ISO 9001:2008 / AS9120 / 2009
However, in some applications such as aerial electric power transmission cables, aluminium predominates, and copper is rarely used. If the two metals are joined, a galvanic reaction can occur. [10], Because of its superior conductivity, annealed copper became the international standard to which all other electrical conductors are compared. By using proper hardware, such as spring pressure connections and cupped or split washers at the joint, it may be possible to create aluminium joints that compare in quality to copper joints. The need to increase the thickness of aluminium wire restricts its use in many applications,[4] such as in small motors and automobiles. [14][15] The high cost of silver combined with its low tensile strength limits its use to special applications, such as joint plating and sliding contact surfaces, and plating for the conductors in high-quality coaxial cables used at frequencies above 30 MHz. For example, an ideal application of stranded wire is in a car door where frequent bending will occur. Wireless systems are more susceptible to interference from other devices and systems, which can compromise performance. The tensile strength of a material is the maximum amount of tensile stress it can take before breaking. [28], Today, many CATV companies still use coaxial cables into homes. Patch cables, which connect computers to wall plates, use stranded copper wire because they are expected to be flexed during their lifetimes. The average distance travelled between collisions, defined as the "mean free path", is inversely proportional to the resistivity of the metal. The approach is no different if building a house or a box build assembly, these factors must be considered before any final decisions about what type of wire should be used to effectively and efficiently complete your project. Twisted pair cabling is the most popular network cable and is often used in data networks for short and medium length connections (up to 100 meters or 328 feet). Some of the major application markets for copper conductors are summarized below. In-line closures can also be used in a butt configuration by restricting cable access to one end of the closure. Solid wires are more suited for outdoor or heavy-duty applications where higher currents and more rigid durability are required. Stranded wires are advantageous for applications that require a great deal of intricate snaking, bending, reshaping, and movement such as in vehicles/robotics or electronic circuit boards. Electrical cables may be made more flexible by stranding the wires. We will make it for you. Soldering is a process whereby two or more metals are joined together by a heating process. Design engineers weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the various types of copper and copper alloy conductors when determining which type to specify for a specific electrical application. Alternatively, wireless systems are a security risk as they can transmit sensitive information to unintended users over similar receiver devices. Conductor types include non-metallic/non-metallic corrosion-resistant cable (two or more insulated conductors with a nonmetallic outer sheath), armored or BX cable (cables are surrounded by a flexible metal enclosure), metal clad cable, service entrance cable, underground feeder cable, TC cable, fire resistant cable, and mineral insulated cable, including mineral-insulated copper-clad cable. In electrical applications like cable assemblies and wire harnesses, choosing stranded wire vs solid wire will depend on the job requirements. However they are the easiest to tap into. [12], Several electrically conductive metals are less dense than copper, but require larger cross sections to carry the same current and may not be usable when limited space is a major requirement.