Construction Industry Glossary Of Terms

Electrical Trade Glossary


Cable Penetration
An opening drilled through concrete or masonry to allow electrical cabling to pass between floors or rooms, typically created using diamond core drilling for accuracy.


Conduit Sleeve
A protective sleeve installed within a drilled hole to house electrical conduits, requiring precise diameter drilling to meet code requirements.


Riser Shaft
A vertical service shaft carrying electrical cables between levels, often requiring multiple clean diamond-drilled penetrations.


Fire-Rated Penetration
A penetration that must maintain a building’s fire rating, where smooth diamond-drilled holes improve sealing and compliance.

Mechanical & HVAC Glossary


Mechanical Penetration
A drilled opening for ductwork, pipework, or mechanical services, commonly produced with diamond drilling to avoid structural damage.


Duct Penetration
A circular or rectangular opening for HVAC ducts, often requiring core drilling or wall sawing for clean finishes.


Plant Room Penetration
Service openings created in structural slabs or walls for mechanical plant installations, where precision cutting is critical.


Vibration Isolation
The reduction of vibration transfer through structures, a key benefit of diamond drilling compared to percussive methods.

How Diamond Drilling Minimises Structural Disruption In Construction Industry Across All Trades


Low Vibration for Structural Integrity


Unlike impact-based methods, diamond drilling uses rotational cutting instead of hammering. This dramatically reduces vibration and prevents microcracking in concrete, ensuring surrounding structures remain stable and uncompromised.

Precision and Control


Diamond drilling delivers pinpoint accuracy, which is ideal for confined spaces or load-bearing elements where tolerances are tight. Every hole is formed to the exact diameter, depth, and position required by the M&E design.

No Overbreak or Surface Damage


The process produces clean, round openings without chipping or spalling around edges. That means no patching or remedial works are needed, preserving surface finishes and structural integrity.

Minimal Noise and Dust


Water-suppressed or vacuum-assisted drilling keeps operations quiet and dust-free, ideal for live buildings or sensitive environments such as hospitals, offices, and data centres.

Plumbing & Hydraulic Glossary


Pipe Penetration
A drilled hole allowing water, gas, or waste pipes to pass through concrete or masonry, typically completed using diamond core drilling.


Sleeved Penetration
A penetration fitted with a sleeve to allow pipe movement and future maintenance, requiring tight drilling tolerances.


Wet Core Drilling
A drilling method using water to cool the diamond bit, commonly used for plumbing penetrations to control dust and heat.


Floor Waste Penetration
A drilled opening for drainage systems, where clean, accurate holes prevent leaks and alignment issues.

Construction Glossary


Coming soon general construction specific glossary.

Shop Fit Out Glossary


Coming soon in-depth general shop fit out glossary.

M&E & HVAC Glossary


Coming soon mechanical & HVAC glossary for M&E specialist contractors.

Shop Fitting & Commercial Fit-Out Glossary


Fit-Out Penetration
A penetration required during tenant fit-outs for power, plumbing, or data services, often completed after base build using diamond drilling.


Core Hole
A circular hole drilled through concrete or stone, widely used in shop fit-outs for hidden services and displays.


Post-Tension Slab
A concrete slab containing tensioned cables; diamond drilling is the preferred method to safely create penetrations without damaging tendons.


Finished Surface Protection
Techniques used to prevent damage to completed floors and walls, where low-vibration diamond drilling is essential.

  • What is a construction services glossary?

    A construction services glossary is a reference guide that explains common industry terms used by trades such as electricians, plumbers, mechanical contractors, and shop fitters. This glossary focuses on terms related to concrete cutting, core drilling, and diamond drilling services, helping trades understand how penetrations and cutting methods apply to their work.

  • Why are diamond drilling terms relevant to electricians, plumbers, and mechanical trades?

    Most trades require penetrations through concrete, masonry, or structural slabs for cables, pipes, ducts, and services. Diamond drilling provides accurate, low-vibration, and clean openings, making it the preferred method across electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fire, and fit-out projects.

  • What is a service penetration?

    A service penetration is any opening created in a wall, floor, or slab to allow services such as electrical conduits, plumbing pipes, or mechanical ducting to pass through. These penetrations are commonly formed using diamond core drilling to ensure precision and structural safety.

  • Can diamond drilling be used on reinforced and post-tension slabs?

    Yes. Diamond drilling is the industry-approved method for working on reinforced concrete and post-tension slabs. With proper scanning and planning, penetrations can be safely created without damaging steel reinforcement or tension cables.


By Daniel Le+Gresley November 28, 2025
When installing electrical containment and cable routes , precision and cleanliness are key. Each hole or penetration must align perfectly with trunking, conduits, or risers (often through reinforced concrete or blockwork) without creating dust, vibration, or rough edges that complicate the installation. That’s why diamond drilling has become the go-to solution for electrical contractors and containment specialists. Its ability to form accurate, dust-free openings allows for cleaner cable routes, faster installation, and a safer working environment. In this article, we’ll explain how diamond drilling supports electrical containment works, its advantages over traditional drilling methods, and how our team helps contractors achieve clean, professional results across London.
By Daniel Le+Gresley November 26, 2025
Whether it’s HVAC pipework, chilled water lines, or plant room connections, installing new mechanical systems often requires precise penetrations through reinforced concrete, block-work, or steel. Traditional drilling methods can cause vibration, cracking, or dust contamination, which is unacceptable in modern building environments. That’s why diamond drilling has become the industry standard for creating clean, accurate openings for mechanical service installations. This article explores how diamond drilling supports mechanical works, the advantages it offers over conventional drilling, and how PCDD helps contractors deliver safe, high-quality installations across London. 
By Daniel Le+Gresley November 24, 2025
M&E service routes and containment routes are often enabled by making penetrations in walls & floors. Diamond drilling is often the easiest way.
By Daniel Le+Gresley November 19, 2025
Diamond drilling, fire stopping and preparing openings with fire stopping in mind. Fire stopping is the critical part of fire safety. Prime Cut.
By Daniel Le+Gresley November 19, 2025
Modern M&E (Mechanical & Electrical) projects often take place in complex, occupied, or high-specification buildings where maintaining structure and live services is critical. Creating openings for containment, pipework, or ducting can easily disrupt existing systems if not done precisely. That’s where diamond drilling stands apart. Its controlled, low-impact technique allows contractors to carry out essential penetrations safely, protecting both the building structure and surrounding utilities. In this article, we’ll explore how diamond drilling minimises structural and service disruption during M&E works, why it’s preferred over traditional methods, and how PCDD helps contractors achieve seamless results across London.
By Daniel Le+Gresley November 18, 2025
Working around reinforced and embedded services, drilling and creating openings in these environments, how and what to do in those circumstances.
By Daniel Le+Gresley November 14, 2025
How diamond drilling supports M&E contractors / installations in live buildings. Service routes, plumbing, electrical, ductwork, cabling and more. Prime Cut Diamond Drilling.
By David Williams November 14, 2025
Diamond Drilling and Core Drilling. Information and terminology check for construction professionals, project managers etc. Prime Cut Diamond Drilling.
October 23, 2025
What Is Floor Sawing and How Is It Used in Construction? Prime Cut Diamond Drilling.
July 8, 2025
Drilling fire-rated walls or floors? Understand how BS 476 applies to ducts, cables, and penetrations—and what Prime Cut’s role covers on-site.
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