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The "metal" in electric wire is called the conductor. Many materials are used to transmit electrical energy, but those most frequently used are copper, copper-covered steel, high strength copper alloys, and aluminum. For more unusual applications, conductors are fabricated from pure nickel (high temperature applications), pure silver, copper-covered aluminum, and a host of metals, metal alloys, and metal combinations. The most common found in everyday wire is copper which is available in stranded or solid configurations.

High strength alloys - Though more expensive than copper-covered steel wires, copper alloy conductors are specified because they permit significant size and/or weight reductions especially important in computer and aerospace applications. They offer high breaking strength and greater flex life with only a small increase in DC resistance.

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Why metal is used in electric wires?

The main reason why certain metals - such as copper or aluminum - are used to make wires is that they are extremely good conductors of electricity. If there were no metal in the wires the electricity would not be conducted by anything.Another good reason why certain metals are used to make wires is because they are "ductile". That just means they can easily be drawn through a series of smaller and smaller holes - called "dies" - to make wires of various diameters.NoteTo prevent the wires in an electrical cable from touching together - which would make a "short circuit" - or from making contact with other metal surfaces, the wires must be covered in a good insulating material such as a specially prepared plastic or rubber compound.


What are the springy pieces of metal or carbon that make contact with a commutator's contacts?

Those are called brushes. They are used to conduct electric current between stationary wires and rotating parts in an electric motor or generator. The brushes are typically made of carbon or metal alloys to ensure good electrical contact and minimize wear on the commutator.


What is a wire used for in electric?

Wires are used as electricity conductors.


Which metal is commonly used in electrical wires?

Copper is the most common metal used in electrical wires due to its high conductivity and ability to easily carry electrical currents.


What metal conducts electricity well and is used for wires and pipes?

Copper is the main metal used for this purpose.

Related Questions

What is the metal used for electric wire?

Copper and aluminum used for electric wires


Which metal is used in electric wires commonly at home and why?

Copper Metal is used because it is good conductor of electricity


In what proportion copper is used to make electric wires?

Usually, you use ETP (electrical grade) copper, which is at least 99.9% pure. It could be different for special applications.


Why metal is used in electric wires?

The main reason why certain metals - such as copper or aluminum - are used to make wires is that they are extremely good conductors of electricity. If there were no metal in the wires the electricity would not be conducted by anything.Another good reason why certain metals are used to make wires is because they are "ductile". That just means they can easily be drawn through a series of smaller and smaller holes - called "dies" - to make wires of various diameters.NoteTo prevent the wires in an electrical cable from touching together - which would make a "short circuit" - or from making contact with other metal surfaces, the wires must be covered in a good insulating material such as a specially prepared plastic or rubber compound.


What metal is usually used to make a electric wire?

Copper


Why is silver not used for making wires?

Even though silver is the best conductor of electricity, it is extremely expensive. Thus silver is not used to make electical wires. Silver is also very soft to be used as electric wires.


What is the most ductile metal which is not used to make electrical wires?

Lead could fall into that category.


Why Solden is used to join copper wires in electric circuit?

Solder is a low melt metal that is conductive of electricity, ideal for forming joints in copper wires, and other electrical devices, etc.


What are the springy pieces of metal or carbon that make contact with a commutator's contacts?

Those are called brushes. They are used to conduct electric current between stationary wires and rotating parts in an electric motor or generator. The brushes are typically made of carbon or metal alloys to ensure good electrical contact and minimize wear on the commutator.


What are coppers usses?

Copper is used in wires and water pipes. The properties that make copper suitable for electric wires are:-1. Ductile2. high melting points3. good conductor.The copper used in electric wires has to be purified up to 99.99%, because impurities decreases its rate of conductivity.


Why are aluminium and copper used for making electric wires?

Copper and aluminum are good conductors. Other conductors like silver aren't used to make electric wires because copper and aluminum are cheaper but have the same properties.


What is a wire used for in electric?

Wires are used as electricity conductors.