Filter (phase-shift) - Filter used to reduce, if necessary, the overall distortion due to the current harmonics injected into the mains upstream of a UPS by its rectifier-charger. Filtering is superior to that of a traditional filter of the L or C type.
Cathode - The electrode in an electrochemical cell where reduction takes place. During discharge, the positive electrode of the cell is the cathode. During charge in a rechargeable battery, the negative electrode is the cathode.
Temperature Cutoff (TCO) - A protective or safety device (e.g., thermostat, PTC, etc.) which senses temperature (e.g., in a battery) and opens or cuts off the electrical circuit if the specified temperature is exceeded, thus preventing a further rise in temperature due to the charge or discharge of a battery.
Thevenin generator - For a given load, it is possible to consider the power supply as a voltage generator, referred to as a Thevenin generator, made up of a perfect voltage Uo generator, in series with an internal impedance Zs - n Uo is the voltage measured across the load terminals, given that the load is to be disconnected (load terminals forming an open circuit), n Zs is the equivalent impedance as seen from the load terminals (again considered an open circuit), obtained by short-circuiting the upstream voltage generator(s).
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.
IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) - Advisory organization that draws up international standards in the electrotechnical field.
Hazardous Waste - Waste which is classified as "hazardous" (i.e., potentially harmful to the environment) by the government.
