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In a wire or cable, the conductor is responsible
for doing the main job: moving electricity,
energy, or signals from one point to another.
The conductor is located at the center of
the cable and is what all the other layers
of the cable work around to protect.
Metals are generally conductive, but some
metals are better suited for this task than
others. Silver, copper, aluminum, nickel,
and tin are some of the most common metals
used in conductors, and each has its own advantages
and disadvantages.
Aluminum is one popular conductor. It's lightweight
and affordable and can be used in a wide range
of projects. However, aluminum is less conductive
than copper, another popular option.
Copper is a good conductor and moves electricity
quickly. It's both inexpensive and versatile.
In addition to being used bare, copper can
also be dipped. Coating the copper with another
metal can enhance specific qualities necessary
for different applications.
For example, in tinned copper, the layer of
tin protects the copper from corrosion at
high temperatures and makes the wire last
longer.
Another benefit of tinned copper is that it’s
easier to solder than bare copper, without
a huge increase in cost.
Silver is the most conductive material, but
its high price limits its use to very select
applications.
Silver-plated wire is a much more common option.
It’s less expensive than using silver alone,
and it still provides many of the excellent
conductive qualities of silver. It not only
improves the wire’s conductivity, but it
also allows the wire to operate over a wide
temperature range,
from -65°C to 200 °C.
Silver-plated wire is commonly used in aerospace
applications.
Nickel-plated wire also operates in extreme
conditions and over a wide temperature range.
If the nickel-plating is thick, it can withstand
temperatures up to 750°C. Nickel also adds
a layer of excellent corrosion resistance.
High strength alloys are other materials commonly
used as conductors. These are typically silver-plated
or nickel-plated as well.
As you can see, conductors are available in
a variety of materials, but it isn’t just
what they’re made of that makes them different,
it’s also how they’re configured.
Conductors can be either solid or stranded.
Solid conductors are made of one piece of
metal, while stranded conductors are made
of several threads of metal.
Solid conductors are inexpensive and mechanically
tough, but not very flexible. Higher strand
counts mean more flexible conductors. Stranded
conductors are generally a little more expensive
than their solid counterparts,
but the flexibility they provide can make
a big difference in many applications.
For stranded conductors, there are several
variations on how those strands can be laid.
While bunched is most common, some specialty
cables have other options such as concentric,
unilay, and rope lay.
Bunched strands are simply gathered together
without any specific arrangement. They are
the least expensive option, because they involve
the least labor.
Concentric, unilay, and rope lay all have
the strands arranged in a circular pattern.
But in concentric stranding, the layers alternate
in terms of their twist direction.
In unilay stranding, every layer is twisted
in the same direction.
Rope lay is the most flexible option.
We've learned that there are several options
regarding the conductor to consider when specifying
electrical wire. Each material and configuration
has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Make sure to evaluate the requirements of
your specific application when choosing the
appropriate conductor for your project needs.
Allied Wire & Cable is a family owned and
operated distributor and manufacturer of electrical
wire, electronic cable, heat shrink tubing
and wire management products.
Here at Allied, we've given our customers
the best in customer service, product selection
and quality since 1988,
and we've grown into one of the largest distributors
of wire and cable in the country.
Throughout our history we've continued to
hold onto our family values, and are proud
of the growth we've enjoyed while remaining
a family run business.
Allied Wire & Cable carries a wide variety
of high quality products for numerous industries
including automotive, military, OEMs and more.
We are ISO 9001:2008 certified, so you can
rest assured that the products you receive
will be of the highest quality available.
To help customize your products, we offer
a variety of value-added services including
striping,
twisting,
braiding,
cut & strip, custom packaging, and special
labeling to name just a few.
When you need something extraordinary, our
experienced sales representatives and engineers
can help you design a custom cable from start
to finish that fits your application perfectly.
We guarantee that all orders on stock materials
that are received by 1PM EST will ship the
same day, and with our low minimum of just
$50, you can get the amount you want in the
timeframe you need.
Allied has office and warehouse locations
around the United States, which allow us to
ship your orders from the most convenient
location.
A specific sales representative is assigned
to handle your account personally. That means
one point of contact and the trust and assurance
that comes with having a personal relationship
with our customers.
For more information about the products you’ve
seen in this demo or any other any other Allied
products, contact Allied Wire & Cable today.
Call 1-888-325-1788, or visit our website
at www.awcwire.com.
