Technical terminology discussion

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wbalsam1

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Upper Jay, NY
quote from Charlie B: "A discussion of technical terminology or of the difficulties of communicating with people who are not members of our profession would certainly be welcome."
I would like to hear from others on the various words, phrases, terms, etc., that could use some precise examination from technical linguists assigned that responsibility for code making panels, etc.
Earlier I attempted to generate a discussion through a thread that was closed under fear it would turn into a joke fest. So keeping on a more serious note, where are the areas in the code that you feel could use some work?
 
Low Voltage is the most misused and misunderstood term in the NEC. The code terms are 100% correct, and the code does not use low voltage
 
Okay, I'll start with this:
  • 551.53(C) Outdoor Outlets, Luminaires (Fixtures), Air-Cooling Equipment, and So On. :mad: I can't stand this language "and so on" in a body of provisions intended to be precise. "And so on" occurs elsewhere in the code, too. :mad: It was changed from "And So Forth."
  • Why isn't 720.7 in Article 406 or 210?
 
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A constant reminder through-out the code whatever the
Art.,Section,Table,etc. That the "Intent" of the code is Safety!
The code does'nt want you to lose money.The code
is'nt trying to embarrass you.The code is'nt trying to make
the job more difficult.It's trying to save lives, maybe your own.
The Code is thousands of electrictians,engineers,ETC.
Saying "These are the mistakes I made,in hind-sight
this is what I would've done, if granted a second chance."
 
A constant reminder through-out the code whatever the
Art.,Section,Table,etc. That the "Intent" of the code is Safety!
The code does'nt want you to lose money.The code
is'nt trying to embarrass you.The code is'nt trying to make
the job more difficult.It's trying to save lives, maybe your own.
The Code is thousands of electrictians,engineers,ETC.
Saying "These are the mistakes I made,in hind-sight
this is what I would've done, if granted a second chance."

"Electricians" sometimes I type faster than I think.:D
 
quote from Charlie B: "A discussion of technical terminology or of the difficulties of communicating with people who are not members of our profession would certainly be welcome."
I would like to hear from others on the various words, phrases, terms, etc., that could use some precise examination from technical linguists assigned that responsibility for code making panels, etc.
Earlier I attempted to generate a discussion through a thread that was closed under fear it would turn into a joke fest. So keeping on a more serious note, where are the areas in the code that you feel could use some work?


I don't see the point. :wink:We don't understand terminology from lots of other types of work, technical or otherwise. Like "He needed four seuchers" Why can't they just say "He needed four stiches."
 
Low Voltage is the most misused and misunderstood term in the NEC. The code terms are 100% correct, and the code does not use low voltage

Ok I will add to that, the poster never mentioned the NEC, just the profession, where the definitions of LV, MV, HV, EHV, UHV differ from different sources (NEC and IEEE for example)

I do agree it is one of the most misued, I would say 2nd misused.

The most misused term (I see it here everyday) is GFI, when the user of the term is refering to a GFCI, that drives me nuts.
 
I hate the terms GENNY for generator, Pringle for a main disconnect CB manufactured by GE or Square D, it was a surge when it was a brown out.

I feel tradesmen should use proper terminology,
 
I don't see the point. :wink:We don't understand terminology from lots of other types of work, technical or otherwise. Like "He needed four seuchers" Why can't they just say "He needed four stiches."

it's "sutures", not "seuchers". Thoght I should correct you since the topic is about technical words. :)
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by buckofdurham
I don't see the point. :wink:We don't understand terminology from lots of other types of work, technical or otherwise. Like "He needed four seuchers" Why can't they just say "He needed four stiches."

it's "sutures", not "seuchers". Thoght I should correct you since the topic is about technical words. :)

Yes, and it's "stitches" not "stiches", too. :D
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by buckofdurham
I don't see the point. :wink:We don't understand terminology from lots of other types of work, technical or otherwise. Like "He needed four seuchers" Why can't they just say "He needed four stiches."



Yes, and it's "stitches" not "stiches", too. :D
and while I'm at it I should correct myself. It's "thought" , not "thoght". :)
 
I run into this everyday. I speak to many electrical people on the phone or jobsite. It makes determining the question they ask as almost impossible sometimes.

Such as: ;)

Is is a feeder conductor or service conductor.

GEC or Grounded conductor.

Grounding - bonding

damp location or wet location - what kind of location

I could go on, I will leave some to others. :grin:
 
I hate the terms GENNY for generator, Pringle for a main disconnect CB manufactured by GE or Square D, it was a surge when it was a brown out.

I feel tradesmen should use proper terminology,

I hate the DISCO term for disconnect.
 
what about the differences in slang within the trade? in different parts of the the country we use different names for things. four squares, 1900 boxes, 4x4s. ive heard mc called greenfield, sealtite called greenfield, and flex called greenfield. minis or standoffs. caddies are called bangers.

makes trips to the supply house interesting in places.
 
Phase when applied to a single item. Especially when it is interchanged for "line conductor" or "hot conductor" (which also are not defined).
 
I don't see the point. :wink:We don't understand terminology from lots of other types of work, technical or otherwise. Like "He needed four seuchers" Why can't they just say "He needed four stiches."


Because we are SUPPOSE to be professionals, if my doctor told me I needed to be roped up when he met a I needed a few stitches I would question his professionalism.

And I dislike DISCO also.
 
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