This term is applied commercially to a copper-zinc alloy (i.e., brass) wire for bronze welding; to copper cadmium and to copper-cadmium-tin alloys containing over 98 percent copper, for high electrical conductivity coupled with high strength in comparison with pure copper; to copper-silicon alloys containing over 96 percent copper, used for electrical resistivity, corrosion resistance, strength or as a welding wire for the inert gas shielded process; and to copper-aluminum alloys (aluminum bronzes) containing over 92 percent copper, used for corrosion resistance, high strength or color; as well as being applied, more correctly, to the copper-tin alloys (bronzes, phosphor bronzes or tin bronzes).

See American Wire Gauge.

Term used to describe wire that exhibits an oxidized surface after drawing. This is attributed to poor rinsing after a chemical descaling where the surface of the rod or wire is contaminated with acid and iron prior to the coating being applied. The contaminants oxidize the surface under the coating prior to drawing.

A naturally occurring form of magnesium hydroxide. It is a source of magnesia and is used as an additive in certain refractories.

A conductor between the stationary and rotating parts of a machine, usually of carbon.

Prefix for a British Standard Specification number.

Designation for Bare Soft Copper, an uncoated annealed copper.

Basse tension (French), low tension.

See British Thermal Unit.

Alternate bulges and hollows recurring along the length of the product with the edges remaining relatively flat.

The deflection of a compression spring from its normal straight form that is liable to occur when the spring is too long in relation to its diameter.

To lightly abrade.

See Polished Surface.

A protective coating over a fiber. Additional layers of coating can be used to increase the diameter and add additional protection from mechanical damage and micro bending.

In an acid cleaning process, a tank charged with a small amount of caustic to help neutralize acid residue to prevent contamination of coating tanks by acid dragout.

A plastic tube used to contain several fibers within a cable structure. Often filled with a water-blocking compound or tape.

A light polish by use of fine abrasives applied by cloth wheels running at high speed.

A motorized device for removing flat cable insulation by means of one or two buffing wheels that melt the insulation and brush it away from the conductors. Also called Abrasion Stripper.

A space in which the joining of inter- or intra-building telecommunications backbone facilities takes place. An entrance room may also serve as an equipment room.

Insulated wires used in buildings for light and power, 600 V or less.