ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Terminology Used in the Electrical Industry

Joe,

I know that I myself forget that there are people from all around the world reading this board. To all of them I apologize for using terms that might mean something to us, but have no meaning elsewhere. So if in the future you might see a term that doesn't make sense, PLEASE by all means ask me. I will respond and will not think any less of anyone. (There are also terms that we in the east coast of the US might use that the west coast doesn't. And smae for the other way around.) Some words we use around here are, snakes, a mouse, "Greennies", and "Redheads". A snake we would use to fish a wire in a pipe or wall. The mouse is a small wieght on a string that we use to drop a wire down a wall without insulation. Greenies is a type of wirenut that allows an extra long bare grounding conductor to fit through the end cap of the wirenut, so that it can hook to the device. A redhead, is not a pretty lady but an anti short bushing used for the end of metal clad or armor cable.

HArold NJ

J.A.,
There are so many differences in terminology that this glossary could end up being a long-term project.

I don't know how familiar you might be with American wiring, whether you've ever been to the States, etc., but their practices are often quite different to ours in the U.K.

The wirenuts mentioned above are just one example -- You'll see them used everywhere in U.S. wiring where wires need to be connected. They don't share the British passion for jamming 3 or 4 wires into a device terminal.

A glossary of international caliber might, given time & effort, attract those whom advocate the 'international'aspirations of the NEC.

ps~ appologies for the overuse of slang here, (it's such a daily thing).... at least typed print aleeves some communication barrier...