Electrical cables and wires feature conductors at their core. The conductor plays a pivotal role in a wire as it is responsible for transmitting electric currents. Conductors are predominantly metallic due to metals’ high conductivity. However, various conductors exhibit different resistivity levels, distinguishing the most efficient conductor from others based on the application. As such, some metals, such as copper, possess higher conductivity levels compared to others. In most electrical applications, copper, aluminum, and high-strength alloys are the common materials used for wire and cable conductors.
How to determine good conductor materials for cables
What do we mean by a conductor material for cables? It refers to a material that possesses high electrical conductivity, allowing electric current to flow easily from one end to another. Therefore, under normal conditions, an electrical conductor must exhibit certain properties such as:
- Availability of free electrons
- Movement of electrons with little or no resistance, i.e., low resistivity levels
- Have a zero charge density
- The material should have no electric field difference
- The electrons on the material’s surface can freely carry current when applied
Common Conductor Materials for Wire and Cable
Copper
Copper is the most prevalent conductor material for wire and cable in electrical applications. Since the 1820s, copper has been utilized for generating, distributing, and transmitting electric power. While silver surpasses copper in conductivity, copper is more widely used due to its economic feasibility and accessibility.
The properties of copper make it a good conductor material
- Low resistivity- Copper has a resistivity of 8nΩ∙m. This makes copper have the highest conductivity level compared to other non-precious metals.
- Low comparable cost- Copper is an easily accessible metal, making its prices relatively lower than other better conductors like silver. Cable and wire manufacturers, as well as users, generally accept and prefer the use of copper since it is budget-friendly.
- Easy to solder and join- It’s easy to join copper by soldering and has low reactions with other materials.
Aluminum
Aluminum has a conductivity that is 61% of copper’s. It is used in the manufacturing of cables for power distribution in various commercial and industrial feeders, such as in the electrical wiring of appliances, aircraft, and buildings.
Properties make aluminum a common material used as an electric conductor.
- Aluminum is the least expensive metal, making it easily accessible and affordable for electric applications.
- Aluminum has high electrical conductivity, enough for electrical application.
- A low resistivity rating of 82 X 10-8 Ω-m- Indicates that aluminum is a good conductor of electricity.
Other conductor materials include;
Silver
- Silver is a better electrical conductor than copper.
- It has a low resistivity of 1.59×10−8 Ω-m, meaning it has a significant conductivity level.
- Its high cost makes cable manufacturers not use it often, especially for large projects.
High strength alloys
- The alloys comprise copper-covered steel wires.
- Offer great flex life and high breaking strength.
- The most frequently used alloys are; zirconium copper, cadmium copper, chromium copper, and cadmium-chromium copper.
- The alloys are applicable in making computer wires and cables as well as aerospace cables.
Conclusion
High-quality conductor materials are utilized in the manufacture of cables and wires for electrical and electronic applications. Each manufacturer and user strives to select the most suitable material. In numerous applications, copper is deemed superior due to its low resistivity, high conductivity, accessibility, and affordability. However, it is crucial to understand your cable application before making a purchase. Not all applications can utilize copper-based cables due to extremely high temperatures. If you require any assistance, please feel free to consult with us at any time.
