What every term actually means
E-Stim has its own vocabulary. Some of it comes from medical electrostimulation, some from twenty-plus years of community shorthand, and some from the names manufacturers have chosen for their kit. If you've landed somewhere mid-conversation and don't quite know what's going on, this is the page to come back to.
We have tried to keep the definitions short and practical. Where a term is one of ours, we've said so. Where there's a longer guide on it, we've linked through.
A
ABox
One of our purse audio power boxes. Single-channel, audio-driven, meaning the sensation is generated from sound input rather than from preset modes. Different feel entirely from a standard E-Stim box.
AC (Alternating Current)
Current that reverses direction many times a second. The signal that comes out of any E-Stim Systems power box is AC, varying rapidly between positive and negative. The sensation you feel is the result of those changes, not a steady push of current in one direction.
Adaptor
A small connector that converts one type of plug into another. The most common ones in E-Stim sit between 3.5mm jacks, 4mm banana plugs, 2mm pin connectors and proprietary plugs from older boxes. We offer a full range.
Asymmetrical Output
A feature of our power boxes. The two contacts on a single channel don't deliver identical signals, they're slightly different. In some setups you can flip the connections at the electrode and get a noticeably different sensation from the same kit. Worth experimenting with.
B
Banana plug, 4mm
The standard connector on the electrode end of an E-Stim Systems cable. All of our electrodes use 4mm banana plugs, apart from Sticky Pads which use 2mm/TENS. Push them firmly home, and twist to remove.
Base
The bottom section of a BiPolar E-Stim Electrode. It forms one contact of the two needed for a bipolar insertable. sometimes flanged or waisted to ensure it doesn't go in too far.
Below the waist
The simple rule that keeps E-Stim safe for new players. Keep all electrodes, current paths, and contacts on the lower half of the body. The reason matters more than the rule: the heart is an electrical organ that doesn't appreciate outside interference, and any current path that could cross the chest is one to avoid. Below the waist keeps you well clear of that. Experienced players learn where the edges are; everyone starts here.
BiCable
One of our exclusive cable designs. A single 3.5mm jack at the box end splits to one 4mm banana plug and one 2mm pin connector at the other end. Useful when you want to mix electrode types within a single circuit. Want to know more? Help Hub Article on What is a BiCable?.
Bipolar Electrode
An electrode that has both contacts built into it. Current flows out of one section, through the tissue between, and returns to the other section. One electrode, one circuit, contained sensation. The most common configuration for e-stim insertables.
Bobble
An insertable bipolar electrode designed by Caz, our co-founder. Her own design, made because she wanted one. Now in regular production.
C
Cable
The link between the power box and the electrode. Standard cables run from a 3.5mm mono jack to two 4mm banana plugs. Cables fail before electrodes do, because they bend and twist. If sensation drops mid-session, suspect the cable before the box.
Channel
A controllable output on a power box. A single-channel box runs one circuit. A dual-channel box runs two circuits at once, either independently or coordinated. Our 2B and ElectroPebble are dual-channel; our ElectroHelix and ABox are single-channel.
Commander
The free program that can control the 2B from a computer. Runs on a PC or Mac. Requires the digital link system.
Common (shared)
In a TriPhase setup, the third electrode that acts as the shared return for both channels. Two channels, three contacts, one common reference. See TriPhase.
Conductive gel
Water-based gel applied to electrodes to ensure good electrical contact with the body. Silicone and oil-based lubes are insulators and will either kill the session or cause issues with conductive rubber. Always water-based, always conductive.
Conductive rubber
A flexible, slightly stretchy material used in loops, Conducts electricity well, fits comfortably, lasts a reasonable about of time looked after.
Connect, E-Stim Connect
A free program that runs on a computer and allows control across the internet. requires the digital link system
Contact (point of)
Where an electrode meets the body. Every E-Stim circuit needs two points of contact. No second contact, no current flow, no sensation. The first rule that matters.
Contraindication
A medical reason not to use E-Stim. Pacemakers, implanted electrical devices, pregnancy, epilepsy, certain heart conditions, and several others. If you are not sure, ask your doctor.
D
DC (Direct Current)
Current that flows in one direction only. The kind of current you get from a battery sitting on a shelf. DC on its own is not what E-Stim equipment produces during a session, because steady DC across the body causes electrolysis and tissue irritation rather than nerve stimulation. Our boxes use DC from a PP3 9V battery as their power source, then convert it internally into the AC signal that does the work. If a device is described as outputting raw DC for play, it is not E-Stim equipment.
Deviants
One of our insertable ranges. Includes the Ripplehead profile, which has a textured surface that gives a sense of movement before the electricity gets involved.
Digital Link
The USB to 2B link system that allows you to upgrade the Firmware on your 2B, as well as connecte it to a computer for control both locally and over the internet.
Dipstick
An Ultrasound with ridges every 20mm created to guage how deep your urethral play can go. Another one of our exclusive designs.
Dual channel
A power box with two independently controllable channels, each capable of running its own circuit. Allows for partner play with separate setups, layered sensations, and TriPhase configurations. Examples like the ElectroPebble and the 2B
E
E-Clip
A bipolar surface electrode. Looks like a clamp. Both contacts are at the tip, so it forms a complete circuit on its own. Different from a standard crock clip, which is monopolar.
ElectroEggs
Our range of small, smooth, fully-insertable electrodes. One word, plural. Designed to be retrieved by gentle pull on the cable. Despite what you'll read elsewhere, we've never had a report of one being lost inside anyone.
ElectroGel
Our water-based conductive gel. Designed for E-Stim, made for the kit we make. Full guide coming.
ElectroHelix
Our single-channel power box. Compact, mains-or-battery, the natural starting point for many people.
ElectroPebble
One of our dual-channel power boxes. Two channels, non-isolated outputs (the channels share a common reference). Caz's favourite.
ElectroRing System
A modular cock ring system. Combines conductive rings, separators, and bipolar configurations to deliver focused sensation. Designed to be assembled to fit.
ElectroWand
A bipolar insertable with a proper handle, so you or your partner can actively manipulate it during the session. Moves the sensation around rather than letting it sit in one place. Particularly good for partner play.
Electrode
Anything that is designed to conduct electricity into or onto the body. Insertables, sticky pads, conductive rubber loops, pinwheels, cock rings, sounds, all electrodes.
EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation)
Designed for muscle contraction, often used in physiotherapy and fitness. Uses different waveforms from E-Stim play kit. Generally too harsh for sensitive areas. Not the same as a TENS unit, not the same as our boxes.
E-Stim
Short for electrostimulation. The use of low-voltage electrical signals applied through electrodes for sensation. Our spelling, with the capital S, is deliberate. Generic "estim" or "e-stim" is fine in conversation; we use E-Stim consistently.
F
Firmware
The internal code of the E-Stim Systems 2B. Almost constantly being improved so you can upgrade your 2B with the Digital Link.
Flange / Flanged or Flared base
A wider section at the base of an insertable that prevents over-insertion. Standard safety feature on most modern insertable designs.
Front-to-back contact layout
The way most of our bipolar insertables are built. One contact at the head, one at the base, separated by an insulator. Gives the ghost-thrusting sensation that good E-Stim is known for.
G
Ghost thrusting
The sensation of internal movement created by the electrical signal travelling between two contacts on a well-designed insertable. Nothing physically moves, the feeling does. One of the things that makes E-Stim distinct from other kinds of stimulation.
H
Head
The top section of a BiPolar Electrode. It forms one contact of the two needed for a bipolar insertable.
I
Insertable
An electrode designed to be inserted, vaginally or anally. Most are bipolar; some are monopolar (mainly penis plugs and sounds). Sized by diameter and length.
Insulator
The non-conductive section between two contacts on a bipolar electrode. Where the insulator sits affects how deep the active sensation feels. Some of our designs deliberately push the insulator further in, driving the sensation deeper. On some electrodes it is called a neck.
Intensity
How strong the sensation is. Not the same as how high the box is turned up. Intensity depends on the box, the electrode, the placement, the gel, the body, and the session. The number on the box is an indicator, not a measure.
Isolated outputs / Non-isolated outputs
On a dual-channel box, isolated outputs mean the two channels are completely electrically independent. Non-isolated outputs share a common reference. Our 2B is fully isolated. Our ElectroPebble is non-isolated. Both are safe; they just allow different setups.
L
Lifetime Guarantee.
It is what we do on all of our insertable electrodes and of course our powerboxes. Built for play, Guaranteed for life.
M
Mains powered
Some boxes can run from mains via a power supply. Others run from batteries only. We design our boxes to run from a single PP3 9V battery so there's no waiting for a recharge. Fresh battery, you're playing in seconds. The 2B can run from the mains and give you more power.
Monopolar
An electrode with a single contact. Needs a return contact elsewhere on the body to complete the circuit. In E-Stim, this is mainly penis plugs and sounds. Most surface and insertable electrodes are bipolar.
N
Neck
The insulated bit between the Head and Base of an Electrode.
P
Pad (sticky pad)
A flat, adhesive, single-channel surface electrode. Stick on, connect cable, play. Lasts a few weeks of regular use before the adhesive dies. Don't apply gel to a sticky pad, the adhesive is the conductive layer.
Penis plug
A monopolar insertable designed for urethral insertion. Combined with a return electrode elsewhere (typically a cock ring or pad).
Pinwheel (Wartenberg wheel)
Originally a neurological tool for testing skin sensation. The electrified version uses electricity to vary the intensity rather than physical pressure. We strongly recommend the double-headed version because E-Stim needs two points of contact.
PowerBox
Our shorthand for the box that generates the signal. We make several: ElectroHelix, ElectroPebble, 2B (also sold as Series 2B), ABox, E-Stim Remote.
Python
An E-Stim Systems Electro Compression system created for the testicles.
R
Remote (E-Stim Remote)
One of our power boxes. Single-channel, designed for remote operation, ideal for partner play and power exchange.
Return
The second contact in any circuit, where current returns to the box. On a bipolar electrode, the return is built in. On a monopolar setup, the return is a separate contact elsewhere.
Ripplehead
A textured profile on some of our Deviants insertables. Gives a sense of movement on the way in, before the electricity gets involved.
S
Series 2B / 2B
Same unit, two names. It's not the B2!! Our flagship upgradeable dual-channel power box. Fully isolated outputs, dual-channel, lifetime guarantee, modes designed as foundations for play rather than fixed presets.
Sounding
The practice of inserting a sound (a smooth metal rod) into the urethra. Combined with E-Stim, becomes urethral electrostimulation. Advanced content, start somewhere else first.
Stacker
An insulator created to allow you to stack, hence the name the electrorings.
Stereostim
A style of E-Stim play built around dedicated stereo "stim tracks" — purpose-made audio files where the left and right channels are designed to drive each output independently. The 2B can absolutely play these, but our kit is designed for richer audio sources like Music. StereoStim tracks tend to sound, frankly, like a 1980s modem. Audio-driven play through the ABox or the 2B opens the door to using whatever you actually want to listen to as the source. Worth knowing the term so you can spot when someone means stim tracks specifically rather than audio-driven play in general.
Sticky pad
See Pad.
Surface play
E-Stim using electrodes that sit on the skin rather than going inside the body. Sticky pads, conductive rubber loops, pinwheels, E-Clips and Bobbles all count. Often the entry point for new players because there's nothing to insert and the setup is straightforward. Doesn't mean lower intensity, just a different kind of sensation. Worth knowing the term covers a lot of ground, from gentle pad work on the thighs through to a pinwheel rolling across more sensitive areas.
Skin play
See Surface play. Same concept, different term. We use "Skin Play" as the name of the relevant collection in our store; "surface play" is the term you'll see more often in articles and guides.
T
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
Designed for pain relief. Uses different waveforms from E-Stim play. Often has rotary controls, fixed cables, watch batteries, and a 30-minute timer cut-off. Not the same as our boxes. The full distinction is in our When Is E-Stim Not E-Stim guide.
Top-to-bottom contact layout
See Front-to-back. Same idea, viewed from a different angle.
TriPhase
A three-contact insertable that needs a dual-channel box. Each channel feeds one of the outer contacts; the third acts as a shared common. Creates dynamic, shifting sensations a standard bipolar can't.
Tripples
Our range of Three contact TriPhase insertables.
Two points of contact
The first rule that matters. Every E-Stim circuit needs two points where electricity meets the body. Current leaves one contact, travels through tissue, returns to the other. No second contact, no circuit, no sensation. With a bipolar electrode both contacts are built in. With a monopolar setup you provide the second contact yourself, usually with a pad or loop elsewhere on the body. Either way, two points, always.
U
UltraSounds
Our smooth, polished range of urethral sounds.
V
Vyper 2 and Vyper XL
An E-stim Systems Electro Compression system created for the Penis.
W
Wartenberg wheel
See Pinwheel.
Terms we use that nobody else does
Worth knowing if you're reading content from elsewhere and getting confused.
"Made in Watford"
What we mean by Made in the UK. Not "designed in UK, made elsewhere." Not "assembled in UK from imported parts." Designed, machined, tested and packed at a specific address in Watford.
Found a term we haven't covered? Drop us a line. The glossary grows as the conversation does.
Written by the people who design, machine, and use this kit every day.
