Why is electrical wiring made of copper

Now we need insulation. Insulators are different synthetic materials that are used to insulate electrical wires. Because the current runs along the outside of the copper wires, they need to be insulated from other wires and conductive surfaces. An insulating cover over the conductor also prevents any current leakages. Different insulation materials may be used depending on the characteristics of the cable required.

Quality of an insulation material depends on two basic characteristics: insulation capacity and its heat resistance. Cables sometimes contain several different wires wrapped together in an insulator. In some cases, the cable may require additional elements in order to improve protection.

Copper does not rust, but will produce a greenish patina called copper oxide. While aluminum can be used for electrical needs, copper is better in a number of ways. For one, aluminum has lower conductivity than copper, and is also more prone to oxidation. The aluminum oxide that forms on the surface is not conductive like copper oxide, which means it will interfere with the flow of electricity.

In order to combat this oxidation, aluminum must be covered with an anti-oxidant cream. There can also be safety issues with aluminum electrical connectors. Aluminum expands and contracts as it heats and cools, so aluminum wiring can loosen over time, creating a fire hazard.

In contrast, copper wiring is safer to use, with fewer required precautions. Even though copper has fewer safety issues than aluminum, all electricity is dangerous. While working on a wiring project, be sure to follow proper safety precautions. Mead Metals, Inc. As you can see, copper is the preferred metal for electrical wires for several reasons. This makes is the universally accepted standard for the manufacturing of electrical wires.

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Click Here. Skip to content. Get a Quote. High Conductivity Surpassed only by silver, copper is a highly conductive metal.