Copper is used for most electrical wiring because of its high resistance to corrosion and low coefficient of expansion. It is also easy to work with and bend into tight curves without kinking or cracking. Because copper has little inherent strength, wires must be connected to copper circuits in metal sheaths called cables. These three properties make copper ideal for most electrical wiring applications, but they also make it relatively expensive as a material to use.
In this article we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of using copper versus other materials when wiring your house. You will learn why you should consider alternatives such as steel wire and plastic PVC pipe whenever possible, along with some handy tips on how to save money while still getting the job done right.
What is wire used for?
Wire is a common type of cable that is used for all types of wiring from the power grid to your home wiring. Wire is made from metals like copper, aluminum, or stainless steel. There are two main types of wire: solid and stranded. The most common types of wire used in home wiring are solid-core wires, which consist of one long piece of metal with one or more coils per side. Stranded-core wires are made up of short pieces of metal arranged in multiple strands. One strand may be twisted into a single coil while the other strand remains straight, giving the appearance that there are multiple coiled strands per core.
Advantages of using copper
The most important advantage of using copper over other materials is that it is relatively easy to work with and bend into tight curves without kinking or cracking. The low coefficient of expansion helps prevent cracking, while the high resistance to corrosion makes it ideal for electrical circuits. Copper also has a good electrical conductivity, which means electricity will flow well through a circuit.
Copper wire can be strung up in bundles and wrapped around itself to make larger wires or cables that are not as susceptible to kinking or breaking. This can make long distances of wiring easier to install, as there are less obstacles to overcome before reaching the desired spot.
Copper is also non-magnetic, meaning that it doesn’t attract any magnetic material nearby and cannot create a magnetic field. This property is useful when you need to position metal objects close together without them interfering with each other’s magnetic fields.
Disadvantages of using copper
Copper is expensive, so it’s not a material you should use in every circumstance. Copper has disadvantages when compared with materials such as steel wire and plastic PVC pipe. These disadvantages are due to the three properties described above, which make copper ideal for most electrical wiring applications.
The high coefficient of expansion makes copper particularly susceptible to kinking and cracking. This can cause problems when wires must be bent into tight curves without kinking or cracking on the inside of the bend. Copper also corrodes more easily than other materials, so it is wise to coat it in paint that contains nickel or zinc as an anti-corrosion agent, which will also help prevent oxidation (rusting) and water damage.
Copper is also harder to work with than other materials because it is difficult to solder and form connections using a soldering iron or crimping tool. It can also be a challenge to find suitable tools for working with copper wiring if you don’t have access to the appropriate equipment at home or your local hardware store.
Another drawback of using copper for most electrical applications is that it requires a higher voltage than other types of wires, which means electricians must often purchase special tooling from their supplier in order to work with it safely and effectively.
Steel wire – An alternative to copper wire
Steel wire is a good alternative to copper wire because it is a more affordable material. In addition, steel wire can also be easily bent into almost any shape without kinking or cracking. Steel will corrode over time, but it is still less expensive than copper and doesn’t require a conduit to carry the electrical current like copper does.
Steel wire has other advantages like being much less likely to break or melt in high temperature applications, making it ideal for industrial settings where heat builds up and needs to be dissipated quickly.
Plastic PVC pipe- An alternative to copper pipe
Plastic PVC pipe has a higher coefficient of expansion than copper pipe and therefore is not as suitable for electrical wiring applications. Plastics, while they are more durable and less corrosive than copper, are also more fragile and harder to bend into tight curves without kinking or cracking.
PVC piping is used because of its low cost, but the material is too soft to be used in high-pressure areas such as a water main.
Summary
Copper is used for most electrical wiring because of its high resistance to corrosion and low coefficient of expansion. It is also easy to work with and bend into tight curves without kinking or cracking. It is relatively expensive as a material to use because it is more difficult to work with than other materials such as steel wire and plastic PVC pipe. Steel wire and plastic PVC pipe are more environmentally friendly materials that are often preferable in situations where you need a long-lasting solution for your wiring system.
You should always try alternatives whenever possible, however, because copper has some limitations such as being poor at conducting electricity along its surface.
FAQ’s
Why is copper better than other materials for electrical wiring?
The three most important advantages to using copper in electrical wiring are:
First, copper has a high resistance to corrosion, which means that it will not wear down as quickly as other materials such as plastic and rubber.
Second, copper is also low in coefficient of expansion, which means that it will not stretch out as much as other materials, such as rubber and plastic. This makes it less likely to crack or creep.
Third, the low cost of copper makes it the best material for electrical wiring. This is because most people can afford to buy the right amount at once, which makes it more cost-effective.
What are the disadvantages of using copper for electrical wiring?
The advantages of using copper include its cost, resistance to corrosion, and strength. On the other hand, copper has a low electrical conductivity, high weight per unit area, and a low melting point.
What are the advantages of using other materials for electrical wiring?
There are many advantages to using copper for electrical wiring. One of the most common is that it is inexpensive and easy to work with. It also has a high resistance to corrosion, which means that it does not need to be coated or insulated as much as other materials. All of these properties make it ideal for electrical wiring, but they can also make it expensive.
Another advantage of using copper is that it is more durable than other materials. Copper electrical wiring can withstand longer exposure to the elements and continue to function properly. However, once the wires start to show signs of wear and tear, they may have to be replaced sooner than if they were made from another material such as PVC.
Additionally, copper electrical wiring is fire resistant, meaning that if there is a fire in your home, it will not spread as quickly or damage other parts of the building as much as wiring made from other materials. However, this also makes copper more expensive than PVC.
