Body cord

In fencing, a body cord serves as the connection between a fencer and a reel of wire that is part of a system for electrically detecting that the weapon has touched the opponent.

Foil and sabre body cords have only two irregularly sized prongs (or a twist-lock bayonet connector) on the weapon side, with the third wire connecting instead to the fencer's lamé.

The need in foil and sabre to distinguish between on and off-target touches requires a wired connection to the valid target area.

In officially sanctioned tournaments, the plug that fits into the weapon must be secured with an additional device, usually a small clip.

Fencers are forced by regulation to attach the lamé clip to their weapon arm side to prevent accidental or intentional removal.

Regulation also stipulates that any fencer who brings a defective body cord to the strip be penalized with a yellow card.

Many body cords are made with clear plastic insulation so that any corrosion of the copper wire can be seen more easily.