Low-Voltage Data and Telecom Vocabulary

Study Notes

Low Voltage: Refers to electrical systems operating at 50 volts (V) or less, commonly used in data and telecom applications.
Cabling: The process of installing cables for data, voice, or video transmission across networks.
Telecommunications: Involves transmitting information electronically over long distances, enabling communication.

Twisted Pair Cable: Utilizes pairs of twisted wires to minimize electromagnetic interference; widely used in networking.
Coaxial Cable: Comprises an inner conductor, an insulating layer, and an outer conductive shield, often used for cable television.
Fiber Optic Cable: Transmits data as light pulses through glass fibers, offering high speed and bandwidth.
Category 5e (Cat5e): An enhanced twisted pair cable designed for improved performance in Ethernet networking.
Category 6 (Cat6): A high-performance twisted pair cable that supports higher data rates compared to Cat5e.

Patch Panel: A board that manages multiple cable connections, facilitating organization and ease of access.
Keystone Jack: A snap-in connector for various wiring types, used for data and telephone wiring systems.
RJ45 Connector: The standard connector used for Ethernet networking, ensuring proper connectivity in LAN environments.
Conduit: Protective tubing for electrical wiring, safeguarding against physical damage and environmental factors.
Cable Tray: A supportive structure used to hold insulated electrical cables, aiding in organized installation.

Plenum Space: Areas within buildings designated for air circulation, requiring the use of plenum-rated cables for safety.
Riser Cable: Specifically designed for use in vertical spaces, allowing for efficient communication between floors.
Pulling Cable: The process of maneuvering cables through conduits during installation, crucial for achieving connectivity.
Termination: Connecting the end of a cable to a connector or device, ensuring proper signal transmission.
Bend Radius: Maximum curvature a cable can handle without sustaining damage, critical to maintain cable integrity.

Bandwidth: Represents the maximum data transfer rate attainable over a specific path, affecting network speed and capacity.
Ethernet: A common networking protocol used to connect computers in a local area network (LAN).
LAN (Local Area Network): A network that interconnects computers within a limited physical area, such as a building.
WAN (Wide Area Network): A broader network that spans extensive geographical distances, connecting multiple LANs.

Continuity Test: Evaluates the integrity of electrical connections to confirm they are intact and operational.
Signal Loss (Attenuation): Describes the decrease in signal strength experienced as it travels through a cable.
Certifier: A testing device used to verify and certify the performance of cabling installations, ensuring compliance with standards.

NEC (National Electrical Code): A standard that governs the safe installation and usage of electrical wiring and equipment, ensuring safety in electrical work.
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration): A U.S. agency dedicated to enforcing safety and health regulations in the workplace to prevent accidents and injuries.
Plenum-Rated Cable: Fire-resistant cable certified for use in plenum spaces, reducing fire hazards in air circulation areas.

Backbone Cabling: The main data paths that connect different buildings or areas within a building, crucial for network infrastructure.
Horizontal Cabling: Connects telecommunications outlets in work areas to horizontal cross-connects, facilitating communication throughout the workspace.
Cross-Connect: A facility that enables the termination and interconnection of cable elements, promoting efficient network organization.