Featured Terms
Electrical Slang
What do a "bug" and a "cherry" have in common?
They are both electrical slang terms!
Curious about what these and other slang terms mean?
Scroll through our collection of slang terminology used in the electrical industry!
Whether you are an electrician, contractor, or just someone trying to understand what your local electrician is jabbering about, use the glossary to learn trade slang and electrical jargon.
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4/27/2024
These splices fall into a category called Insulation Displacement Connectors are used exclusively for plain old telephone wires (POTS), alarm and other low voltage circuits. You insert the wires, compress with a linesman pliers (or special tool) and the metal teeth inside will pierce the insulation and make a permanent connection that is moisture resistant. While the Dolphin is re-distributed by a variety of manufacturers and refers to the round tubular unit, the 3M UR performs a similar job but has a gel to protect the wires.
4/27/2024
Sleeve type heavy-duty anchor that comes with a variety of head types. The installation base does not have to be solid like is necessary for the Wedge Type Anchor. Can be used in concrete, brick, block or stone.
4/27/2024
Nails to wood stud where cable passes through to protect wire & plumbing pipe from nails driven into the wall sometime in the future, (see also 'Stud Plate'; 'Safety Plate'; 'Cable Protector').
4/27/2024
A Ground Rod Clamp is a copper mechanical connector used to connect a wide range of wire sizes and types to a ground rod. Those ground rods may be copper or stainless steel. It works by sliding over the ground rod, having the wire inserted under the flat part of the screw, and mechanically tightening down with a wrench.
4/27/2024
The device that a power blower shoots through a conduit system when fishing the initial line. It typically has a hard plastic core with a flexible foam body that fits a specific pipe size. It comes in 1/2" through 6" conduit sizes and has a loop at both ends to attach the fish line.
4/27/2024
When installing pipe, flex, data cable or AC/MC in metal studs, there is often a need to make a hole in the stud other than the manufacturer knockout. This tool punches a hole through studs up to 20guage. Once the stud has been punched, you need to use a bushing or insulator to shield the wire or conduit from the rough edges of the steel. Those insulators are the Greenlee 711, 714 and 715 family of items.
