What does the term "jumper" refer to in lineman terminology?

The term "jumper" in lineman terminology refers to a temporary connection that is used to bypass a section of a circuit during maintenance. This allows workers to perform repairs or maintenance on specific parts of the electrical system without having to completely disconnect power from the entire circuit. Jumpers are particularly useful in ensuring that other parts of the electrical system remain operational while work is carried out elsewhere.

During maintenance operations, linemen might need to create a path around a faulty section of wiring, and using a jumper achieves this effectively. This temporary solution can be crucial for maintaining service continuity, especially in distribution systems where keeping power on is essential for customers.

In contrast, protective equipment is designed to ensure the safety of linemen but does not relate to the terminology of circuit connections. Electrical insulation pertains to the material used to prevent unintended flow of current, and while it is relevant to linemen work, it doesn't define a connection method. A permanent connection in a circuit describes lasting connections used in wiring systems, which differs significantly from the temporary purpose of a jumper.