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.








