Industry Terms
Industry Terms
AWG – American Wire Gauge is the standard North American system that determines a cross section of a wire using a gauge for solid, round electrical wires. The higher the number the thinner or smaller the wire.
Ampere is a unit used to measure electric current. Amps (A) are the current rating on a connector is usually ranged from 1A to 50A.
Connector is a device for keeping two parts of an electrical circuit in contact. Connectors have male ends called plugs and female ends called receptacles.
c-UL is the UL mark for Canada, UL will conduct all the tests for UL and also will conduct the test for Canada, allowing you to put the UL and c-UL mark on your product.
Current is a count of the number of electrons flowing through a circuit.
Housing is the case or structure used to contain the terminals, ensure stability of the connections and protect the electrical contacts from short-circuiting and environmental hazards. Most commonly made of molded plastic.
Inner Conductor Colors
| Hot | Black |
| Neutral | White |
| Ground | Green |
Insulated wire or cable consists of non-conductive material or some other kind of material that is resistant to an electric current.
Jacket is an outer sheath that protects the wire or cable core from mechanical, moisture and chemical issues. They help with flame resistance, protect against sunlight and facilitate installation.
NEMA or National Electrical Manufacturers Association is an organization developed to form the technical standards for the manufacturing of electrical equipment and medical imaging equipment.
Pins or terminals in a connector providing electrical conduction to make the connections secure.
Plug is a device for making an electrical connection, especially between an appliance and a power supply consisting of an insulated casing with metal pins that fit into holes in an outlet.
PVC is a common, strong but lightweight plastic used in construction and can be made soft and more flexible.
Rating of an electrical appliance indicates the voltage at which the appliance is designed to work and the current consumption of that voltage.
Receptacle is an electrical outlet into which the plug of an electrical device may be inserted.
S is stranded or service wire
SJ is hard service cord for general use at 300 volts
SJTW is a hard service cord, thermoplastic (PVC) constructed jacket, 300 Volt insulation, weather resistant for outdoor use.
SOOW is a rubber service cord, is 600 volt insulated, inner and outer jackets are both oil resistant and the cord is weather resistant.
STW is an extra hard service cord, thermoplastic (PVC) constructed jacket, 600 volt insulation, and weather resistant for outdoor use.
STOW is an extra hard service cord, thermoplastic (PVC) constructed jacket, 600 volt insulation, weather resistant for outdoor use along with an added outer jacket for oil resistance.
Terminals are pins in a connector that provide electrical conduction to make the connection secure.
UL stands for Underwriters Laboratories, an organization that is a world leader in product safety testing and certification.
Voltage rating describes the rate of electricity flow (current) a connector is designed to accommodate.
Watt (W) is a unit of electrical power released.
Wire Gauge is the measurement of wire diameter, determining the amount of electrical current a wire can safely carry, as well as its electrical resistance and weight.