Why is Copper Used Extensively for Wires?

If you skin the cables of virtually every electronic appliance you have in your home, you’re likely to find copper inside them. Have you bothered to ask why? While almost all metals (the solid ones, specifically) are good conductors of electricity on their own, copper seems to be the most favored. Why is that?

Simply put, copper lords over almost every metal (silver is a better conductor, but its steep price tag is one thing manufacturers won’t dare touch) when it comes to electrical conductivity. Copper wires have been shown capable of carrying more current per diameter of wire, while depleting relatively less electrical charge when current flows through it.

The physical characteristics of copper also make it an excellent choice for making wire. Copper’s ductility, or the ability to be stretched to a good length without breaking or weakening, makes it the perfect material for wiring. Aside from this, copper is also very malleable; it can be pounded, bent, and hammered into different forms without breaking.

But if you think copper’s malleability makes it soft, stop right there. Copper’s high melting point (a massive 1,085 degrees celsius) is a testament to its durability. Electrical wiring systems are known to pump out heat as much as electricity, so the high melting point is enough reason for copper to be trusted.