POLYSTYRENE - A rigid transparent thermoplastic of good physical and electrical insulating properties used especially in molded products, foams, and sheet materials. Abbreviation PS.
POLYSULFONE - A polymer highly resistant to mineral, acid, alkali, and salt conditions. Good dielectric properties up to 350° F.
POLYTETRAFLUOROETHYLENE - This is modified ETFE, a copolymer of ethylene and tetrafluoroethylene. This is the most thermally stable and chemically resistant carbonaceous insulating compound. It is unaffected by sunlight, moisture, and practically all chemicals. Temperature range is -90° C to 250° C and electrical properties are very constant over the temperature range and a wide range of frequencies. This insulation may be applied by extrusion, taping, dip-coating, and in cases where other material is used, by dispersion coating. Both conventional and ribbon type wires and cables are made as well as magnet wire. This insulation material is used as dielectric, insulation, and extruded jackets. Abbreviation is PTFE. Most common trade name is Teflon®. Teflon® is a trademark of the DuPont de Nemours Co.
POLYURETHANE - Enamel that has excellent moisture resistance, easily soldered, also has excellent winding properties as a magnet wire insulation. Abbreviation PU.
POLYVINYLCHLORIDE - A family of insulating compounds whose basic ingredient is either polyvinylchloride or its copolymer with vinyl acetate, in combination with appropriate plasticizers, stabilizers, fillers, and pigments. Like many other plastic materials, these insulations can be compounded to provide a wide variety of properties for various applications. Among the properties obtained are: Resistance to moisture, cold, heat, flame, oils, solvents, chemicals, and ozone. Electrical properties are adequate for low voltage power applications. Temperature ratings up to 105° C are recognized by UL for certain applications. These insulations are widely used for types T and TW building wires, series street lighting cable, machine tool wiring, hook-up and appliance wiring, overhead line wire, control and signal cables, and many others. Known as PVC or Vinyl. Abbreviation PVC.
POLYVINYLIDENE FLUORIDE - VF2 vinylidene fluoride resin is a crystalline, high molecular weight polymer of VF2 having high dielectric strength as well as abrasion resistant characteristics. This thermoplastic resin, a fluorocarbon, is characterized by good mechanical, electrical, and chemical properties. In primary insulation and in jackets for multi-conductor cables, it has a temperature range of -80° F to 300° F. This material can be extruded, applied as a film or solution, or by dispersion coating. This compound offers excellent resistance to abrasion and cut-through. Radiation cross-linking provides improved heat resistance. Abbreviation PVDF. Known as Kynar®. Kynar® is a trademark of the Pennwalt Corporation.
PORTABLE POWER CABLE - Extra flexible, all rubber insulated to allow hard usage. Some cables have additional protection of shielded conductors, metallic or nonmetallic, and can have Neoprene® sheath overall. Neoprene® is a trademark of the DuPont de Nemours Co.
POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE - The difference in electric potential between two points, equal to the line integral of the electric field strength between points. If a charge is moved from one to the other of the points by any path, the work done is equal to the product of the potential difference per unit length.
POTTING - The sealing of a cable termination or other component with a liquid which thermosets into an elastomer making the joint moisture proof or air tight.
POWER CABLE - A cable of various sizes, various constructions, and insulations used to supply power to a variety of types of equipment.
POWER FACTOR - The ratio of resistance, R, to impedance, Z. The ratio of the actual power of an alternating current to apparent power. Mathematically, the cosine of the angle between the voltage applied and the current resulting.
POWER FREQUENCY - The frequency at which domestic and industrial mains electricity is supplied and distributed. In the U.K. the standard value is 50 hertz; in the U.S. it is 60 hertz.
