Type CB, Type CM, Type VC (Constricting)
These elements are identified by the drum diameter in inches on which they constrict and the width in inches of their friction lining. For instance, a size 26CM475 is designed to constrict on a 26 inch diameter drum and has a friction lining width of 4.75 inches.
Type E, Type EB, Type ER, Type VE (Expanding)
These elements are identified by the inside drum diameter in inches to which they expand and the width in inches of their friction lining. For instance, a size 16E475 is designed to expand to a 16 inch diameter drum and has a friction lining width of 4.75 inches.
Type DBA, Type DBB, Type DBBS, Type DC (Air Cooled)
These elements' brake sizes are indicated by the number of brake/friction discs and the disc diameter in inches. For instance, a size 229DBA has two discs 29 inches in diameter.
Type CS, Type CSA, Type CTE (Spring Applied)
For these elements, sizes are identified by the outside drum diameter in inches on which the brake works and the width in inches of their friction lining. For instance, a size 9CSA200 is designed to operate on a 9 inch diameter drum and has a friction lining width of 2 inches.
Type WCB2/WCBD, Type WCS, Type WCSB (Water Cooled)
For these elements, sizes are indicated by the number of friction discs and the disc diameter in inches. For instance, size 224WCB has two friction discs 24 inches in diameter.