This discussion has been locked.
You can no longer post new replies to this discussion. If you have a question you can start a new discussion

Why Number ?

Why in our industry do we say 2 No or 2 number rather than just two?


2 No Sockets , 2 No Luminaires etc etc.


what`s wrong with just plain 2 or 4 or 99 or whatever?


I have worked in a couple of light engineering shops.

When making components they used the term "off".

2 off blue widgets, 5 off red widgets etc etc.


Firm A always recorded on their inspection history card the quantity in finished components.

Therefore example, a ring of metal was produced and at some stage it was cut into 12 components.

The entire history qty at each stage of operation was "12 off".

So 3 rings at start was 36 off for the entire process.


Firm B, however, recorded the quantity as 3 off until the split into segments then it became 36 off.


I witnessed a confusion and a great big polarised row when an inspection who worked for firm A left and then worked at firm B.

He followed the practice he had been taught (36 off at each stage from start to finish) .

In fact, as the Firm B in this particular job was producing components on behalf of Firm A then it also became a bit of a row between firms too.


Anyway, why 2 No or 2 off and not just plain old 2 ?


Parents
  • The use of "number" in written or spoken communication can be very valuable in avoiding confusion when the subject of the message includes other numbers.

    Simple example "go to the stores and fetch two hundred watt lamps" could mean either "fetch some lamps each of two hundred watts, number of lamps not stated" or alternatively it could mean "fetch two lamps, each rated at 100 watts"


    If however the message was "go to the stores and fetch two number lamps, 100 watts" then it should be clear.


    There are many other conventions to avoid doubt or confusion in technical matters, including, when identifying items of plant by letters of the alphabet, do not use the letters "O" and "I" lest these be confused with numerals 0 and 1.

    When mentioning  sums of money in a work communication, it is good practice to state this in words and in figures, for example "This order will cost £483-60 (four hundred and eighty three pounds and sixty pence), please advise if I should proceed.
Reply
  • The use of "number" in written or spoken communication can be very valuable in avoiding confusion when the subject of the message includes other numbers.

    Simple example "go to the stores and fetch two hundred watt lamps" could mean either "fetch some lamps each of two hundred watts, number of lamps not stated" or alternatively it could mean "fetch two lamps, each rated at 100 watts"


    If however the message was "go to the stores and fetch two number lamps, 100 watts" then it should be clear.


    There are many other conventions to avoid doubt or confusion in technical matters, including, when identifying items of plant by letters of the alphabet, do not use the letters "O" and "I" lest these be confused with numerals 0 and 1.

    When mentioning  sums of money in a work communication, it is good practice to state this in words and in figures, for example "This order will cost £483-60 (four hundred and eighty three pounds and sixty pence), please advise if I should proceed.
Children
No Data