What Is a Copper Wire?
A copper wire is an electrical wire made of copper, which is an excellent electrical conductor.
Copper is a very good electrical conductor and is one of the materials that can transmit electric current efficiently. Therefore, it is used in various applications such as electrical wiring and electronic devices. Taking advantage of this property, copper wires are made of copper.
Copper is a relatively flexible and easily processable material. This allows wires to be manufactured and installed in a variety of shapes. Other materials with high electrical conductivity include gold and silver, which can be manufactured at a lower cost than these materials.
Copper is also highly corrosion resistant and resists oxidation and corrosion. This makes it suitable for use in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments. Copper wires have a long service life and can remain reliable for decades.
Uses of Copper Wire
Copper wire is used as electrical wire in electrical circuits. The list of uses for copper wire is endless. The following are just a few examples of copper wire applications:
1. General Households
Copper Wire is widely used for power supply and electrical wiring in general households. They can be used for a variety of electrical wiring, from wall outlets to lighting fixtures. Copper wire is safe and reliable and supports the efficient operation of electrical systems.
2. Electronic Equipment
Copper wire is often used for internal wiring in electronic equipment. For example, copper wires are used in most electronic devices such as computers and smart phones. Copper’s high electrical conductivity makes it suitable for signal transmission and power supply, ensuring reliable operation.
3. Automotive
In the automotive industry, copper wire is a widely used component in automotive electrical systems and engine components. Copper wires are used in electrical components such as automotive battery cables, starter ignition systems, lighting, and sensors. Copper’s high heat resistance and durability make it highly reliable in automotive electrical systems.
4. Power Generation and Substations
At power plants, copper wires are often used to transmit power from generators to transmission lines. Copper wires are also essential for regulating voltage and distributing power at substations. Copper’s high electrical conductivity and durability make it ideal for efficiently transmitting power from power plants to demand facilities.
Principles of Copper Wire
Copper wire has very high electrical conductivity because copper atoms can move electrons freely. Free electrons exist outside the copper atom, and these free electrons carry electric current.
As current flows through the copper wire, the free electrons move through the crystal lattice of copper atoms, moving in response to the electric field. The electric field is the cause of the electric current, and the electrons move within the copper wire in accordance with the electric field, which is how the current is generated. Copper’s high electrical conductivity allows current to be efficiently transmitted, resulting in minimal energy loss.
One important law related to the copper wire principle is the Ohm’s law. According to Ohm’s law, current (I) is proportional to voltage (V) and inversely proportional to resistance (R). Specifically, it is expressed by the following equation:
V = I x R
In the case of copper wire, resistance is very low, resulting in almost no voltage drop when current flows, thus increasing the efficiency of the electrical system.
How to Select Copper Wire
Many factors are considered when selecting copper wire. The following are factors in selecting copper wire:
1. Shape
The shape of copper wire should be selected based on its application. When used as an overhead wire, single-core or thicker wire should be used to reinforce its strength. When laying inside a wall or in a narrow space, stranded wire with a group of thin wires is often used.
2. Allowable Current
Copper wire generates heat when a large current is applied, and it is important that this heat generation be kept within the allowable value. Therefore, it is necessary to select thicker diameter products for copper wires transmitting large currents. Copper wire with excellent heat resistance is often used when equipment needs to be downsized.
3. Insulation Coating and Protection
Since copper wire is a conductive material, it may cause a ground fault or short circuit if it comes in contact with the metal that makes up the column legs or enclosure. Therefore, many products cover copper wires with a resinous insulating material to insulate them. Products in which this insulation is further covered with a shielding layer or a sturdy insulator are called cables, and these products are selected according to the application.