Lightning Protection, Grounding,
& Surge Suppression Glossary of Terms

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Pathway
A facility for the placement of telecommunications. (TIA/EIA 607)
Peak Current
The maximum current measured in kilo Amperes (kA) of the lightning discharge is typically in the 20 to 30 kA range with a maximum of 310kA.
Permanent Connection
A grounding connection that will retain its electrical and mechanical integrity for the design life of the conductor within limits established by this standard.
Phase
Term used to describe the hot line or lines in AC Power.
Phase Shift
The displacement between corresponding points on similar wave shapes; it is expressed in degrees leading or lagging.
Pico
Metric prefix meaning one trillionth or 10-12. The abbreviation is p.
Positive Lightning
Positive lightning makes up less than 5% of all lightning. It occurs when the leader forms at the positively charged cloud tops, with the consequence that a negatively charged streamer issues from the ground. The overall effect is a discharge of positive charges to the ground.
Potential Difference
A measure of force produced between charged object that moves electrons. See Volt.
Potential Profile
A plot of potential as a function of distance along a specified path.
Power Disturbance
Any deviation from the nominal value (or from selected thresholds based on load tolerance) of the input ac power characteristics.
Power Disturbance Monitor
Instrumentation developed specifically to capture power disturbances for the analysis of voltage and current measurements.
Power Ground
A designed connection between a power circuit conductor and a grounding counterpoise.
Power Quality
The concept of powering and grounding electronic equipment in a manner that is suitable to the operation of that equipment and compatible with the premise wiring system and other connected equipment.
Power Quality Monitoring
See: Momentary Interruption
Pressure Connector
A high-pressure method which uses hydraulic crimpers to create connectivity.
Primary Cloud-to-ground Lightning Stroke
The initial discharge between the thundercloud and ground which generally is associated with a stepped leader propagation. Sometimes referred to as the initial stroke or simply the lightning flash.
Prospective Overvoltage
The theoretical voltage that a lightning event might couple or induce into a power system if it were not truncated by flashover of insulation or action of a surge protective device (SPD).
Pulse Life
The number of surges of specified voltage, current amplitudes, and wave shapes that may be applied to a device without causing degradation beyond specified limits. The pulse life applies to a device connected to an AC line of specified characteristics and for pulses sufficiently spaced in time to preclude the effects of cumulative heating.