Electrical wires are what are used to carry the much needed energy into places of work, homes and even in automobiles and other different equipment and appliances. For this reason, the wires used in the different electrical applications need to be in optimal condition if at all they are to get things running as smoothly as they should.
With so many wire options available in the market, it is wise to always weigh your options and the exact wire features your kind of application require so you are able to select the most suitable one at the end of the day. It is the best way of ensuring safety when using electricity and wire materials are some of the most important to consider for any given application. What your wire is made up of determines its quality and suitability for the intended use.
Copper
It is considered standard in the wiring area with most electrical appliances relying on copper wires to transfer energy. One of the major reasons why copper is a great material is its high conductivity and flexibility. Compared to other metals, copper seems to win also in resistance to corrosion, tensile strength, ductility, thermal conductivity and also resistance to overloads. Because of the abundance of copper, the electrical wires made of copper are reasonably priced.
Aluminum
It may be more abundant and cheaper compared to copper, but it is not as conductive as copper. You would need a relatively larger aluminum wire in diameter to have it functioning the same way as a copper wire. Aluminum is also not as reliable in terms of electrical safety because it can’t withstand excess heat. When going for this kind of electrical wire, especially for commercial purposes, it is best that you settle only for larger diameters.
Silver
It is a good conductor of electricity and is most suitable in high temperature conditions. Silver wires are however not that easy to bend and they can also be very expensive. In commercial applications, electrical safety would actually be compromised unless silver electrical wires are used. Most people prefer using these wires at home for their entertainment equipment because signals seem to travel far much better through pure silver compared to copper.
When looking for the best electrical wire for your application, it is only important to consider the material that makes up the wire, but also the type of wire you are going for. The wire gauge size and the manufacturing of the wire can also help you in choosing the most suitable wire for the exact electrical needs you have. Most electrical wires come insulated with materials such as Teflon or silicone. You can also take those into consideration because they come with different properties that can help you make the right decision depending on what you are looking for in a wire.
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