Quickly reference definitions in our Power Industry Glossary Terms list. This tool will help give you a better understanding of product features and options. To download specific product information visit our Resources page.
Alternating Current (AC) Power – Cell or battery current. Alternating current (AC) is an electric current that periodically reverses direction, in contrast to direct current (DC) which flows only in one direction. Alternating current is mostly used for power distribution.
Auxiliary Switch – For applications requiring remote on or off indication. Each auxiliary switch is comprised of an open, closed, and common contact.
Backhaul – Satellite communication, getting data to a point from which it can be transmitted to the satellite. The intermediate link between the core network, or backbone and the small subnetwork at the edge of the network system.
Bell Alarm – The bell alarm switch is closed when the circuit breaker has been tripped due to a short circuit, shunt trip, or under-voltage trip. The bell alarm switch is automatically opened when the circuit breaker is reset.
BIB – Bypass Input Breaker – One of three breakers on the manual bypass panel
Critical Load – Refers to computers, data centers, or servers. Critical loads are those loads to which power supply has to be maintained under any circumstances. Power supply to these loads should not ever be interrupted.
DC Power – In direct current (DC), the electric charge (current) only flows in one direction. Rather than oscillating back and forth (AC Power), DC provides a constant voltage or current.
Flywheels – A flywheel is a heavy shaft-mounted rotating disc that speeds up when electrical energy is applied to it. When energy is needed, the flywheel is slowed and the kinetic energy is converted back to electrical energy, where it can be transmitted to where it is required.
IFC – International Fire Code – fire code addressing conditions hazardous to life and property from fire, explosion, handling or use of hazardous materials and the use and occupancy of buildings and premises.
Kirk Keys – Keys in an interlocking maintenance bypass system. The “E” or “W” next to the interlock indicates the position of the interlock bolt when the key is removed. “E” = Extended, “W” = Withdrawn
Lead-acid Battery – Rechargeable lead-acid content battery with cost-effective solutions. Large-format lead-acid designs are widely used for storage in backup power supplies in cell phone towers, high-availability settings like hospitals, and stand-alone power systems.
Maintenance Bypass Switch – An isolation switch between the uninterruptible power source and the commercial power source. A maintenance bypass switch provides single-switch isolation of power in a bypass mode.
Maintenance Bypass Systems – maintenance bypass systems are crucial in transferring power and eliminating disruption in current to your connected equipment. This is done through breakers to isolate the power flow.
MBB – Maintenance Bypass Breaker – One of three breakers on the manual bypass panel
MIB – Maintenance (Module) Isolation Breaker – One of three breakers on the manual bypass panel
MBBC – Maintenance Bypass Breaker Cabinet – The MBBC allows the end-user to safely isolate the UPS from utility power and from the load to perform regular service and maintenance. All of this is done while still maintaining power to your critical load.
Modbus – a method used for transmitting information over serial lines between electronic devices. The device requesting the information is called the Modbus Master and the devices supplying information are Modbus Slaves.
MSDS – Material Safety Data Sheet – aka SDS (Safety Data Sheets) – Used to identify hazardous chemicals/materials used by products. Generally focused on the safety of a particular product used in an occupational setting. In our industry, this is provided by battery manufacturers and their compliance to regulatory standards (primarily OSHA).
NFPA (Compliant) – National Fire Protection Association - The National Fire Protection Association is a United States trade association, albeit with some international members, that creates and maintains private, copyrighted standards and codes for usage and adoption by local governments.
PDU – Power Distribution Unit. An electrical device used to control the distribution of power to individual loads. It is fitted with multiple outputs designed to distribute electric power, especially to racks of computers and networking equipment located within a data center.
Power Grid - Electrical power system that travels from the power plant to your facility. High-power transmission lines can carry electricity between local grids in order to balance supply and demand.
RIB – Rectifier Input Breaker - provides a convenient method for removing power from the UPS when using the maintenance bypass to supply the load.
RPP – Remote Power Panels (electrical power distribution panel) – The Remote power panel is a standalone AC power distribution unit that can accommodate up to eighty-four distribution circuit breakers.
Shunt Trip – Circuit breakers may be tripped from a remote location with the use of a shunt trip. Shunt trips can be activated by applying a specified voltage through the shunt trip contacts which cause the circuit breaker to trip.
SIB – System Isolation Breaker – Isolator is a switch operated manually, which separates the circuit from the power main and discharges the trapped charges in the circuit.
SKRU – Solenoid Key Release Unit – Interlocking key designed to permit removal of the key in response to an electrical signal.
SNMP – Simple Network Management Protocol - is a set of protocols for network management and monitoring. These protocols are supported by many typical network devices such as routers, hubs, bridges, switches, servers, workstations, printers, modem racks, and other network components and devices.
SPDT – Single Pole Double Throw – is a switch that only has a single input and can connect to and switch between 2 outputs
Thermal Runaway – Commonly used to describe a battery failure mode in which a battery is generating more heat than it can dissipate. The end result could be a fire if left unresolved.
Transformer – a transformer is a device that supplies power from one voltage level to another voltage level at a constant frequency.
UIB – UPS Input Breaker – One of three breakers on the manual bypass panel that can be operated to transfer power from the source power to the backup power supply.
UL – Underwriters Laboratories – Products listed to UL Standards and CSA (Canadian Standards Association) Certified. The UL logo indicates that the product has been certified to the United States and meets specific, defined requirements.
Under Voltage (UV) Trip – Circuit breakers may be tripped from a remote location with the use of a UV Trip. The UV Trip must be powered in order for the circuit breaker to be operated. When the power is removed, the circuit breaker will trip.
UPS – Uninterruptible Power Supply (Source). An uninterruptible power supply (UPS), also known as a battery backup, provides backup power when your regular power source fails, or voltage drops to an unacceptable level. A UPS allows for the safe, orderly shutdown of a computer and connected equipment.
VRLA Battery - Valve Regulated Lead Acid Battery.