IKONIX 3145 Operation And Service Manual page 7

Alternating Current, AC:
usually generated in the form of a sinusoid at a frequency of 60 times per second in the United States
and 50 times per second in other countries.
Arc:
A partial momentary breakdown due to the force of a strong electric field on closely spaced
conductors, sometimes evidenced by corona or a luminous flashover.
Breakdown:
The failure of insulation to effectively prevent the flow of current. If the test voltage is
gradually raised, breakdown will begin suddenly at a certain voltage level and current flow will not be
directly proportional to voltage. Once a breakdown occurs, especially for a period of time, the next
gradual application of voltage will often cause a breakdown to begin at a lower voltage.
Conductor:
A solid or liquid material which permits the flow of electrons. A material which has a
volume resistivity of no more than 10 3 Ω-cm.
Current:
The movement of electrons through a conductor. Current is measured in amperes (A),
milliamperes (mA), microamperes (uA). Symbol = I
Dielectric:
An insulating material that is positioned between two conductive materials in such a way
that a charge or voltage may appear across the two conductive materials.
Direct Current, DC:
be polarized and has one terminal that is always at a higher potential than the other.
Frequency:
The number of cycles an AC waveform repeats over time. Usually given in Hertz (Hz).
Ground:
Refers to the point of low potential in a circuit to which all other voltages are referenced.
May or may not be tied to the earth. Also referred to as Earth.
Hot:
Used to refer to the test lead or output side of an instrument that is at high potential.
Impedance:
The property of capacitive or inductive items to limit certain frequencies.
Gas, liquid or solid material which has a volume resistivity of at least 10 12 Ω-cm and is
Insulation:
used for the purpose of restricting current flow between conductors.
Leakage:
AC or DC current flow through insulation and over its surfaces. Current flow is directly
proportional to voltage. The insulation is thought of as a constant impedance unless breakdown
occurs.
Neutral: T
he point of low potential in a circuit to which all other voltages are referenced. Also known
as Common.
Peak Current:
The maximum amplitude of an AC current waveform. For a sinusoid, 1.414 x the
RMS value.
Power:
The amount of work performed by an energy source over time, given in Watts (W).
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Current that reverses direction on a regular basis. Utility power is
Current that flows in one direction only. The source of direct current is said to
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