59
TriPac Glossary
This glossary is published for informational purposes only and
the information being furnished herein should not be
considered as all-inclusive or meant to cover all contingencies.
NOTE: Additional terms not found in the glossary may be
located in the index section of this manual.
APU: Auxiliary Power Unit.
ambient air temperature: Temperature of the air
surrounding an object.
amp: Abbreviation for ampere. The basic measuring unit of
electrical current.
Btu (british thermal unit): The quantity of heat required to
raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree
Fahrenheit. 1 Btu = 252 calories.
Celsius: The metric unit of temperature measurement. The
preferred alternate to the term centigrade. Abbreviated “C.”
centigrade. See Celsius.
CFC: Chlorofluorocarbon. A chlorine-based refrigerant
consisting of chlorine, fluorine and carbon. Example: R12. In
many countries it is illegal to release this type of refrigerant to
the atmosphere because chlorine damages the earth’s
atmosphere. CFC refrigerants are not used in modern Thermo
King units.
circuit breaker: A thermal device that automatically
interrupts an electrical circuit when the current in the circuit
exceeds the predetermined amperage rating of the breaker. See
amp.
coil: A cooling or heating element made of pipe or tube,
formed into a helical or serpentine shape, that may be equipped
with thin metal fins to aid heat transfer.
compressor: The refrigeration component that compresses
refrigerant vapor and creates refrigerant flow.
condenser: An arrangement of tubing in which the
vaporized and compressed refrigerant is liquefied as heat is
removed.
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