Glossary of Terms

Glossary of Terms
Compound

Term

Definition

Alloy

A combination of two or more different polymers/metals. Usually combined to make use of different properties of each polymer/ metal.

Alpeth

Coated Aluminum Polyethylene. Basic sheath.

Belflex® A premium hybrid matte-finish jacket material that exhibits superior flexibility at low temperatures along with excellent abrasion resistance compared to standard PVC jacketing materials.

Butyl Rubber

A synthetic rubber with good electrical insulating properties.

Cellular Polyethylene

Expanded or "foam" polyethylene, consists of individual closed cells of inert gas suspended in a polyethylene medium. The result is a desirable reduction of the dielectric constant compared to solid polyethylene, which decreases attenuation and increases the velocity of propagation.

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 control cable. As a thermoset, it can be used as an oil resistant cord jacket. Other outstanding properties include low water absorption and superior crush resistance, which are important attributes in industrial control applications.

Datalene

Belden trademark for foam polyolefin.

DEPIC

Dual Expanded Plastic Insulated Conductor (Foam Skin). Decreases outside diameter of cable.

Elastomer

Any material that will return to its original dimensions after being stretched or distorted.

EPDM

Ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber. A chemically cross-linked elastomer with good electrical insulating properties and excellent flexibility at high and low temperatures. It has good insulation resistance and dielectric strength, as well as excellent abrasion resistance and mechanical properties. EPDM has better cut-through resistance than Silicone rubber, which it replaces in some applications.

EPR

Ethylene-propylene copolymer rubber. A material with good electrical insulating properties.

Expanded Polyethylene

Expanded or "foam" polyethylene, consists of individual closed cells of inert gas suspended in a polyethylene medium, resulting in a desirable reduction of the dielectric constant.

FEP

Fluorinated ethylene-propylene. A thermo-plastic material with good electrical insulating properties and chemical and heat resistance.

Flamarrest

Belden trademark for a plenum grade chloride-based thermoplastic jacketing material with low smoke and low flame spread properties; more flexible than traditional fluorocopolymer jacket materials. Cables jacketed with Flamarrest meet the UL Standard 910, Plenum Cable Flame Test.

Flame Resistance

The ability of a material not to fuel a flame once the source of heat is removed.

Fluorocopolymer

Generic term for PVDF.

Foam Polyethylene

Expanded or "foam" polyethylene, consists of individual closed cells of inert gas suspended in a polyethylene medium, resulting in a desirable reduction of the dielectric constant.

FR-TPE

FR-TPE, flame retarded thermoplastic elastomer, is a rubber-like plastic that has properties similar to rubber yet is processed as a thermoplastic. It is used as the insulation and jacket in an all TPE construction which meets UL 13 and 1277 industrial cable requirements. It has good electrical properties, abrasion resistance, colorability and flame retardancy. This compound is ideal for cold weather applications.

FREP

Flame retardant ethylene propylene is a special flame retardant version of EPDM rubber. It is designed for use as an industrial control insulation and has excellent electrical characteristics, deformation resistance, and also meets the flame retardant needs of industrial control cables.

Geosol

A solderable, extra tough film insulation developed b Belden for use in geophysical cables and miniature cables.

Halar

Thermoplastic fluoropolymer material with excellent chemical resistance, electrical properties, thermal characteristics, and impact resistance.

Haloarrest I

Haloarrest I is a non-halogenated flame retarded thermoplastic polyolefin with excellent low smoke and flame properties. It is used as a jacket over the XLPE insulated singles (non-XHHW), and the entire construction meets the UL 13 and 1277 specifications as a non-halogenated PLTC/TC cable. Haloarrest I meets the European Specifications on acid gas evolution and % Halogen content. This jacket can also be used with XHHW conductors for wet ratings.

Heterogeneous Insulation

A cable insulating system composed of two or more layers of different insulating materials.

Homogeneous Insulation

A complete cable insulation structure whose components cannot be identified as layers of different materials.

Hypalon

A DuPont trade name for a synthetic rubber (chlorosulfonated polyethylene) used as insulating and jacketing material for wire and cable.

Insulation

A material having good dielectric properties which is used to separate close electrical components, such as cable conductors and circuit components.

Insulation Stress

The molecule separation pressure caused by a potential difference across an insulator. The practical stress on insulation is expressed in volts per mil.

Jacket

Pertaining to wire and cable, the outer protective covering that may also provide additional insulation.

Matte Finish PVC

A special formulation of PVC which very closely looks and feels like rubber.

Mono Filament

A single strand filament as opposed to a braided or twisted filament.

Mylar

DuPont trademark for polyethylene terephtalate (polyester) film.

NBR

Butadiene-acrylonitrile copolymer rubber, a material with good oil and chemical resistance.

Neoprene

A synthetic rubber with good resistance to oil, chemical, and flame. Also called polychloroprene.

Nomex

DuPont trademark for a temperature-resistant, flame-retardant nylon.

Non-Plenum

A description for a cable that does not meet the requirements of UL 910 CMP flame test. Such a cable cannot be installed in an area that is used for air return (plenum).

Nylon

An abrasion-resistant thermoplastic with good chemical resistance.

Ozone

Extremely reactive form of oxygen, normally occurring around electrical discharges and present in the atmosphere in small but active quantities. In sufficient concentrations is can break down certain rubber insulations under tension (such as a bent cable).

PASP

Polyethylene Aluminum Steel Polyethylene. provides additional lightning and gopher protection.

PE

Polyethylene.

PIC

Plastic Insulated Conductor. Provides strong insulation.

Plastic

High polymeric substances, including both natural and synthetic products that are capable of flowing under heat and pressure, called thermoplastics. Unlike rubber and other thermoset compounds, plastics can be remelted and reused.

Plasticizer

A chemical added to plastics to make them softer and more flexible.

Plenum

A compartment or chamber to which one or more air ducts are connected and that forms part of the air distribution system. A description for a cable that passes the UL 910 CMP flame test requirements.

Polybutadiene

A type of synthetic rubber often blended with other synthetic rubbers to improve their properties.

Polyethylene

A thermoplastic material having excellent electrical properties. Low dielectric constant, a stable dielectric constant over all frequencies, very high insulation resistance. In terms of flexibility, polyethylene can be rated stiff to very hard, depending on molecular weight and density - low density being the most flexible and the high-density, high-molecular weight formulation being very hard. Moisture resistance is rated excellent.

Polymer

A substance made of many repeating chemical units or molecules. The term polymer is often used in place of plastic, rubber, or elastomer.

Polyolefin

Any of the polymers and copolymers of the ethylene family of hydrocarbons, such as polyethylene and polypropylene.

Polypropylene

A thermoplastic similar to polyethylene but stiffer and having a higher softening point (temperature). This material is primarily used as an insulation material. Typically, it is harder than polyethylene. This makes it suitable for thin wall insulations. The dielectric constant is 2.25 for solid and 1.55 for cellular designs.

Polyurethane (PUR)

Broad class of polymers noted for good abrasion and solvent resistance. Can be in solid or cellular form. This thermoplastic material is used primarily as a cable jacket material. It has excellent oxidation, oil, and ozone resistance. Some formulations also have good flame resistance. It is a hard material with excellent abrasion resistance. It has outstanding "memory" properties, making it an ideal jacket material for retractile cords.

Polyvinyl chloride

A general purpose thermoplastic used for wire and cable insulation and jackets.

PP

Polypropylene.

PVC

Polyvinyl chloride (see also).

PVDF

Polyvinylidene Fluoride.

Rubber (Wire Insulation)

A general term used to describe wire insulations made of thermosetting elastomers, such as natural or synthetic rubbers, neoprene, Hypalon, butyl rubber, and others.

SBR

A copolymer of styrene and butadiene. Also GR-S or Buna-S. Most commonly used type of synthetic rubber.

Self-extinguishing

The characteristic of a material that extinguishes its own flame after the igniting flame is removed.

Silicone

General Electric trademark for a material made from silicon and oxygen. Can be in thermosetting elastomer or liquid form. The thermosetting elastomer form is noted for high heat resistance. This is a very soft thermoset insulation. It has excellent electrical properties plus ozone resistance, low moisture absorption, weather resistance, and radiation resistance. It typically has low mechanical strength and poor scuff resistance.

Stalpeth (DUCTPIC)

Aluminum steel bonded to the polyethylene jacket. Helps minimize jacket damage.

Step Insulated

Process of applying insulation in two layers. Typically used in shielded networking cables such that the outer layer of insulation can be removed and remaining conductor and insulation can be terminated in a RJ-45 type connector.

Strip

To remove insulation from a cable or wire.

Teflon (R)

DuPont Company trademark for fluorocarbon resins. (FEP - Fluorinated ethylene-propylene. A thermo-plastic material with good electrical insulating properties and chemical and heat resistance.). (TFE - Tetrafluoroethylene. A thermoplastic material with good electrical insulating properties and chemical and heat resistance.). It is not suitable where subjected to nuclear radiation and does not have good high voltage characteristics. FEP Teflon is extrudable in a manner similar to PVC and polyethylene. This means that long wire and cable lengths are available. TFE Teflon is extrudable in a hydraulic ram type process. Lengths are limited due to amount of material in the ram, thickness of the insulation, and preform size. TFE must be extruded over a silver- or nickel-coated wire. The cost of Teflon is approximately 8 to 10 times more per pound than PVC compounds.

Tefzel

Fluorocopolymer thermoplastic material has excellent electrical properties, heat resistance, chemical resistance, toughness, radiation resistance, and flame resistance.

Temperature Rating

The maximum temperature at which the insulating material or cable may be used in continuous operation without change of its basic properties.

TFE

Tetrafluoroethylene. A thermoplastic material with good electrical insulating properties and chemical and heat resistance.

Thermal Rating

The temperature range in which a material will perform its function without undue degradation.

Thermoplastic

A material which will soften, flow, or distort appreciably when subjected to sufficient heat and pressure. Examples are polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene.

Thermosetting

A material which will not soften, flow, or distort appreciably when subjected to heat and pressure. Vulcanizable. Examples are rubber and neoprene.

XLPE

Crosslinked polyethylene is a thermoset and is crosslinked by radiation, thermally, or by moisture. XLPE offers a wide range of operating temperatures, excellent deformation, abrasion, and flame resistance. XLPE can be formulated with halogenated or non-halogenated flame retardant packages. Some grades are also rated XHHW-2 which offers excellent wet electrical properties.

XPE-PVC

Expanded Polyethylene-Polyvinyl Chloride. Fire retardant.

Term	Definition
Alloy	A combination of two or more different polymers/metals. Usually combined to make use of different properties of each polymer/ metal.
Alpeth	Coated Aluminum Polyethylene. Basic sheath.
Belflex®	A premium hybrid matte-finish jacket material that exhibits superior flexibility at low temperatures along with excellent abrasion resistance compared to standard PVC jacketing materials.
Butyl Rubber	A synthetic rubber with good electrical insulating properties.
Cellular Polyethylene	Expanded or "foam" polyethylene, consists of individual closed cells of inert gas suspended in a polyethylene medium. The result is a desirable reduction of the dielectric constant compared to solid polyethylene, which decreases attenuation and increases the velocity of propagation.
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 control cable. As a thermoset, it can be used as an oil resistant cord jacket. Other outstanding properties include low water absorption and superior crush resistance, which are important attributes in industrial control applications.
Datalene	Belden trademark for foam polyolefin.
DEPIC	Dual Expanded Plastic Insulated Conductor (Foam Skin). Decreases outside diameter of cable.
Elastomer	Any material that will return to its original dimensions after being stretched or distorted.
EPDM	Ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber. A chemically cross-linked elastomer with good electrical insulating properties and excellent flexibility at high and low temperatures. It has good insulation resistance and dielectric strength, as well as excellent abrasion resistance and mechanical properties. EPDM has better cut-through resistance than Silicone rubber, which it replaces in some applications.
EPR	Ethylene-propylene copolymer rubber. A material with good electrical insulating properties.
Expanded Polyethylene	Expanded or "foam" polyethylene, consists of individual closed cells of inert gas suspended in a polyethylene medium, resulting in a desirable reduction of the dielectric constant.
FEP	Fluorinated ethylene-propylene. A thermo-plastic material with good electrical insulating properties and chemical and heat resistance.
Flamarrest	Belden trademark for a plenum grade chloride-based thermoplastic jacketing material with low smoke and low flame spread properties; more flexible than traditional fluorocopolymer jacket materials. Cables jacketed with Flamarrest meet the UL Standard 910, Plenum Cable Flame Test.
Flame Resistance	The ability of a material not to fuel a flame once the source of heat is removed.
Fluorocopolymer	Generic term for PVDF.
Foam Polyethylene	Expanded or "foam" polyethylene, consists of individual closed cells of inert gas suspended in a polyethylene medium, resulting in a desirable reduction of the dielectric constant.
FR-TPE	FR-TPE, flame retarded thermoplastic elastomer, is a rubber-like plastic that has properties similar to rubber yet is processed as a thermoplastic. It is used as the insulation and jacket in an all TPE construction which meets UL 13 and 1277 industrial cable requirements. It has good electrical properties, abrasion resistance, colorability and flame retardancy. This compound is ideal for cold weather applications.
FREP	Flame retardant ethylene propylene is a special flame retardant version of EPDM rubber. It is designed for use as an industrial control insulation and has excellent electrical characteristics, deformation resistance, and also meets the flame retardant needs of industrial control cables.
Geosol	A solderable, extra tough film insulation developed b Belden for use in geophysical cables and miniature cables.
Halar	Thermoplastic fluoropolymer material with excellent chemical resistance, electrical properties, thermal characteristics, and impact resistance.
Haloarrest I	Haloarrest I is a non-halogenated flame retarded thermoplastic polyolefin with excellent low smoke and flame properties. It is used as a jacket over the XLPE insulated singles (non-XHHW), and the entire construction meets the UL 13 and 1277 specifications as a non-halogenated PLTC/TC cable. Haloarrest I meets the European Specifications on acid gas evolution and % Halogen content. This jacket can also be used with XHHW conductors for wet ratings.
Heterogeneous Insulation	A cable insulating system composed of two or more layers of different insulating materials.
Homogeneous Insulation	A complete cable insulation structure whose components cannot be identified as layers of different materials.
Hypalon	A DuPont trade name for a synthetic rubber (chlorosulfonated polyethylene) used as insulating and jacketing material for wire and cable.
Insulation	A material having good dielectric properties which is used to separate close electrical components, such as cable conductors and circuit components.
Insulation Stress	The molecule separation pressure caused by a potential difference across an insulator. The practical stress on insulation is expressed in volts per mil.
Jacket	Pertaining to wire and cable, the outer protective covering that may also provide additional insulation.
Matte Finish PVC	A special formulation of PVC which very closely looks and feels like rubber.
Mono Filament	A single strand filament as opposed to a braided or twisted filament.
Mylar	DuPont trademark for polyethylene terephtalate (polyester) film.
NBR	Butadiene-acrylonitrile copolymer rubber, a material with good oil and chemical resistance.
Neoprene	A synthetic rubber with good resistance to oil, chemical, and flame. Also called polychloroprene.
Nomex	DuPont trademark for a temperature-resistant, flame-retardant nylon.
Non-Plenum	A description for a cable that does not meet the requirements of UL 910 CMP flame test. Such a cable cannot be installed in an area that is used for air return (plenum).
Nylon	An abrasion-resistant thermoplastic with good chemical resistance.
Ozone	Extremely reactive form of oxygen, normally occurring around electrical discharges and present in the atmosphere in small but active quantities. In sufficient concentrations is can break down certain rubber insulations under tension (such as a bent cable).
PASP	Polyethylene Aluminum Steel Polyethylene. provides additional lightning and gopher protection.
PE	Polyethylene.
PIC	Plastic Insulated Conductor. Provides strong insulation.
Plastic	High polymeric substances, including both natural and synthetic products that are capable of flowing under heat and pressure, called thermoplastics. Unlike rubber and other thermoset compounds, plastics can be remelted and reused.
Plasticizer	A chemical added to plastics to make them softer and more flexible.
Plenum	A compartment or chamber to which one or more air ducts are connected and that forms part of the air distribution system. A description for a cable that passes the UL 910 CMP flame test requirements.
Polybutadiene	A type of synthetic rubber often blended with other synthetic rubbers to improve their properties.
Polyethylene	A thermoplastic material having excellent electrical properties. Low dielectric constant, a stable dielectric constant over all frequencies, very high insulation resistance. In terms of flexibility, polyethylene can be rated stiff to very hard, depending on molecular weight and density - low density being the most flexible and the high-density, high-molecular weight formulation being very hard. Moisture resistance is rated excellent.
Polymer	A substance made of many repeating chemical units or molecules. The term polymer is often used in place of plastic, rubber, or elastomer.
Polyolefin	Any of the polymers and copolymers of the ethylene family of hydrocarbons, such as polyethylene and polypropylene.
Polypropylene	A thermoplastic similar to polyethylene but stiffer and having a higher softening point (temperature). This material is primarily used as an insulation material. Typically, it is harder than polyethylene. This makes it suitable for thin wall insulations. The dielectric constant is 2.25 for solid and 1.55 for cellular designs.
Polyurethane (PUR)	Broad class of polymers noted for good abrasion and solvent resistance. Can be in solid or cellular form. This thermoplastic material is used primarily as a cable jacket material. It has excellent oxidation, oil, and ozone resistance. Some formulations also have good flame resistance. It is a hard material with excellent abrasion resistance. It has outstanding "memory" properties, making it an ideal jacket material for retractile cords.
Polyvinyl chloride	A general purpose thermoplastic used for wire and cable insulation and jackets.
PP	Polypropylene.
PVC	Polyvinyl chloride (see also).
PVDF	Polyvinylidene Fluoride.
Rubber (Wire Insulation)	A general term used to describe wire insulations made of thermosetting elastomers, such as natural or synthetic rubbers, neoprene, Hypalon, butyl rubber, and others.
SBR	A copolymer of styrene and butadiene. Also GR-S or Buna-S. Most commonly used type of synthetic rubber.
Self-extinguishing	The characteristic of a material that extinguishes its own flame after the igniting flame is removed.
Silicone	General Electric trademark for a material made from silicon and oxygen. Can be in thermosetting elastomer or liquid form. The thermosetting elastomer form is noted for high heat resistance. This is a very soft thermoset insulation. It has excellent electrical properties plus ozone resistance, low moisture absorption, weather resistance, and radiation resistance. It typically has low mechanical strength and poor scuff resistance.
Stalpeth (DUCTPIC)	Aluminum steel bonded to the polyethylene jacket. Helps minimize jacket damage.
Step Insulated	Process of applying insulation in two layers. Typically used in shielded networking cables such that the outer layer of insulation can be removed and remaining conductor and insulation can be terminated in a RJ-45 type connector.
Strip	To remove insulation from a cable or wire.
Teflon (R)	DuPont Company trademark for fluorocarbon resins. (FEP - Fluorinated ethylene-propylene. A thermo-plastic material with good electrical insulating properties and chemical and heat resistance.). (TFE - Tetrafluoroethylene. A thermoplastic material with good electrical insulating properties and chemical and heat resistance.). It is not suitable where subjected to nuclear radiation and does not have good high voltage characteristics. FEP Teflon is extrudable in a manner similar to PVC and polyethylene. This means that long wire and cable lengths are available. TFE Teflon is extrudable in a hydraulic ram type process. Lengths are limited due to amount of material in the ram, thickness of the insulation, and preform size. TFE must be extruded over a silver- or nickel-coated wire. The cost of Teflon is approximately 8 to 10 times more per pound than PVC compounds.
Tefzel	Fluorocopolymer thermoplastic material has excellent electrical properties, heat resistance, chemical resistance, toughness, radiation resistance, and flame resistance.
Temperature Rating	The maximum temperature at which the insulating material or cable may be used in continuous operation without change of its basic properties.
TFE	Tetrafluoroethylene. A thermoplastic material with good electrical insulating properties and chemical and heat resistance.
Thermal Rating	The temperature range in which a material will perform its function without undue degradation.
Thermoplastic	A material which will soften, flow, or distort appreciably when subjected to sufficient heat and pressure. Examples are polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene.
Thermosetting	A material which will not soften, flow, or distort appreciably when subjected to heat and pressure. Vulcanizable. Examples are rubber and neoprene.
XLPE	Crosslinked polyethylene is a thermoset and is crosslinked by radiation, thermally, or by moisture. XLPE offers a wide range of operating temperatures, excellent deformation, abrasion, and flame resistance. XLPE can be formulated with halogenated or non-halogenated flame retardant packages. Some grades are also rated XHHW-2 which offers excellent wet electrical properties.
XPE-PVC	Expanded Polyethylene-Polyvinyl Chloride. Fire retardant.

Glossary of Terms Compound

Glossary of Terms
Compound