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Electrical Slang

What do a "bug" and a "cherry" have in common?

They are both electrical slang terms!

Curious about what these and other slang terms mean?

Scroll through our collection of slang terminology used in the electrical industry!

Whether you are an electrician, contractor, or just someone trying to understand what your local electrician is jabbering about, use the glossary to learn trade slang and electrical jargon.

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5/19/2025

These splices fall into a category called Insulation Displacement Connectors are used exclusively for plain old telephone wires (POTS), alarm and other low voltage circuits. You insert the wires, compress with a linesman pliers (or special tool) and the metal teeth inside will pierce the insulation and make a permanent connection that is moisture resistant. While the Dolphin is re-distributed by a variety of manufacturers and refers to the round tubular unit, the 3M UR performs a similar job but has a gel to protect the wires.


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5/19/2025

Connects the ground wire from Romex to a metal switch/outlet box.


  

5/19/2025

Family of stickers that say "danger high voltage" in a variety of styles/sizes.


  

5/19/2025

Bender Follow Bar.


  

5/19/2025

The device that a power blower shoots through a conduit system when fishing the initial line. It typically has a hard plastic core with a flexible foam body that fits a specific pipe size. It comes in 1/2" through 6" conduit sizes and has a loop at both ends to attach the fish line.


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5/19/2025

A component of a large bending device.


  

5/19/2025

When you want to hang a light fixture on the wall or ceiling and there isn't a ceiling box in place, the crowsfoot provides a 3/8" threaded fixture stud to mount to. The 1/2" stud is also available but not common.


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