Copper wires are a common occurrence in most electronic and electrical-related devices. Copper is one of the most widely used types of electrical wires in the world owing to its impressive advantages over other types of wires. However, in the recent past, some materials have been found to perform better than copper wires such as fiber optics, etc, which has given rise to several significant competitors to copper wire. Yet, copper wires find use in a major share of industries and applications. Determining the usefulness of material for various applications is largely dependent on the combination of properties that the material possesses.
Here in this article, we would like to shed some light on the major benefits of using copper wires for industrial applications and the various common applications of copper wires. Read further to know more.
Common applications of copper wires
In recent decades, several industries related to electrical applications such as mobile phones, computer technology, portable electronic devices, etc have become major consumers of copper. Copper is an essential component of the production of Magnetrons in microwaves, Electromagnets, Vacuum tubes, Electronic connectors, Circuitry wiring and contacts, Printed circuit boards, Microchips, Semi-conductors, Commutators, Welding electrodes, etc, within these devices. As copper and its alloys are stable and corrosion-resistant, they are very well used in the transportation of potable water and also used in industrial and saltwater environments. Copper-containing car components include Fittings, fasteners, Brass screws, Wiring for glass defrost systems, Hydraulic lines, Bronze sleeve bearings, Wiring for window and mirror controls, and more.
Major advantages of using Copper cables in Industrial Applications
Copper cables have many advantageous features such as high ductility, malleability, heat resistance, etc, making them one of the most commonly used types of wires in electrical and electronics-related devices. Let’s understand more regarding the various benefits of copper cables in detail below.
Inexpensive
In comparison with the other metals, copper can be considered relatively inexpensive. For example, gold is proven to be an excellent conductor of electricity but employing it would cost several times more money than using copper for the same purpose. If companies used gold to manufacture electrical wires, they would have to bear a huge amount of material costs. On the other hand, costs way less than gold and is more conductive. This is one of the main reasons why copper is the default standard for electrical wires.
Malleability & Ductility
Extremely ductile, copper cables are made to sizes thinner than the standards of human hair. Copper cables can be twisted into almost any shape without the danger of splitting, thanks to their property of high malleability. Copper wires can be found in applications from electrical posts (where thin wires are required) to headphone cables (where thick electrical cable wires are required).
Conductivity and Heat Resistance
Compared to other non-precious metals, copper cables can accommodate a large load of electrical power thereby enabling fewer armoring and insulation to be used. Copper wires are also highly heat resistant, eliminating most of the overloading problems. Copper wires are also corrosion-resistant.
Electromagnetic Interface
Communication system manufacturers tend to use fibre optics cables over copper cables for such applications as they are unaffected by electromagnetic interferences. But as copper wires are easier to work around, wiremen and electricians still prefer copper wiring. It is easier for them to reuse it, quickly strip it, or pull-through through narrow spots without worrying much about oxides forming on the metal surface. Copper cables are the popular choice for commercial and residential ventures due to this reason.
Resistance to corrosion
Copper wires are highly resistant to corrosion. This is especially helpful in industries such as the marine industry where the pieces of equipment get exposed to a lot of moisture. Metals tend to experience frequent breakdowns due to excess humidity in the air. Copper being resistant to rust becomes the ideal choice for usage in marine appliances and underwater equipment.
High tensile strength
Copper wires possess high tensile strength, thereby making them extremely strong. As such copper electrical wires find the best use in the telecommunication industry where wires are employed for sending signals across longer distances.
Small amounts of Electricity
Copper cables are rarely used in semiconductors and high-tech automotive parts due to their inability in controlling electrical spikes. Manufacturers and semiconductor designers use silver and gold wires they provide more durability in the case of handling smaller quantities of electricity, ensuring that sensitive components are not destroyed by electrical surges.
Ease of use
Working with copper cables and their installation is a hassle-free and simple process. It is also a durable and strong metal that can be bent and also set up to suit the buyer’s requirements.
Get connected with the best Copper Cable Manufacturer in the UK to find high-quality copper wires for all types of commercial and residential needs.
