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Naming of equipment 2
- Thread starter omnifold
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Always nice to see an recognised list of abbreviations used but it doesn't always happen.
In any event, I would expect that any possible confusion would be avoided by, in a schematic, for example, including a component list which uses the full description, or in text to see the first use of the abbreviation accompanied by the full description following it in parentheses. A glossary of the abbreviations used is always also helpful even if the source for the abbreviations is referenced as it saves having to look them up.
Of course, lawyers do it differently and use the full description first and the say "herinafter referred to as..." even in something as simple as T&Cs.
The trouble otherwise is that different people in different industries can use different descriptions of the same piece of equipment and even if you state "Abbreviations used are those from ASHRAE etc. if they are not in the document there will always be a risk someone will not bother to look them up.
JMW
In any event, I would expect that any possible confusion would be avoided by, in a schematic, for example, including a component list which uses the full description, or in text to see the first use of the abbreviation accompanied by the full description following it in parentheses. A glossary of the abbreviations used is always also helpful even if the source for the abbreviations is referenced as it saves having to look them up.
Of course, lawyers do it differently and use the full description first and the say "herinafter referred to as..." even in something as simple as T&Cs.
The trouble otherwise is that different people in different industries can use different descriptions of the same piece of equipment and even if you state "Abbreviations used are those from ASHRAE etc. if they are not in the document there will always be a risk someone will not bother to look them up.
JMW
I’d name it Suzie and be done with it. 
You won’t remember that “iwueaaawwatugosanraeeu” stands for “if we use enough acronyms and abbreviations we will achieve the ultimate goal of saying almost nothing that anyone else understands.”
It seems to me that at some point most people lose interest and won’t take the time to look up all the abbreviations and acronyms to turn a bunch of gobaldy-gook into a meaningful sentence, when the writer can afford the time to construct a meaningful phrase, with intelligible real words. Otherwise, do include a legend or the old standard SWTCM (stupid way to communicate meaningfully).
You won’t remember that “iwueaaawwatugosanraeeu” stands for “if we use enough acronyms and abbreviations we will achieve the ultimate goal of saying almost nothing that anyone else understands.”It seems to me that at some point most people lose interest and won’t take the time to look up all the abbreviations and acronyms to turn a bunch of gobaldy-gook into a meaningful sentence, when the writer can afford the time to construct a meaningful phrase, with intelligible real words. Otherwise, do include a legend or the old standard SWTCM (stupid way to communicate meaningfully).
All,
While many agree about the need for a defined list of acronyms, what no one has mentioned above the best place for such a list.
As required by OSHA, an updated set of PIDs is necessary for any modern plant. The first page of the PID set should include the abbreviations and acronyms. The individual PIDs should name the equipment on the individual sheet
(e.g. - CT pump A, or GCU-HX)
While many agree about the need for a defined list of acronyms, what no one has mentioned above the best place for such a list.
As required by OSHA, an updated set of PIDs is necessary for any modern plant. The first page of the PID set should include the abbreviations and acronyms. The individual PIDs should name the equipment on the individual sheet
(e.g. - CT pump A, or GCU-HX)
I agree with MJCronin. Now, if I only knew what Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID, per Google) had to do with what we are discussing here. Except, to provide a perfect example of the problem with using abbreviations and acronyms indiscriminately.
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Check into "ASME Y14.38 Abbreviations and Acronyms".
Chris
SolidWorks 10 SP4.0
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion
Chris
SolidWorks 10 SP4.0
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion
ASME Y14.38 or equivalent is a good place to start.
As others say, while it depends a little on context, generally trying to explain the abbreviation in situ via a glossary and/or where first used is a good idea.
On drawings, if ASME stds are referenced (e.g. 'INTERPRET DRAWING IAW ASME Y14.100') then I wouldn't explain any abbreviations in compliance with ASME Y14.38.
On the other hand, in some kind of report or the like, I'd probably explain it the first time I used it and maybe add it in a glossary.
As others say, while it depends a little on context, generally trying to explain the abbreviation in situ via a glossary and/or where first used is a good idea.
On drawings, if ASME stds are referenced (e.g. 'INTERPRET DRAWING IAW ASME Y14.100') then I wouldn't explain any abbreviations in compliance with ASME Y14.38.
On the other hand, in some kind of report or the like, I'd probably explain it the first time I used it and maybe add it in a glossary.
Posting guidelines faq731-376 (probably not aimed specifically at you)
What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484
What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484
I would avoid acronyms altogether if at all possible, they just lead to confusion and bewilderment.
There is nothing worse than having a complex schematic circuit open that has dozens of relays and contactors called maybe PD, JF, SM, C, DPD, and KN.
All vividly clear to the genius that designed the thing, but a source of confusion and annoyance to many others that have to follow.
There is nothing worse than having a complex schematic circuit open that has dozens of relays and contactors called maybe PD, JF, SM, C, DPD, and KN.
All vividly clear to the genius that designed the thing, but a source of confusion and annoyance to many others that have to follow.
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