TERMINOLOGY

A.C. Resistance

The total resistance offered by a device in an alternating current circuit due to the inductive and capacitive effects, as well as the direct current resistance.

Ampacity

A measure of the current carrying ability of a conductor, in amps.
It is important not to exceed the ampacity of a given conductor to avoid damage to the conductor.

AWG

Abbreviation for American Wire Gauge. Based on a circular mil system. 1 mil equals .001 inch.

Copper Rod

The first component in drawing copper conductors, commonly available as 5/16 inch rod.

Direct Current

An electric current which flows in only one direction.

Elastomer

A rubber-like substance

Gauge

Refers to the copper conductor size, according to the American Wire Gauge, based on the conductor’s circular mil area. Gauge numbers decrease as wire size increases, e.g. #8 is smaller than #6, etc.

Jacket

Refers to the insulation extruded around the copper conductor.

EPDM

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, a synthetic rubber jacket. Flex-A-Prene® is our brand name for our EPDM jacketed cable.

TPE

ThermoPlastic Elastomer, a plastic jacket.

NEMA

National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association, the leading trade association in the U.S. representing the interests of electroindustry manufacturers of products used in the generation, transmission and distribution, control, and end-use of electricity.

Ohm

Unit of resistance such as a constant current of one ampere produces a force of one volt.

SAE

Society of Automotive Engineers, dedicated to advancing the engineering of mobility systems. SAE maintains technical standards for automotive engineering.

SJT

Junior hard service thermoplastic or rubber-insulated conductors with overall thermoplastic jacket. 300V. 60C to 105C.

SOOW

Service cord with oil resistant jacket, oil resistant insulation and weather resistant. Also water resistant. 600V.

Volt

A unit of electrical pressure. One volt is the amount of pressure that will cause one ampere of current in one ohm of resistance.

Vulcanization

An irreversible process during which a rubber or polymeric compound through a change in its chemical structure (for example, crosslinking) become thermoset.

Watt

A unit of electrical power. One watt is equivalent to the power represented by one ampere of current under a pressure of one volt in a DC circuit.