Glossary of Terms
An alphabetical list of terms and abbreviations that are used when describing our products.

Terms: A B C D E F G H I J K L N O P R S T U V W Z
Abbreviations

A
AC (Alternating Current) - Current that reverses direction in a circuit at regular intervals, such as common house current.

AC-DC - An electrical wiring device intended for either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC).

AC Only - An electrical wiring device intended for use on alternating current (AC) only.

AL/CU - Identifies an electrical wiring device as suitable for use with either aluminum or copper conductors. See also CO/ALR.

Ampacity - The current-carrying capacity of conductors expressed in amperes.

Ampere - Unit used in measuring electrical current. Abbreviation: Amp. The measurement of intensity of rate of flow of electrons in an electric circuit. An ampere is the amount of current that will flow through a resistance of one ohm under a pressure of one volt.

Ampere Rating - The current-carrying capacity of a fuse. When a fuse is subjected to a current above its ampere rating, it will open the circuit after the predetermined period of time.

Automatic Grounding - A component that provides automatic grounding of an electrical wiring device when installed in a grounded metal enclosure. Eliminates the need for a bonding jumper.

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Backflow - The unwanted reverse flow of liquids in a piping system.

Backflow Preventer - A device installed between the point of connection and the
sprinklers that is designed to prevent the backflow of contaminated water into the potable water supply.

Back Pressure - Increase of pressure in the downstream piping system above the supply pressure at the point of consideration, which would cause, or tend to cause, a reversal of normal direction of flow.

Back Siphonage - Reversal of flow (backflow) due to reduction in system pressure, which causes a negative or sub-atmospheric pressure to exist at a site in the water system.

Back-wire Terminal - A termination that can be accomplished by inserting a pre-stripped solid or stranded conductor into a wiring device terminal opening, followed by tightening the adjacent terminal screw.

Ballast - A device used for energizing fluorescent lamps.

Bonding - The process of connecting metal components of an electrical system to form a continuous conducting path.

Branch Circuit - One of many separate circuits distributing electricity throughout a building from the distribution panel.

Bubbler - A water emission device that applies water to the soil surface using an umbrella-type pattern.

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Cable - An insulated electrical conductor.

Cable Assembly - Typically, the cable and associated connectors, ready to install.

Capacitor - An electronic component primarily used to reduce noise.

CAD/CAM - Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacturing system.

Category 3 - Products that support frequency transmissions up to 16 MHz for voice and up to 10 Mbps for data.

Category 5 (enhanced) - Products that must support frequency transmissions up to 100 MHz (voice/data) and 1000 Mbps for data transmissions.

CATV - Cable television.

Circuit - Two or more wires providing a path for current to flow from a source to a device.

CO/ALR - An electrical wiring device suitable for use with either aluminum or copper conductors. See also AL/CU.

Coaxial Cable - A shielded cable with a center conductor commonly used for cable television signal transmission.

Coaxial Connector - A connector that has a coaxial construction and is used with coaxial cable.

Coefficient of Uniformity (CU) - A measure of variability of water distribution (precipitation rate) in a specific irrigation area. Using a catchment test in an irrigated area, the CU is a comparison of the average precipitation of all catchments and the deviation from that average. (A perfect CU of 100 states that the system is very efficient and there is no variability of water distribution).

Cord Connector - A receptacle designed for attachment to a flexible cord.

Corrosion Resistant Devices - Constructed of materials specifically engineered to resist elements of corrosive environments found in certain commercial, industrial and marine applications. Typically accomplished by use of specially selected materials and/or metal plating.

CSA (Canadian Standards Association) - An organization that sets standards of performance for electrical products used in Canada.

cUL - UL certification to CSA requirements.

Current - The volume of electricity flowing through a conductor, measured in amps.

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DC (Direct current) - Current that flows only in one direction through a circuit.

Dimmer - A switch with electronic components that permits variable control of lighting intensity.

Double Pole Switch - A switch that controls two poles simultaneously from one location.

Double Pole, Double Throw (DPDT) - A double pole switch with a center off position that permits the control of two separate loads on each pole.

Duplex Receptacle - Two receptacles in a single gang.

Dual Voltage Receptacle - A duplex receptacle capable of delivering different
voltages to each opening.

Dust Proof - A classification of device and/or enclosure with design consideration
for preventing accumulative dust contamination of internal parts.

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EMI - Electromagnetic interference.

Electrical Load - That part of the electrical system that actually uses the energy or does the work required.

Evapotranspiration (ET) - The amount of water needed by a plant is the sum of the amount lost through the evaporation of moisture at the soil’s surface and the transpiration of the water through the plant. The daily evapotranspiration rate, or ET, is used in scheduling the irrigation needs for plant material.

Explosion Proof - A classification of a device and/or enclosure with design consideration for preventing an electrical arc from causing ignition of a specific hazardous atmosphere.

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Feed-Through - A wiring method that feeds power from the branc circuit, through individual devices, to provide continuous power downstream.

Flow - The movement of fluids, through pipe, fittings, valves or other vessels generally measure in Gallons Per Minute (GPM), Gallons Per Hour (GPH), Cubic Feet Per Second (ft3/s), Cubic Meters Per Hour (m3/h), Liters Per Minute (l/m), or Liters Per Second (l/s).

Four-Way Switch - A switch used in multiple combinations to control a light from three or more locations.

Friction Loss - The amount of pressure lost as water flows through the water meter, pipe, fittings and valves of irrigation systems. As the velocity of water flowing through the system increases, the friction loss will also increase. These losses can be used to calculate the approximate dynamic (working) pressure at any given point of a system.

Full Protection - A surge suppressor that provides protection in all three modes: Hot to neutral, neutral to ground and hot to ground.

Fuse - An overcurrent device designed to interrupt current in the event of an overload or dead short.

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Gang - The space required for one wiring device.

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) - A personal protection device that detects current leakage to ground and interrupts power.

Ground Conductor - A conductor that provides a safe path to ground for fault current.

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Head Feet (Pressure) - A measure of pressure expressed in feet of water. Equivalent to 0.433 PSI per foot of water.

Head-To-Head - This phrase describes the correct placement of sprinkler heads. One sprinkler must be placed so that it will spray another sprinkler (or 50% of the adjusted diameter). This provides for complete coverage of the irrigated area.

Hot - Term used to define a live circuit. Also refers to the black or red conductor coming from the source in a branch circuit.

Horsepower Rated - Rating that indicates a device’s ability to switch or conduct motor loads.

Hospital Grade - A receptacle standard outlined in UL 498 intended to meet special requirements certifying them for use in hospitals.

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IEEE - Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers.

Insulation - Protective jacket of electrical conductors.

Isolated Ground - A grounding conductor separate from common building ground. Used in computer applications to eliminate EMI and RFI noise commonly found on building ground systems.

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Jacket - An outer protective sheath over primary insulations, braids, shields, cable components. Also, in fiber optics, a covering over a fiber bundle of fibers, or cable that protects against the environment.

Junction - A point in a circuit where two or more wires are connected.

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Kilowatt - Unit of electrical power equal to 1,000 watts. Abbreviation: KW.

Key - A lamp holder with a means of switching the lamp on or off as part of the device.

Keying - The mechanical feature of a connector system that guarantees correct orientation of a connection.

Keyless - A lamp holder with no means of switching the light on or off at the lamp holder.

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Lamp Holder - A device with contacts that makes electrical connection to the base of a supported lamp.

Lighted - A switch with an integral neon bulb that glows when the switch is in the “OFF” position. Also, a receptacle face that glows via an integral neon bulb indicating a live circuit.

Listed - Equipment acceptable to an authority having jurisdiction, that maintains periodic inspection of production, and whose listing states either that the equipment or materials meets appropriate standards, or has been tested and found suitable for use in a specified manner.

Local Area Network (LAN) - A geographically limited communications network intended for the local transport of data, video and voice.

Locking - A plug, connector or receptacle with curved blades or contacts which, when mated, can be rotated, locking them together.

Low Head Drainage - Water left in the pipe after a valve is turned off that is gently flowing out of the low elevation sprinkler head.

Low Voltage - A device designed for use under 50 volts.

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NEC Dimensions - These are dimensions once referenced in the National Electrical
Code. They are common to Class H and K fuses and provide interchangeability between manufacturers for fuses and fusible equipment of given ampere and voltage ratings.

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Ohm - The unit of measurement of electrical resistance. An ohm is the amount of resistance that will allow one ampere to flow under a pressure of one volt.

Ohm’s Law - The relationship between voltage, current, and resistance, expressed by the equation E=IR, where E is the voltage in volts, I is the current in amperes and R is the resistance in ohms.

Overcurrent - A condition that exists on an electrical circuit when the normal load current is exceeded. Overcurrents take on two separate characteristics - overloads and short circuits.

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Peak Current - The short-duration peak current rating of a surge protector device.

Pendant - Type of enclosed switch or switches designed for installation at the end of a flexible cord or cable.

Pilot Light - A switch with an integral neon lamp that glows when the switch is in the “ON” position.

Plug - A device to initiate the flow of power to an attached flexible cord.

Polarization - A mating of plugs and connectors/receptacles to insure correct polarity.

Pole - A current-carrying conductor.

Pressure - Measured with a pressure gauge and expressed in pounds per square inch (PSI), bars or kPa. It is the amount of energy available to move water through pipe, valves, sprinklers or other components. Static pressure is the pressure measured when no water is flowing through a closed system. Dynamic pressure is the pressure measured when the system is open, or water is flowing through the system.

Pressure At The Head - When manufacturers discuss pressure for sprinkler use or
nozzle performance, they are referring to the dynamic pressure as measured at the base of the sprinkler head.

Prewiring - Wiring installed before walls are enclosed or finished in anticipation of future use or need.

Pull Switch - A switch actuated by pulling a string or chain.

Push Button - A switch function actuated by pressure applied to a button.

Push-In Terminal - A termination that can be accomplished by inserting a pre-stripped, solid conductor into a wiring device terminal opening.

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Receptacle - An outlet that allows access to the power of an electrical circuit.

Resistance - In electrical systems, it is the resistance to the flow of current. It can be compared to friction loss in an irrigation piping system. Resistance causes a drop in voltage along the length of a wire and is measured in ohms.

RFI (Radio Frequency Interference) - Electrical noise generated by radio waves.

Rotary - A switch mechanism that functions in a rotational manner to either simply make/break contact, or in the case of a dimmer switch, to increase or decrease lighting level.

Run-Off - Water that is not absorbed by the soil and turf to which it is applied. Run-off occurs when water is applied at too great a rate.

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Series Circuit - A circuit in which the components are arranged end to end to form a single path for current.

Short Circuit - Can be classified as an overcurrent which exceeds the normal full load current of a circuit by a factor many times (tens, hundreds, or thousands greater). Also, characteristic of this type of overcurrent is that it leaves the normal current carrying path of the circuit - it takes a “short cut” around the load and back to the source.

Single Pole - A switch that controls the connection of one circuit to one load.

Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT) - A switch that controls the connection of one circuit to one load.

Single Receptacle - A receptacle that accepts only one plug.

Snap-In - A device with side spring clips used to secure it in position.

Split Circuit - Typically referred to whereby a duplex receptacle is provided with break-off tabs that enable the separate wiring of each outlet.

Straight Blade - A plug, connector, receptacle or flanged inlet whose blades are straight with no locking feature.

Stranded - A number of solid wires twisted together to form a single conductor.

Structured Cabling System - Also known as Category 5 Network Cabling.

Surge - A temporary and relatively large increase in the voltage or current in an
electric circuit or cable.

Surge-Suppression - A means of absorbing voltage spikes or surges.

Switch - A device that may connect, disconnect, or change a connected electrical circuit.

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Tamper-Resistant Device - A classification of a device with design considerations for preventing improper access to energized parts of the device, typically the contacts of a receptacle.

Terminal - a) a location on a wiring device where a conductor is intended to be connected, b) a point which information may enter or leave a communications network, c) the input-output associated equipment, or d) a device by means of which wires may be connected to each other.

Timer - A switch with an integral mechanism or electronic function that automatically turns load on or off at a predetermined time(s).

Trajectory - The trajectory of a sprinkler is the measurement (in degrees) of the angle of the water projecting out from the sprinkler’s nozzle. A trajectory of 0˚ would indicate a flat projection of water out from the nozzle.

Transient Voltage Surge - A high-speed, high-energy electrical disturbance generated by utility switching, motor load switching and/or lightning strike on AC power lines, as well as data and communication lines.

Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor (TVSS) - A device designed to protect sensitive electronic equipment from the harmful effects of transient voltage surges having entered the power line to which it is connected.

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UL, Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. - An independent, not-for-profit product safety testing and certification organization.

UL Listed - Term identifying a wiring device that has been successfully tested and listed according to the standards established by Underwriters Laboratories.

UL Recognized - Term identifying a wiring device that has been tested and listed as
a component according to the standards
established by Underwriters Laboratories.

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Velocity - The speed at which water travels through a pipe. The designer should use
caution when designing a system where the water velocity exceeds 5 feet per second.

Volume - Expressed in gallons per minute (GPM), gallons per hour (GPH), cubic feet per second (ft3/s), cubic meters per hour (m3/h), liters per minute (l/m), or liters per second (l/s). Volume is used to describe either the amount of water available or the amount of water used.

Voltage - The electric pressure available to cause the flow of electricity. The amount of electrical potential required to force one amp of current flow in a circuit against one ohm of resistance.

Voltage Rating - The maximum open circuit voltage in which a fuse can be used, yet safely interrupt an overcurrent. Exceeding the voltage rating of a fuse impairs its ability to clear an overload or short circuit safely.

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Wall Plate - A finished rigid cover that closes the front of a wall-mounted electrical device box, either with or without an electrical device having been installed.

Watertight - A classification of a device and/or enclosure with design considerations for preventing water from entering under
specific conditions.

Watt - Unit of measurement for electrical consumption or output commonly used in
standard household lamps.

Formula: watts ÷ volts = amps. Example: 100 watt light bulb at 125 volts = 0.80 amps of consumption.

Weatherproof - A classification of a device and/or enclosure with design considerations for preventing degradation from exposure to specific weather conditions and elements.

Wet Location; Only with Cover Closed - UL Listing for weather protective
covers permitted for use in wet and damp locations while the electrical device is in use.

Wire - A single bare or insulated metallic conductor having solid or stranded construction that is designed to carry current in an electrical circuit.

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Zone - A zone is the area to be watered by one sprinkler valve.

ABBREVIATIONS:

ABYC - American Boat and Yacht Council

ANSI - American National Standards Institute, Inc. ANSI is a private, non-profit organization that administers and coordinates the U.S. voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system. The Institute’s mission is to enhance both the global competitiveness of U.S. business and the U.S. quality of life by promoting and facilitating voluntary consensus standards and conformity assessment systems, and safeguarding their integrity.

ASIC - American Society of Irrigation Consultants

BICSI - Building Industry Consulting Services International

BOMA - Building Owners and Managers Association

BSI - British Standards Institute

CE - European Compliance (This is not a certification agency, but CE is the European Compliance Mark.)

CEC - Canadian Electrical Code

CEE - European Electrotechnical Committee

CEMRA - Canadian Electrical Manufacturers Representatives Association

CPSC - Consumer Product Safety Commission

CSA - Canadian Standards Association

cUL - Certified to CSA Standards by Underwriters Laboratories

ETL - Electrical Testing Laboratories

IA - Irrigation Association

IAEI - International Association of Electrical Inspectors

IBEW - International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

IEC - International Electrotechnical Commission

IECA - Independent Electrical Contractors Association

IEEE - Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

IFMA - International Facility Management Association

NAED - National Association of Electrical Distributors

NAW - National Association of Wholesalers

NEC, National Electrical Code - Published by the NFPA as NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code. This publication, renewed every three years under the auspices of ANSI, provides for the adequate protection of life and property from dangers associated with the use of electricity. It is now adopted and enforced in all 50 states in the United States, and is also the basis for electrical codes in several other countries.

NECA - National Electrical Contractors Association

NEMA, National Electrical Manufacturers Association - Comprised of electrical manufacturers, NEMA provides a forum for the standardization and testing of electrical equipment, enabling consumers to select from a range of safe, effective, and compatible electrical products. NEMA-standards of testing is frequently required by both government and third-party endorsees such as UL and CSA prior to their approval.

NEMRA - National Electrical Manufacturers Representative Association

NFPA, National Fire Protection Association - The mission of the international non-profit NFPA is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating scientifically based consensus codes and standards, research, training and education.

NMDA - National Marine Distributors Association

NMRA - National Marine Representatives Association

NRTL - National Recognized Testing Laboratories

OSHA, Occupational Health and Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA’s mission is to assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women (having been authorized to enforce standards first created under the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1970 and since evolved), by assisting and encouraging the States in their efforts to assure safe and healthful working conditions.

TUV - TUV Rheinland of N.A., Inc.

VDE - Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker (Germany)

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