Copper Wire Key Terms

Know what to look for when choosing copper wire

Copper wire is used in a variety of products, as it's an excellent conductor of electricity that's often found in electrical cable and electronic instruments. The conductivity levels of copper wire are based on a number of factors that include the wire gauge, insulation and the shape of the wire. An important factor when choosing copper wire is the price, which varies based on the amount sold and whether the copper wire is clad with aluminum, which is a cost-saving option.

 

Gauge

The gauge of a wire is the measurement of the diameter. Gauges are numbered with the largest gauge number representing the smallest diameter.
Try: Examine the American Wire Gauge chart at Interface Bus to see the different gauges of copper wire available. American Wire Gauge, or AWG, is the standard measurement for this type of wire.

Circuit

A circuit is an electrical connection between a power source and an electrical device. Copper wire is often used as the connection between the two sides of the circuit.
Try: The Tech provides a diagram and explanation of how a simple circuit works.

Bare copper wire

Bare copper wire is a type of wire that's not covered by any type of insulation material. Bare copper wire products come in stranded and solid versions.
Try: MWS Wire Industries provides a chart for the resistance values of bare copper wire, which are based on the gauge of the wire.

Flat copper wire

Flat copper wire is a type of wire that does not have a circular shape and cannot be measured in diameters.
Try: ASTM International has created the standards for flat copper wire for use in most general applications.

Alloy

An alloy is a combination of two or more metals where the atoms of one metal combine in the spaces between the other metal. An example of an alloy is brass, which is a mix of copper and zinc.
Try: Fisk Alloy provides specifications for many types of copper wire alloys used in electrical products.

Corrosion

Corrosion is the process of a material's essential elements breaking down due to chemical reactions in the environment. Copper materials corrode when exposed to water.
Try: The Copper Development Association has resources for corrosion protection and resistance for all types of copper materials, including copper alloys.

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

---