VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION
VA REGIONAL OFFICE TECHNICAL CRITERIA
GLOSSARY
Arresters:
A pressure absorbing devices installed to control water hammer.
Base Feed:
An electrical connection, usually from the building floor, to the electrical raceway in a
systems furniture panel.
Convector:
A mechanical air-handling unit usually placed along the exterior wall of a building to
provide air heating and cooling.
Dry-bulb:
The temperature of air measured by a thermometer that is freely exposed to the air
but is shielded from radiation and moisture.
Footcandle:
A measure of light intensity.
Parapet:
A low wall or railing.
Plenum:
The space between the finished ceiling and the underside of the structural floor or roof
above it. This space is sometimes used to distribute air to occupied spaces below it,
rather than using ducts to run air through.
R-Value:
The measure of a materials resistance to heat flow. The higher a materials R-value,
the more it insulates.
Scupper:
An opening in a building side to allow water to run off from a floor or roof.
Sensible Heat:
The direct warming of the air by heat producing equipment.
Stile:
A vertical piece in the panel of a door.
U-Value:
Heat transference through a door or window. The lower the U-value, the more energy
efficient the door or window.
Water Hammer:
High pressure water surges caused by the rapid closing or opening of a valve or faucet.
GLOSSARY
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