Why Copper And Aluminium Are Used In Cables?

Two of the best candidates for the role of electricity conductors include copper and aluminium, and that’s why engineers and power project designers use either an aluminum cable or a copper one. The primary function of any conductor is to conduct the flow of electrons from one point to another. In the case of power, conductors used in cables and wires conduct electrical current. Ideally, because of the characteristics required of a successful conductor, nonmagnetic metals are the best choice. Both aluminium and copper offer these ideal features.

The choice of why and when to use one or the other depends on the properties of each type of cable, including, environmental exposure, tensile strength, conductivity and weight. Copper has been the standard for power cables for a long time. However, the aluminium power cable is quickly replacing it as the conductor of choice.