Copper is metal with high
ductility and also exhibits one of the best heat and electrical conductivity
properties among metals. It is used in a number of applications but one of the key uses of copper is in the electrical
industry for manufacturing electrical wires. That’s because copper offers a
number of features that are needed to make good quality electrical wires.
Copper is an excellent conductor
of electricity and is also one of the strongest metals available today. It sets
the benchmark for conductivity with its exceptional capacity to carry and
transmit electric current. The conductivity capacity of annealed copper is the
international standard to which all other electrical conductors are compared.
Copper wires need a lower level
of insulation and smaller conduits when compared to aluminum as the latter is
manufactured in a larger diameter size and hence needs a larger conduit to be
suitably accommodated. Another major advantage of using copper in electrical
wires is that copper oxide also conducts electricity thus preventing the
connections and terminations from any overheat situations. Other metals may
need oxide inhibition through additives. As copper provides better thermal
connectivity, it works better than aluminum, especially
where connections and terminations are involved.
Copper Resists Stress
Copper is capable of resisting
stress which can cause gradual deformation of metal over time. Stress is a
problem that occurs frequently with aluminum, especially at points where there
is a pressure on the wiring system. This can result in a loose connection and
oxidation. Copper is strong enough to deal with stress and related adversities.
That’s why engineers insist on copper wires as it comes with the assurance of
durability and performance.
Copper Is Ductile
Copper is regarded as ideal for
wiring systems as it offers high ductility. Copper does not conform to the
general logic that a stronger metal is usually less pliable. Copper is durable
and ductile which provide engineers a couple of more reasons for using this
metal in electrical wires. Copper wires do not pose any problem at junction
boxes and terminations as it can be bent, twisted and pulled hard without the
risk of damage or breaking.
Copper Is Easy To Handle and Install
The inherent properties of copper
- strength, durability, ductility, and hardness, make it very easy to work
with. When you pull it through a conduit without any stretching and can also be
twisted or bent as needed at various points in its installation. Copper wire
does not suffer nicks as easily as aluminum. In copper wires, you get a product
that delivers high reliability and ease of handling and installation.
Copper Has Immense Strength
The exceptional strength of copper
helps the metal resist stretching, breaks and nicks which lesser metals and
alloys such as aluminum suffer when pulled through cable trays and conduits.
Such damages can affect the current carrying capacity of the wire resulting in
wastage of energy and enhanced risk of overheating. The superior tensile
strength of copper wires helps avoid such undesirable situations.
Copper Does Not Corrode
Copper is a noble metal that can
ensure high reliability and longevity for your electrical wiring system.
Copper, in its purest form, does not suffer any galvanic corrosion when
connected to other metals and alloys. Copper wiring is also known for its
ability to resist corrosion caused by moisture, humidity, industrial pollution,
and other atmospheric influences. It can
offer a truly trouble-free performance for the life of your system.
Copper Is a Cost-Effective
Option
When you buy something that
guarantees good performance and can last long, your investment can be termed a
something of real value. Aluminum might be cheaper than copper when it comes to
electrical wire manufacturing but if you look at other vital factors such as installation
and operational convenience along with long term performance, then copper is
the clear and indisputable winner. Consider these features of copper:
- Has better current carrying capacity through narrow conduits
- It is easy to install as no special connectors or tools are needed
- Offers high resistance to stretching, nicks, breaks, and corrosion
- Relatively maintenance free
Copper Complies With All Codes
Copper has been the mainstay of
the electrical industry for many years now and that’s why copper wiring is
accepted as the industry’s standard wiring material. Another reason for
universal acceptance of copper as the best electrical wiring material is that
it complies with all the codes, regulations and ordinances for electrical
conductors in the US and most countries of the world. The superior and
consistent performance that copper wires deliver in various types of diverse
installations has made copper the most favored metal for use in electrical
wiring.
Copper wires can be used for
light domestic and residential wiring as well as for heavy duty commercial and
industrial wiring. It is easily available which makes copper a great choice as
you won’t face any issues during future rewiring.
0 comments:
Post a Comment