DEFINITIONS

Continuous dilution (flow)

Continuous supply of a protective gas, after purging, at such a rate that the
concentration of a flammable substance inside the pressurized enclosure is maintained
at a value outside the explosive limits at any potential ignition source (that is, outside
the dilution area).

Conventional non-operating current of a protective device

A specified value of current which the protective device is capable of carrying for a
specified time (conventional time) without operating. For fuses, this current is called
the “conventional non-fusing current” For circuit breakers this current called the
“conventional non-tripping current”.

Conventional operating current of a protective device

A specified value of the current, which causes the protective device to operate within a
specified designated conventional time.

Conventional touch voltage limit

Maximum value of the touch voltage, which is permitted to be maintained indefinitely
in specified conditions of external influences.

Converter
Unit for the electronic conversion of an a.c. supply at one frequency to an a.c. supply
at another frequency. The voltage may be or may not be altered during the conversion.

Coordination of SPDs
Selection of characteristics for two or more SPDs (Surge Protection Device) to be
connected across the same conductors of a system but separated by some decoupling
impedance such that, given the parameters of the impedance and of the impinging
surge, this selection will ensure that the energy deposited in each of the SPDs is
commensurate with its rating.

Copper-clad steel
Steel with a coating of copper bonded to it.

Counterweight (of a Lift)

A weight or a series of weights, serving to counter balance the weight of the lift car
together with a part of the rated load.

Creepage distance (clearance)

Shortest path between two conductive parts or between a live part and an accessible
surface of an enclosure, earthed metal work or flammable materials, measured along
the surface of the insulation material.

Current-carrying capacity (ampacity) of a conductor

The maximum value of current, which can be carried continuously by a conductor
under specified conditions without its steady-state temperature exceeding a specified
value.

Current-operated earth-leakage circuit breaker

A mechanical device capable of automatically disconnecting a circuit from the supply
when the earth fault current in the circuit exceeds a specified value.

SBC 401 2007 21/6

 DEFINITIONS

Current-using equipment
Equipment intended to convert electrical energy into another form of energy, for
example light, heat, motive power.

(D)

Danger zone
In the case of high voltage, area limited by the minimum clearance around hazardous-
live-parts without complete protection against direct contact. Entering the danger zone
is considered as the same as touching hazardous-live-parts.

Data processing equipment

Electrically operated machine units that, separately or assembled in systems,
accumulate, process and store data.

Demand factor
The ratio expressed as a numerical value or as a percentage of the maximum demand
of an installation or a group of installations within a specified period, to the
corresponding total installed load of the installation(s).

Design current (of a circuit)

The current intended to be carried by a circuit in normal service.

Differential current
The vectorial sum, (measured simultaneously), of the currents in the supply conductors
of an electrical circuit.

Direct contact
Contact of persons or livestock with live parts.

Disconnector
A mechanical switching device which, in the open position, complies with the
requirements specified for isolation. A disconnector is otherwise known as an isolator.

Distribution board
An assembly of protective devices, including one or more fuses or circuit-breakers,
arranged for the distribution of electrical energy to final sub-circuits or to other
distribution boards.

Distribution circuit
A circuit supplying a distribution board.

Double insulation
Insulation comprising both basic safety insulation and supplementary insulation.

Duct
A closed passageway formed underground or in a structure through which cables may
be installed.

SBC 401 2007 21/7