Cable Glossary

Term

Minimal Testing

Testing

The electrical test of an assembly to verify all expected connections; and to verify insulation prevents unexpected connections.

Connections

The continuous electrical path between 2 or more points wherein current flows. This path has low resistance, usually less than 5 ohms. The path is constructed with metal parts, such as copper wire, contacts, terminations, splices, and mating contacts of connectors.

Resistance

A measure of the difficulty for electric current to pass through a connection.

Intermittent Open

The intended electrical path contains a unintended gap that appears and disappears when the assembly is flexed.

Insulation

The connector housings, outside coverings of wire, and air gaps that keep metal components separated. Insulation- prevents electricity from flowing between connections that were not intended to connect.

Short

An unintended connection between 2 or more parts. This failure indicates insufficient insulation between metal conductors which were not intended to be connected.

Intermittent Short

An unintended connection between 2 or more parts which appears and disappears when the assembly is flexed.

Insulation Resistance (IR) Failure

The insulation resistance is high enough to prevent a short, yet is not high enough to meet the insulation resistance specification.

Dielectric Breakdown (DWV)

The insulation barrier is missing and only a small air gap keeps metal conductors from shorting. The tester detects an electrical arc when high voltage is applied between these poorly insulated connections.