What is copper wire?

Copper wire is a conductive material used in a variety of electrical applications. It can be found in homes, offices, factories and other industrial facilities. The conductor is made of single or multiple stranded wires of pure copper and insulated with various materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PUR) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). This insulation prevents short circuits and the risk of electrical fires caused by arcing between the wires in the circuit.

Copper is a soft metal that conducts electricity well and is ideal for use in electrical projects. However, some copper wires may also be made of copper alloys. A common alloy in wire is tinned copper, which has higher corrosion resistance than pure copper wire.

Copper wire has a high electrical conductivity – about 90 percent that of silver, which makes it an ideal material for electronics. Copper has very low resistance compared to other metals such as aluminum or steel, making it ideal for high-power applications such as power lines and low-voltage wires.