Copper is one of the most common materials used in electrical wire. It’s an excellent conductor of electricity, meaning electricity can flow through it with minimal resistance. Copper is also ductile and can be drawn into thin wires of various sizes without breaking.
While most copper wire has a protective outer layer, such as a jacket or insulation, this doesn’t apply to all copper wire. Bare copper wire, for instance, lacks a protective outer layer. For a better understanding of copper wire, keep reading.
Overview of Bare Copper Wire
Bare copper wire is exactly what it sounds like: metal wire made entirely of copper without a protective outer layer or coating. It’s a versatile material used in many electrical applications. You can find it in different sizes. The lower the gauge, the thicker the wire. Regardless of size, all bare copper wire consists entirely of copper and lacks a protective layer or coating.
Features of bare copper wire include the following:
- Excellent conductivity
- Durability
- Ductility
- Cost-effectiveness
Bare copper wire can also develop a patina. This occurs as a result of oxidation. When exposed to oxygen, the surface of bare copper will oxidize while subsequently forming a thin corrosion-resistant layer known as a patina.
Common Uses for Bare Copper Wire
What is bare copper wire used for exactly? One of the most common applications for it is electrical grounding. Electrical systems often require a path to the ground for excess electricity. If a short circuit or fault occurs, the excess current will travel to the ground rather than the person or device. Bare copper wire is commonly used for electrical grounding because of its high conductivity.
Bare copper wire may also be used for power lines. Power lines, of course, are designed to transmit electricity from one area to another area. Bare copper wires are highly conductive, allowing for the transmission of electricity across long distances.
Construction projects often include bare copper wire. It’s used for everything from grounding and bonding to lightning protection and more.
Bare Copper vs Tinned Copper Wire: What’s the Difference?
In addition to bare copper wire, there’s tinned copper wire. They are used in many of the same applications, and they both offer excellent conductivity. The difference is that bare copper consists entirely of copper, whereas tinned copper has a thin outer layer of tin.
The purpose of the tin outer layer is to protect the underlying copper from corrosion. Copper can corrode when exposed to moisture. Tinned copper wire, though, features a protective outer layer of tin to shield the underlying copper.
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