Inlet
A male flange mounted wiring device with the conducting pins protruding and exposed. This type device
should never be wired to make the exposed pins live while the mating device is unplugged.
Insulation
The material that encases a conductor preventing leakage of current from a conductor.
IP Rating
Ingress Protection Rating; A two digit code, and an optional letter, specifying the level of protection from
foreign objects with the first digit referring to protection from solids and the second digit referring to protection
from liquids. The optional letter can be appended to classify only the level of protection against
access to hazardous parts by persons or to provide additional information related to the protection of
the device.
Jacket
Outer material layer of a cord.
Midget
Referring to an inlet or outlet with a shallow depth. Commonly mounted in areas where space is limited.
NACC
North American Color Code; Hot=Black, Neutral =White, Ground=Green.
NEMA
National Electrical Manufacturers Association, an organization based in the U.S. that sets many common
standards used in electrical products.
OD
Outer Diameter, the outer diameter of a cord.
OEM
Original Equipment Manufacturer.
Pigtail
A very short patch cable or wiring adapter. Primarily used in the automotive industries where a longer
cable assembly is not needed.
Pin and Sleeve
Common term in reference to an IEC60309 device.
Plug
A male cord mounted wiring device with the conducting pins protruding and exposed. This type device
should never be wired to make the exposed pins live while unplugged. Therefore, plugs are always
dead until they are plugged into a power source such as a wall outlet or generator outlet.
Polarized
A plug and connector formed in a way that only allows proper connection.
