium, thus removing the hardness.

Zero Guy

A horizontal guy between poles to provide clearance and transfer strain.

Zero Sequence

Having no phase shift.

Zetmeter

A German machine for deter­mining the length of the bearing of wiredrawing dies. Takes its name from the designation “z,” which is used in German literature for this measurement.
Display # 

Contact us

The Wire Association Int.

71 Bradley Road, Suite 9

Madison, CT 06443-2662

P: (203) 453-2777