Deka & Marine Master

111 GLOSSARY PAGES 110 THRU 113 GLOSSARY CSA Canadian Standards Association. Similar to UL in the United States. Cu Abbreviation for Copper in accordance with the Periodic Table of Elements. CURRENT The rate of transfer of electricity. The unit of current is the ampere, rate of one coulomb per second. DC Direct current. Electrical current whose electrons flow in one direction only. It may be constant or pulsating as long as their movement is in the same direction. DIAMETER A straight line passing through the center of a circle or sphere and meeting the circumference or surface at each end. DIE A metal block that is used for forming materials. DIE CAST A metal casting process that is characterized by forcing molten metal under high pressure into a mold cavity. The mold cavity is created using two hardened steel dies which have been machined into shape and work similarly to an injection mold during the process. DIELECTRIC An electrical insulator that can be polarized by an applied electric field. DOT Department of Transportation. DRAWING A technical drawing used to fully and clearly define requirements for engineered items. DRAWING, WIRE A metal working process used to reduce the cross-section of a wire by pulling the wire through a single, or series of drawing dies. Although similar in process, drawing is different from extrusion, because in drawing the wire is pulled, rather than pushed, through a die. DUAL EXTRUSION involves combining two or more extruders to produce wire with two or more colors. ELASTOMER Any material that will return to its original dimensions after being stretched or distorted. ELECTRO-TINNED To plate or coat (a base metal) with tin by electrolysis. ELECTROLYSIS Is a process by which electrical energy is used to produce a chemical change. EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (M-class) rubber) A type of synthetic rubber. EXTRUSION The act or process of shaping by forcing through a die. °F Common abbreviation for Fahrenheit. FERROUS Composed of and/or containing iron. A ferrous metal exhibits magnetic characteristics. FILLER Something added to augment weight or size or fill space. FLAME RETARDANT Chemicals used in thermoplastics, thermosets, textiles and coatings that inhibit or resist the spread of fire. FLANGE Disc shaped collar on the end of a spool or reel to prevent wire from sliding off barrel. FLEXIBILITY The distance of motion. FLEXIBLE Capable of being bent, usually without breaking. Susceptible of modification or adaptation. Pliable. GAUGE A standard of measure or measurement. GOLD-PLATED A base metal coated with gold through an electroplating process. GPT General Purpose Thermoplastic. GRAVITY CAST A manufacturing process utilizing the force of gravity instead of high pressure to fill a permanent mold, or die, with molten material. The molten material is then allowed to solidify within that mold, and is then ejected or broken out to make a fabricated part. GROUND A voltage reference point that is the same as earth or chassis ground. GXL General purpose Cross-linked polyethylene insulated wire. Intended for use in engine compartments where higher heat resistance is required. ID Inside Diameter. INSULATION A material having good dielectric properties which is used to separate close electrical components, such as cable conductors and circuit components. ISO International Organization for Standardization. JACKET Pertaining to wire and cable, the outer sheath which protects against he environment and may also provide additional insulation. LAY The length measured along the axis of a wire or cable required for a single strand (in stranded wire) or conductor (in cable) to make one complete turn about the axis of the conductor or cable. LAY DIRECTION The twist in the cables as indicated by the top strands while looking along the axis of the cable away from the observer. Described as right-hand or left hand. LME London Metal Exchange. MC Master Carton. MIL Military specification. MTW Machine Tool Wire. NAFTA North American Free Trade Agreement. NATM National Association of Trailer Manufacturers NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE A U.S. consensus standard published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and (NEC) incorporated in OSHA regulations. NEGATIVE A polarity of electrical charge. NEUTRALIZE A chemical reaction in which an acid and a base react to form a salt. Water is frequently, but not necessarily, produced as well. NMMA National Marine Manufacturers Association. NM-B A UL Cable type, non metallic–sheathed cable.