Protection index (IP) - Index indicating the capacity of an electrical device to resist environment conditions. It is made up of three digits (e.g. IP 205), each corresponding to a type of environmental risk. The higher the number, the greater the capacity to resist. First digit (0 to 6) - capacity to resist penetration by solid objects. Second digit (0 to 7) - capacity to resist penetration by liquids. Third digit (0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9) - mechanical strength.
Metal Hydride - An intermetallic compound or alloy in which hydrogen has been absorbed; also, the negative electrode in a nickel-metal hydride battery.
UPS (Uninterruptible Power supply) - An electrical device providing an interface between the main power supply and sensitive loads (computer systems, instrumentation, etc.). The UPS supplies sinusoidal AC power free of disturbances and within strict amplitude and frequency tolerances. It is generally made up of a rectifier/charger and an inverter together with a battery for backup power in the event of a mains failure.
Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) - A thermally reactive device which becomes highly resistive at a specific temperature or current.
Earthing system IT - Earthing system in which the neutral is isolated from the earth or connected to the earth via a high impedance and the various exposed conductive parts are connected to the earth via individual earthing circuits. An alarm must signal the appearance of a first insulation fault. The installation must be de-energized immediately in the event of a second insulation fault.
Forced Discharge - Discharging a cell in a battery, by the other cells or an external power source, below zero volts into voltage reversal.
Thermostat - A temperature sensitive switch.
