A continuous discharge resulting in a true current which takes place between a terminal of an incandescent lamp filament and a plate placed near it. The lamp must be run at a definitely high voltage to obtain it.

The coefficient of electric efficiency.

Hard vulcanized India rubber, black in color. Specific resistance in ohms per cubic centimeter at 46º C. (115º F.): 34E15 (Ayrton); specific inductive capacity, (air = 1): 2.56 (Wüllner); 2.76 (Schiller); 3.15 (Boltzmann). It is used in electrical apparatus for supporting members such as pillars, and is an excellent material for frictional generation of potential. [...]

A fault, when a telegraph or other conductor makes intermittent connection with the earth. It is generally attributable to wind action swinging the wire, whence the name.

The grounding of a wire of a circuit at both ends gives the circuit an earth return.

A plate buried in the earth to receive the ends of telegraph lines or other circuits to give a ground, q. v. A copper plate is often used. A connection to a water or gas main gives an excellent ground, far better than any plate. When the plate oxidizes it is apt to introduce resistance.

A fault, when a telegraph or other conductor is imperfectly connected to earth or grounded at some intermediate point.

A fault, when a telegraph or other conductor is fully connected to earth or grounded at some intermediate point. Synonyms–Solid Earth–Total Earth.

(a) The earth is arbitrarily taken as of zero electrostatic potential. Surfaces in such condition that their potential is unchanged when connected to the earth are said to be of zero potential. All other surfaces are discharged when connected to the earth, whose potential, for the purposes of man at least, never changes. (b) As [...]