Proximity effect
Proximity effect turns up in 2 fields: electrotechnology, shop slang. Here is what it means to the people in each one.
Proximity effect in electrotechnology
The distortion of alternating current flow in a conductor caused by the magnetic fields of nearby parallel conductors.
When alternating current flows through parallel cables, their magnetic fields interact and push the current density away from the adjacent sides. This crowding of current reduces the effective cross-sectional area of the wire, significantly increasing its AC resistance. The effect worsens at higher frequencies and in closely bundled transmission lines, causing excess heating and power loss.
"We've to derate these bundled cables because the proximity effect is pushing their operating temperature too high at full load."
Proximity effect in shop slang
The mysterious phenomenon where a broken machine works perfectly as soon as a technician arrives.
A humorous workplace observation where malfunctioning equipment or software suddenly behaves normally the moment a mechanic, IT support person, or supervisor stands next to it. Workers cite this imaginary aura to explain why they cannot replicate a fault they just reported.
"I swear it was jammed for twenty minutes, but the proximity effect kicked in as soon as you walked over."