E-Stim And Electrosex A–Z Glossary
A friendly, technical, non-explicit reference for common electrostimulation terms. The massive array of terms used in e-stim can be very confusing to newbies, so we decided to list them here for your reference.
A friendly, technical, non-explicit reference for common electrostimulation terms. For a deeper dive, visit our E-Stim Beginners Hub or download Joanne's free Beginner's Guide to E-Stim.
A
Active Electrode
The pole in a monopolar setup, where the strongest sensation is typically felt.
Adhesive Pad
A self-adhesive, conductive gel electrode used externally and often reusable. See our Self Adhesive Pad Electrodes collection for examples.
Analogue Unit
A control box that uses physical dials or knobs for smooth, continuous adjustments. Browse our E-Stim Control Boxes to compare analogue and digital units.
Audio Mode
A feature where the stimulation reacts to sound input, such as music or voice.
Auto-Modulation
Automatic shifting between pulse patterns, tempos, or intensities without manual adjustment.
B
Biphasic Waveform
A pulse that alternates between positive and negative phases, often perceived as smoother.
Bipolar Electrode
An electrode containing both positive and negative poles in one body, so it doesn’t need a second electrode elsewhere. You’ll find many examples in our E-Stim Electrodes collection.
Burst Mode
A mode where rapid clusters of pulses are delivered in short bursts.
C
CES (Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation)
A medical or therapeutic technique used for mood and sleep; not intended for recreational e-stim use.
Channel (A/B)
An output port on a power box. Dual-channel units allow two separate outputs with different settings.
Conductive Gel
A water-based gel used to improve electrode contact and reduce skin resistance. We stock a range of dedicated conductive electro gels designed specifically for e-stim.
Conductive Rubber
Flexible rubber infused with conductive particles, often used to make loops or strips. Learn more in our article “What Is Conductive Rubber and How Does It Work?” or explore the Conductive Rubber collection.
Contact Area
The surface of an electrode that touches the skin; larger areas spread sensation, smaller areas feel more intense.
Control Box / Power Box
The device that generates and regulates electrical pulses sent to electrodes. See our E-Stim Control Boxes and Beginners E-Stim Kits to compare models.
D
Digital Unit
A power box that uses buttons and menus instead of knobs, often with preset patterns.
Dual Channel
A control box with two independent outputs, allowing different settings on each channel.
Dome Electrode
A rounded electrode that provides broad, smooth contact with the skin.
Duty Cycle
The percentage of time each pulse is “on” versus “off” in a repeating cycle.
E
E-Stim
Short for electrostimulation: controlled electrical pulses used for recreational or sensory play. If you’re new, start with our E-Stim Beginners Hub for safety and starter advice.
Electrode
The component that delivers electrical output to the skin or body. Explore different shapes and materials in our E-Stim Electrodes collection.
EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation)
A therapeutic device designed to contract muscles; not specifically made for recreational e-stim.
Electrolyte
A gel or solution that enhances conductivity between electrode and skin.
F
Flanged Electrode
An insertable electrode designed with a base flange to help keep it in place. It's also the name of an insertable electrode product family from E-Stim Systems.
Frequency
The number of pulses per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). Higher frequencies feel smoother or buzzier; lower ones feel more pulsing.
Fuse Protection
Built-in safety using fuses to protect the device from overload or faults.
G
Gel Pad
An electrode combining a gel layer with conductive backing for adhesion and comfort.
Ground / Common
The shared return path for electrical current in monopolar setups.
H
HV Mode (High Voltage)
A mode on some devices delivering short, sharp high-voltage pulses.
Hybrid Electrode
An electrode that can be used as either monopolar or bipolar, depending on how it is wired.
H-Bridge Output
An internal circuit design allowing polarity reversal for more advanced waveforms.
I
Insertable Electrode
An electrode designed for internal placement. Available in monopolar and bipolar forms. See our Stainless Steel E-Stim Electrodes for premium insertable options.
Intensity (Amplitude)
The strength or “power level” of the electrical output.
Isolating Transformer
A safety component that electrically isolates the output from the mains or internal circuits.
J
Jack (Connector)
The plug used for connecting lead wires, commonly 2mm pin or 3.5mm “audio”-style jacks.
Joanne's Reviews
A sex toy reviewer renowned for her work reviewing and writing articles about e-stim and e-stim equipment (Oh, and I run this shop too).
K
Kiloohm (kΩ)
A unit of electrical resistance equal to 1,000 ohms. Skin resistance often falls in this range.
L
Lead / Lead Wire
The cable that connects the control box to the electrode(s). You’ll find compatible options in our Cables And Adaptors collection.
Loop Electrode
An adjustable conductive rubber loop that requires a control box to operate.
Low Frequency Mode
A setting producing slower pulses, often experienced as more rhythmic or pulsing.
M
Mains-Powered Unit
A power box that plugs into the wall rather than running solely on batteries. Good units include proper isolation.
Modulation
The way a device alters frequency, pulse width, or waveform over time to create changing sensations.
MonoPolar Electrode
A single-pole electrode that always needs a second electrode in the circuit to function.
N
Neutral Electrode
Another name for the return electrode in a monopolar configuration.
NMES (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation)
A therapeutic muscle stimulation technique, separate from recreational e-stim use.
O
Ohm (Ω)
The basic unit of electrical resistance. Higher resistance means less current for a given voltage.
Output Isolation
Safety design that keeps the output circuitry separated from mains or other electronics.
P
Pad Placement
The position and spacing of adhesive electrodes on the body, which affects sensation and safety. For inspiration, see our range of self-adhesive pad electrodes.
Phasic Mode
A mode where the device frequently shifts between frequencies, pulse widths, or patterns.
Polarity
The positive/negative direction of electrical flow in a circuit.
Programmable Patterns
User-defined rhythms and pulse sequences that can be stored on some digital units.
Pulse Width
The duration of each individual pulse. Longer pulse widths often feel deeper or more intense.
Q
Quick-Release Connector
A connector designed to detach easily, helping prevent strain or damage to cables and devices.
R
Resistance
How much the body or circuit limits the flow of electrical current.
Return Electrode
The electrode that completes the circuit in a monopolar setup, often producing a milder sensation than the active electrode.
Rhythmic Pattern
A preset sequence of pulses that repeats in a consistent rhythm.
S
Self-Adhesive Electrode
A reusable sticky gel pad used as an external electrode. Explore options in our Self Adhesive Pad Electrodes collection.
Signal Generator
The part of the control box that creates electrical signals for stimulation.
Single Channel Device
A power box with one output channel; all connected electrodes share the same settings.
Spline Electrode
A slim, rod-shaped electrode, typically used as a monopolar contact.
Stimulation Curve
A graph or description of how intensity or pattern changes over time in a given program.
T
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
A device originally developed for pain relief by stimulating nerves through the skin. Some users first encounter e-stim through TENS-style devices before moving to dedicated e-stim control boxes.
Timer Mode
A function that runs the device for a pre-set duration before switching off.
Tri-Phase
Combining one wire from two channels into an electrode, to give three electrodes in use. This creates extremely interesting sensations as the two channels work together. It can only be achieved using control boxes with isolated channels.
Tripolar Electrode
An electrode that contains three poles, allowing more complex directional effects between contacts.
U
Unipolar
Another term often used for monopolar electrodes or pads providing a single active pole.
V
Variable Frequency
A feature allowing the user to change how fast pulses occur.
Violet Wand
A device that uses high-frequency, low-current electricity to create surface-level tingling sensations through a glass or metal electrode. Unlike e-stim power boxes (which send current through the body via conductive electrodes), violet wands work by creating a small, localised arc over the skin.
Voltage
The electrical “push” that drives current through the circuit, influencing how sharp or strong pulses feel.
W
Waveform
The shape of the electrical pulse, such as square, sine, or ramped waveforms.
Wetted Electrode
An electrode used with gel, water, or conductive fluid to improve contact and comfort.
X
X-Mode
A manufacturer-specific name sometimes used for proprietary pulse patterns or special modes.
Y
Y-Splitter
A cable that splits one channel into two outputs so multiple electrodes can share the same signal.
Z
Zero-Crossing
A timing technique where polarity changes only when voltage crosses zero, helping pulses feel smoother.