Wiring Projects Are Made To Last When Using Copper
When it comes to electrical wiring systems, copper has got it going on - just as it always has. As an electrical conductor, this traditional metal is the first choice for strength and durability, ease of installation, compatibility with other connectors, resistance to corrosion, the ability to reliably meet building code standards and its overall value over time. No wonder this metal has been the popular -- and almost the most logical -- choice to the industry as an electrical conductor since at least before the beginning of the first world war. Now let’s take a closer look at many of the key ways copper is the superior metal for wiring systems. The Standard for Over a Century Copper became the industry standard conductor as far as the International Electro-Technical Commission was concerned way back in 1913. This electrical industry group set the current-carrying capacity of copper at 100 percent, making it the preferred choice of all other engineered metals. It still rates that perfect grade, or even higher, more than a century later. Copper is also known for its superior characteristics in carrying a current through narrow conduit, and less insulation is required in its installation. This saves time as well as cost and makes copper the better choice for energy efficiency. Confidently Meets Building Codes One factor of the long-time use of copper is that the metal is well recognized and trusted as a connector. For its many advantages, this metal is the the reliable choice for electrical contractors and subject to easy approval from code inspectors. Beats Aluminum Every Time Out When it comes to strength and durability as a connector, copper easily defeats aluminum and other metals. That means that this superior wiring is less likely to stretch, break, nick, deform under stress or otherwise experience failure. It also offers 60 percent more thermal conductivity than aluminum. This results in better heat dissipation and more energy efficiency. In short, copper is a tough, rugged conductor that hold up better over time. Works Well With Other Connectors What this means is that copper is resistant to corrosion when used with other metals. It’s known as a “noble metal,” meaning that galvanic corrosion isn’t a threat when copper is connected to inferior metals or alloys. Copper is also resistant to corrosion as a result of humidity, moisture, industrial pollutants and other environmental factors. Strong, But Pliable and Easy to Use Metals that are particularly durable tend to be stiff and difficult to work with. No so with copper. Its pliability is a major advantage when it comes to installation. It can be easily pulled through conduit with little fear of breaking, nicking or deforming the wiring. Therefore, the job can be completed faster and with few if any hiccups. And there’s less risk of getting called back to handle maintenance and system failure issues. It can be used as hook up wire or by itself. End Result: the Cost-Effective Choice Aluminum can look cheaper upon first impression, but not when you consider the life of the wiring. Copper, on account of its strength, durability, corrosion-resistant characteristics, ease of installation, better energy efficiency and low maintenance needs is easily the better and more cost-efficient precut wire choice over the life of the connection.
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