What is the metal in an electric wire made of?

Answer 1

Mainly copper.

Both copper and aluminum wire is used in the electrical trade. Copper in the smaller size wires but aluminum becomes more viable when bigger size wire is needed. This is usually 200 amp services and larger. When aluminum wire is used for a specific amperage, one size larger is required than when using copper. The money savings on aluminum wire over copper wire in the larger sizes is about 20%.

Answer 2

Electrical wires are typically 'drawn' through a series of pulling machines and dies from an extruded copper source ingot or billet

The copper (in most wires) starts as a large 'blank' or roughly unformed mass of copper. The copper is then usually extruded under extreme heat and pressure to form a thicker and longer strand. This strand is too large to be used as wire, but starts the process.

The strand then is pulled through a series of subsequently smaller dies & pullers, with each set of pullers and dies making the diameter of the wire smaller, and also increasing the length of the wire.

After the copper is at the desired diameter, is it then passed through a continuous coating process of an insulting material (Vinyl, PVC, ABS, Shellac, Varnish... etc)

After the insulation, some wires will have manufacture and trade information printed on it in another continuous process...

Answer 3

Any metal. Copper is preferred for its high conductivity whereas Aluminum is used in high tension lines because of its light weight. (And sometimes steel for its strength.)

Answer 4

No. Just copper, and possibly an enamel or plastic insulating jacket.

Answer 5

The most used metal to make electric wire is copper (Cu).

Answer 6

Most electrical wiring is made of copper.

Answer 7

copper