Copper Wire Basics

Choose the right type and size and specs of copper wiring to keep electrical installations running

Copper wire and copper cable are most often used in electronics and electrical wiring. Wires are used to connect parts and conduct electric current between them, creating a circuit. Copper wiring is used in everything from toaster ovens to overhead lighting.

Copper wire comes in many varieties, like bare, nickel coated, flat, square, and round wire. Bulk copper wire is often available in rolls or specific lengths. When buying electrical copper wire, always check to make sure that the current AMPS are sufficient and that the wire contains the correct number of strands for your job. In addition, always consider the following:

1. Installing copper wiring generally requires a permit from local authorities, and in some cases a license.

2. Regulations often require new or repaired wiring to be inspected by a qualified electrician or government official in charge of electrical inspection.

3. The type of copper wire you can use for specific purposes, like grounding, is generally limited by national standards and local regulations.

 

Use bare copper wire for electrical installations

Bare copper wire is often used for overhead distribution lines, grounding in substations and other electrical equipment. Bare copper wires is also used to ground kitchen appliances and other household or industrial items. Copper wiring is often sold on spools, and is available with varying numbers of strands.
Try: Buy copper wire from Custom Cable, or purchase spools of bare copper wire from the American Wire Group.

Purchase special copper and copper-alloy wire for specific properties from wire vendors

Other metals can be added to copper wire to make the wire stronger, heat or moisture resistant, or harder. With so many alloys available, the wire properties possible are nearly endless. Adding silver can help make wire more conductive, while coating copper wire in nickel can help protect the wire itself. Special types of copper can be used in addition to alloys, such as oxygen-free copper, phosphorous deoxidized copper and cadmium copper.
Try: Buy copper-alloy wire from Wheeler Industrial or check out special types of copper wire from Fisk Alloy Conductor.

Commission custom-designed copper wire for special situations

If you're having trouble finding an industrial copper wire with the right properties and the correct amount of AMPS or strands, try asking copper wire distributors to design the perfect wire for you. Although custom copper wire prices are generally higher, you're guaranteed a product that fits your needs. Just give them your specifications and let them help you choose the coating, strand number, AMPS and other important specs of your custom wire.
Try: Get a design from Jersey Strand & Cable, or ask the Standard Wire & Cable Co. about its custom cable design service.

 

• For larger operations, its often easier to buy copper wire in bulk. This allows plenty of extra wire to correct mistakes or miscalculations, and bulk wire supplies are often discounted. Buying in bulk works best for purchasing the most common types of copper wire, as the wire providers often only offer their best selling wire in bulk.

Copyright © 2011 Business.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

---