What Are the Uses of Electric Copper wires at Home?
Due to its robust electrical and thermal conductivity, copper is used in various household objects and applications such as electrical appliances, utensils, plumbing, roofing, machinery, electrical wiring, etc.
This article explores the world of copper wires and throws light upon why copper wires are preferred globally and the various uses of copper wires at home.
Why is Copper the Best Metal for Making Wires?
Among all the metals, copper wire has the best electrical conductivity after silver. Due to the high costs of silver, copper is widely used and preferred in various things. The high ductile strength of copper makes it suitable for transformation into a strong wire.
As per research conducted by scientists, it is possible to heat and pull a 4-inch thick copper bar (thinner than the strand of a human hair) into a copper wire that is 20-million times longer than the size of the copper bar.
Thus, copper has rightly considered the best metal for making electrical wires.
Types of Copper Wires
Copper wires can be categorized into three divisions, including plain copper, tin-coated copper, and braided copper wires.
- Plain copper wires are used for establishing point to point electrical connections on the printed circuit board in electronic devices. It finds immense application for electrical connectivity in trains and trolleys.
- Tin coated copper wires differ from plain copper wires as they have a tin coating for preventing wires from oxidation or erosion. However, these wires are used for the same applications as plain copper wires.
- Braided copper wires are widely used in applications that need enhanced flexibility, such as speaker wires, headphone cables, mouse and keyboard cables, etc.
Why are Copper Wires Preferred Globally?
Look around your home carefully, and you will find that copper is the most commonly used element at home. You can locate the copper in household electrical wiring and various electrical and electronic appliances.
Moreover, copper is found in the kitchen in copper utensils like bottles, cutlery, etc. Copper is an affordable element that features a rusty orange colour and feels cold to touch.
Copper wires are preferred globally as copper is found practically everywhere on our planet. So let’s consider a few features of copper that make it a stand out element among the various metals.
High Electrical Conductivity
As copper is a powerful conductor of electricity, copper wires are widely used for various electrical applications at home. The metallic properties of the copper allow the copper wires to conduct more electrical current per diameter of the wire.
A copper wire lasts longer as it can withstand extreme climatic conditions. Its immense flexibility allows it to stretch longer without breaking it or weakening its strength. As a result, it works as a reliable alternative for installing electrical wiring at home and elsewhere.
Preferred Globally
The use of copper is preferred across the world as it is compatible with diverse types of building structures and devices. Moreover, copper is easily accessible and convenient to use. As a result, there are many companies worldwide that manufacture copper wires.
Withstand Extreme Temperatures
The chemical properties of copper make it an ideal element for creating wires for conducting electricity. These wires can withstand extreme temperatures and pass electricity from one place to another, even with fluctuations in temperature from low to high voltage.
Affordable
Copper wires serve as affordable conductors of electricity for most electrical-related work. As compared to other metals, copper is the least expensive element with energy-efficient properties. This makes it an ideal option for electric equipment manufacturers & consumers.
What are the Uses of the Copper Electrical Wires at Home?
The durability and ductility of the copper wires make them very easy to work and install at home. Most electrical work and appliances depend heavily on copper wires. These wires last longer due to high tensile strength, conductivity, and corrosion-resistant properties.
Copper wires are commonly found in various household appliances for daily use. Let’s discuss the typical uses of copper wires at home.
Telecommunications
The high conductivity of copper wires makes it a suitable material for telecommunications. Thus, the copper wires find immense application in fax machines, printers, telephone lines, scanners, etc.
Moreover, copper wires are widely used for the installation of broadband internet connectivity, such as ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Lines) and HDSL (High Digital Subscriber Lines).
Kitchen Appliances
Copper electrical wires power many electrical appliances in your kitchen. Most of these appliances contain more than 99.9% pure copper electrical wires.
For example, the essential components of your mixer grinder include solid copper wire. The thin brush made of copper wire is used for cleaning gas stoves. The electric kettle that heats the water instantly contains a heater made of copper.
Air Conditioners
Due to its high heat transfer coefficient, copper serves as a powerful heat exchanger. As copper features high tensile strength and effective corrosion resistance, it lasts longer without needing replacement.
Within an air conditioner, the copper wires are made into a coil. Copper is preferred over aluminium in air conditioners because it is stronger and possesses longer shelf life. Thus, copper offers savings on the cost of replacement.
Moreover, the durability of copper coils makes it easier and cost-effective to maintain and upkeep your AC.
Power Distribution
Due to its high electrical conductivity, copper electrical wiring is preferred for underground transmission lines. As copper wiring is not heavy or bulky, it doesn’t occupy much space. This wiring can withstand extreme cable temperatures and reduce power losses.
For effective power transmission, the copper electrical wiring provides the convenience of both indoor and outdoor installation. Thus, copper wires are suitable for both power generation and transmission.
Security Usage
The cable types used in the home security equipment like CCTV cameras rely on the copper wiring and plate for ensuring excellent signal quality and flawless functionality for a long time.
The copper plates present in the CCTV cameras assist in faster data transmission. The presence of insulated copper wires in security devices ensures improved audio purposes.
Jewellery and Utensils
The copper is not limited to electrical purposes only, but it finds a wide range of applications in other areas like jewellery and utensils.
As copper is a highly pure element, it acts as an allergen against fungi, bacteria, and other living organisms. As a result, copper utensils are used for hygienic purposes at home and in hospitals.
As per Ayurveda, storing water in copper bottles helps improve one’s immunity and exert healing properties. Moreover, copper utensils transmit energy to water and make it more positively charged.
Copper jewellery is usually lacquered, and this makes it safe to wear. It makes an effective fashion statement. Electric copper is purer than metallic copper; hence it is preferred for jewellery and aesthetic purposes.
Electrical copper wire is considered a ubiquitous household material found in practically every electrical work and scores over other metallic elements at home. Copper supersedes over aluminium as an electrical element due to high reliability and long-lasting usage.
