If you’ve ever seen the inside of an electrical panel, you may have noticed that copper is the predominant metal used in wiring.
But why is copper such a popular choice for electrical wiring? In this blog post, we will explore 10 reasons why copper is so commonly used in these applications.
What Is Copper?
Atomic number 29 is assigned to the chemical element copper, which has the molecular symbol Cu (derived from the Latin word cuprum).
Metal with high thermal and electrical conductivity is soft, malleable and ductile. Pure copper has a pinkish-orange tint when it’s just been exposed. A variety of metal alloys, such as sterling silver for jewellery, brazing alloys, and electrical contacts, contain copper, which is employed as a heat and electricity conductor.
Older sculptures, buildings, and coins have a brown-black film of copper oxide on them because copper does not react with water. Due to long-term exposure to oxygen and carbon dioxide, copper develops a distinctive blue-green patina.
5 Uses Of Copper
Did you know that copper was first mined over 10000 years ago? Today, we still use copper for many things. Here is a comprehensive list of 5 things that is made up or is comprise of copper:
-Firstly copper is a key component in electrical wiring it can be identified by its’ reddish hue. It is a good conductor of electricity and heat which makes it ideal for household wiring and electrical components.
-The second use for copper is in plumbing. Pipes made of copper are less likely to corrode than those made from other materials.
-Copper can also be found in coins, both old and modern ones! The US penny is actually 97.% zinc with a thin coating of copper.
-Cookware is another place where you’ll find this element as it heats up evenly and quickly, without hotspots.
-Last but not least, fungicides often contain copper sulfate which helps to prevent the growth of mold and mildew on plants.
Why Is It Used for Electrical Wiring?
Good Conductor- It is a good conductor of electricity which means that it can easily allow electrons to flow through it. This makes copper wiring ideal for electrical applications as it minimizes the resistance between wires, making the current flow more smoothly.
Resistance to Corrosion- Copper is also resistant to corrosion which means that it will not corrode over time when exposed to the elements. This makes it an ideal material for electrical wiring as it will not break down or degrade over time, ensuring a long lifespan for your wiring.
Low Cost- Copper is one of the most affordable metals on the market which makes it an attractive option for electrical wiring. It is also widely available which further reduces costs and makes it a great choice for large scale projects.
Ductility- Copper is a ductile metal which means that it can be easily drawn into wire. This makes it an ideal material for electrical wiring as it can be easily manipulated into the required shape and size.
Thermal Conductivity- Copper has a high thermal conductivity which means that it can efficiently transfer heat. This makes it an ideal material for electrical wiring as it minimizes the risk of fire hazards.
Why Is Electrical Wiring Usually Covered With A Layer Of Plastic
Insulation is a common cause for covering electrical wires with plastic. Keeping the cable from conducting electricity might be risky.
In addition to protecting the wire, the covering serves as an additional layer of defence. It is possible that the wire might be damaged or broken if it is exposed to the environment.
Moreover, dust and other debris are kept out of the wiring by the covers, reducing the likelihood of malfunctions. In order for electrical wire to work correctly, it must be kept clean and clear of any foreign things.
Electrical wire may be safeguarded by covering it with a layer of plastic. You may help prevent accidents and keep your house or workplace operating smoothly by doing so.
Top 5 Types of Copper Wires
Copper is a versatile metal that has many uses, including electrical wiring. There are different types of copper wire, each with its own specific purpose. Here are five of the most common types of copper wire:
-Bare Copper Wire: This type of wire is uncoated and unprotected. It’s typically used for low voltage applications like residential wiring.
-Tinned Copper Wire: This type of wire has a coating of tin, which protects it from corrosion. Tinned copper wire is often used in marine and industrial applications.
-Silver Coated Copper Wire: This type of wire has a coating of silver, which makes it more conductive than other types of copper wire. Silver coated copper wire is often used in high voltage applications.
-Annealed Copper Wire: This type of wire has been heat treated to make it more flexible. Annealed copper wire is often used in applications where it needs to be bent or shaped.
-Hard Drawn Copper Wire: This type of wire is very strong and resistant to breakage. Hard drawn copper wire is often used in applications where it will be subject to a lot of stress or movement.
There are many other types of copper wire, but these five are the most common. Copper wire is an essential part of many electrical applications, so it’s important to choose the right type for your project. Do some research and talk to an expert before making your final decision.
