Why is copper wire used to carry electricity from power plants to homes and buildings?

Answer 1

The reason electric wires are made of copper is because they are good insulators, which means the flow of electricity moves easily through them. Also they are very ductile, which means the current can move through the wire better, like an insulator.

Answer 2

Besides the fact that it is has to be used in most municipalities to meet code it is used because of its conductive properties. Copper as compared to other metals (certain alloys not withstanding) has the second highest potential to carry electricity ( the number one seat being given over to silver). due to its relative cheapness compared to silver its workability and its durability it is one of the best choices for home wiring. You may find in some older homes or in commercial applications the use of aluminum wire( may also be used as the main service feeder for a house). The use of aluminum wire came around when the price of copper skyrocketed years ago but since it has come back down in price copper is the way to go. The other reason copper is used is that aluminum wire only conducts at about 75% of the potential of copper therefore requiring you to actually have to use larger gauge wire.

Answer 3

That because copper is a good conductor.

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In nearly all cases copper is not used to carry electricity from the generating power plants to the home. Aluminum is used, to be completely accurate ACSR. Aluminium conductor steel reinforced. Aluminum is much lighter than copper and can span longer distances between support towers. Copper conductors to carry electricity to homes and building does not start until the service mast head. This is the connection to the building where copper conductor is connected to the aluminium feed wire of the utility on one end and the service disconnect or breaker in the distribution panel on the other end.

Answer 4

Copper is very convenient for wiring. It has excellent electrical conductivity (better than aluminium, which has a non-conductive mono-molecular layer of aluminium oxide on its surface), it is not going to rust (unlike iron), it is quite flexible, it is not prohibitively expensive (as silver or gold would be).

Answer 5

Actually, electrical contractors install copper and sometimes aluminum wire in homes. Copper (and aluminum) are very good conductors of electricity, AND both are relatively inexpensive compared to the better conducting metals such as gold and platinum.

Copper and aluminum are malleable (they bend easily), making it easier to install in tight spots, and to bend wire around corners.

Copper and aluminum are relatively light for the electrical load they can take, again compared to other conducting metals.