subject: Usage Of Copper And Aluminum In Electrical Wiring [print this page] Copper is supposed to be one of the most ancient metals having excellent properties, making it the most widely used metal across the globe. The thickness, width and length of copper can be modified as per the required needs. Copper wire is ductile, highly conductive, corrosion resistant and less vulnerable to electromechanical. These properties of copper make it suitable for various purposes.
Copper wires are put to different uses and for each and every use it is put to, the manufacturing involves different steps. The copper wire manufacturer is needed to obtain a license which is called ISO 9002. Copper wires are used generally for electrical purposes. The most pure form of copper is electrolyte copper in which some cooper wire manufacturers have specialized. Electrical copper wire is used in manufacturing process of cable which is also the raw material for copper industries.
Another type of copper wire that needs to be manufactured is bare copper wire. Bare copper wire is also known as a ground wire. It is not at all insulated and so it has no protection. It has best conductivity so it is used in homes as ground wire. Bare copper is a base for many types of cables and wires. Yet another use to which bare copper wire can be put into is automatic machines to aid production.
There are also braided copper wires used as connectors in electrical appliances, battery storage and electrical stove. Another type of copper wire is braided flexible connectors. These wires are needed for Railways and locomotives, transformers, switch gear, earthlings tap, turbine connectors, control panels, induction furnish, power meter connectors etc. Tinsel electrical copper wire is yet another type of wire which is put to different uses altogether. This wire is used when maximum flexibility of wire is needed. It is used in electronic instruments like telephone receivers.
Although copper is the best conductor of heat, at time its cost limits its uses. Aluminum wire is used as a substitute for copper as it is cheaper. Though aluminum has 60% of the conductivity of copper its lightness makes it feasible for carrying electricity over large distance. It has relatively large diameter for a given conductivity which reduces corona. However, if the large size of aluminum is used for a given conductance it is not economical for insulation covering.
Also, the copper is gaining a foothold over aluminum wire because of its obvious advantages which can be listed below-
Superior thermal and electrical conductivity
Lesser inter metallic growth
High mechanical stability
Greater reliability at aluminum temperature
Copper wire has an electrical resistivity of 0.017 micro-ohm-m at room temperature. This makes it more electrically conductive. Low electrical resistivity of copper results in better electrical performance compared to aluminum wire.
Also the copper wire dissipates heat within the package faster and more efficiently. Yet another advantage is that it has high thermal conductivity. Because of the above advantages of copper over aluminum, copper has become more popular metal that is being put to different uses.
