Why Copper Is Used for Making Electrical Wires?

For over two centuries now, copper has been widely used for making electrical connectors. These days, copper has become the go-to material for building electrical wires for TVs, computers, construction tools as well as kitchen appliances.

Have you ever thought why copper is the preferred material for electrical wires when there are so many other elements that can transmit electricity with ease? Let’s find out.

High Electrical Conductivity

Of all the widely used metals, copper has one of the highest electrical conductivity-only next to silver. So, electricity can easily be transmitted through it, making it an appropriate material for manufacturing wires. While silver can also be used for this purpose, copper is preferred on account of its low cost, which brings us to the next benefit of copper-its cost-effectiveness.

Cost-effectiveness

Copper is inexpensive in comparison to other metals. Gold and silver, for example, are superb conductors of electricity, but they cost a lot more than copper. By using precious metals such as gold or silver for making wires, manufacturers would only waste money.

High Ductility

In addition to being a high conductor of electricity, copper is also highly ductile. This means it can bend to a certain degree without breaking or getting damaged.

Because electrical copper wires pass through walls, ceilings, floors and other areas, they should be able to bend and snake around building or appliances in which they are used. The high ductility of copper wires ensures they flex easily and don’t lose any of their properties when deformed.

High Thermal Resistance

A salient benefit of electrical copper wires that many of us tend to overlook is its high thermal resistance. Wires made of copper are safer to use than those made of any other similar material because they’re resistant to heat. By using copper in electrical wiring, manufactures can minimize the incidence of electrical fires in residential and commercial buildings.

Corrosion Resistance

The high corrosion resistance of copper makes it an incredibly secure material for manufacturing electrical wires. If electrical wires corrode and crack, the wiring might bend, leading to a fire. By using copper, such unsavory incidents can be avoided to a significant degree.

High Availability

Copper is found in abundance in different parts of the earth’s crust. If geological surveys are to be believed, there is approximately 1014 tons of copper in just top 1 km layer of the earth. Considering the current extraction rate, this amount is estimated to last for the next 5 million years.

No wonder, copper mines and refining facilities can be easily found in different parts of the globe. That copper is easily available also explains why it is so economical, particularly in comparison to other metals.

Wrapping Up

Endowed with a number of highly desirable properties, copper is today the industry standard for manufacturing electrical wires. The red metal is not only highly conductive, ductile, heat and corrosion-resistant, but also easily available and affordable.

Looking for premium-quality copper wires? If yes, leave your contact details in the comment section below. Our sales representatives will get in touch with you.