icky-pic (icky–plastic insulated cable) A type of outside telephone cable that comprises some num- ber of twisted pair copper conductors protected from moisture by an unpleasantly sticky and gooey (i.e., icky) water-blocking gel, and surrounded by a plastic sheath. (Almost as icky is the citrus-based solvent that seems to be required to wash off the gel.) Icky-pic can be used in aerial and direct bury construction. See also aerial cable and direct bury cable. 74570c09.qxd 9/11/07 12:22 PM Page 236 |