Technical Information
Military Shipboard Catalog
Glossary
Continuous Vulcanization:
Simultaneous extrusion and
vulcanization of rubber-like
Creep: The dimensional change with time
Dielectric Constant (K): The ratio of the
capacitance of a condenser with
of a material under a mechanical load.
dielectric between the electrodes to the
capacitance when air is between the
electrodes. Also called Permittivity and
Specific Inductive Capacity (SIC).
(thermoset) coating materials. Often Cross-linked: Inter-molecular bonds
referred to as CV.
between long chain thermoplastic
polymers by chemical or electron
bombardment means. The properties
of the resulting thermosetting material
are usually improved (e.g XLPE).
Control Cable: A multi-conductor cable
made for operation in control of
signal circuits.
Dielectric Strength: The voltage which an
insulation can withstand before
breakdown occurs. Usually expressed as
a voltage gradient (such as volts per
mil).
Copolymer: A compound resulting from Crosstalk: Signal interference between
the polymerization of two different
monomers.
nearby conductors caused by pickup
of stray energy.
Dielectric Test: A test in which a voltage
higher than the rated voltage is applied
for a specified time to determine the
adequacy of the insulation under normal
conditions. Sometimes called a D2Hi-
Pot test (high potential).
Copperweld: The trade name of Flexo
Wire Division (Copperweld Steel
Corp.) for its copper-clad steel
conductors.
CSA: Canadian Standards Association
Current Carrying Capacity (Ampacity):
The maximum current an insulated
conductor can safely carry without
exceeding its insulation and jacket
temperature limitations.
Cord: A small, flexible, insulated wire
or cable.
Digital: A data format that uses discrete or
separate physical levels to contain
information.
Core: In cables, a component or
assembly of components over which
additional components (shield,
sheath, etc.) are applied.
Cut-Through Resistance: The ability of a
material to withstand cutting from a
sharp edge or small radius under
pressure.
Direct Burial Cable: A cable installed
directly in the earth.
Corona: A discharge due to ionization
of air around a conductor due to a
potential gradient exceeding a
certain critical value.
Decibel (dB): A unit to express
differences of power level. Used to
express power gain in amplifiers or
power loss in passive circuits or
cables. The units in which the ratio of
two power levels, P1 and P2, are
expressed. The ratio in dB is given as
(P1/P2).
Direct Current: An electric current that
flows in only one direction.
Direction of Lay: The lateral direction in
which the strands of a conductor run
over the top of the cable conductor as
they recede from an observer looking
along the axis of the conductor or cable.
Also applies to twisted cable.
Coverage: The percent of completeness
with which a metal serving covers
the underlying surface.
CPE: Chlorinated polyethylene can be
used as either a thermoplastic or
thermoset. It is a tough chemical and
oil-resistant material and makes an
excellent jacket for industrial
Delay Line: A cable made to provide very
low velocity of propagation with long
electrical delay for transmitted
signals.
Dissipation Factor: The tangent of the loss
angle of the insulating material. (Also
referred to as loss tangent, tan d, and
approximate power factor.)
control cable. As a thermoset, it can Derating Factor: A factor used to reduce
be used as an oil-resistant cord
jacket. Typical temperature ratings
range from -35°C to 90°C. Other
outstanding properties include low
water absorption and super crush
resistance which are important
attributes in industrial control
applications.
the current carrying capacity of a wire
when used in environments other than
that for which the value was
established.
Drain Wire: The uninsulated wire in
contact with an electrostatic shield
throughout its length, in an
instrumentation or control cable used to
discharge unwanted signals. Also
provides a means of terminating
laminated shields. Sometimes used to
describe the metallic shielding wires of
a power cable insulation shield.
Dielectric: Any insulating material
between two conductors that permits
electrostatic attraction and repulsion
to take place across it.
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