Short Answer:

Copper is widely used in electrical wiring because it is an excellent conductor of electricity. Its low electrical resistance allows efficient transmission of electric current with minimal energy loss.

Additionally, copper is ductile, malleable, and corrosion-resistant, making it easy to draw into thin wires and durable for long-term use in homes, industries, and electronic devices.

Detailed Explanation:

Properties of Copper for Electrical Wiring

Copper is a transition metal with several properties that make it ideal for electrical applications:

1. High Electrical Conductivity:
   • Copper has one of the highest electrical conductivities among metals, second only to silver.
   • This allows efficient flow of electric current and reduces energy loss as heat.
2. Ductility:
   • Copper can be drawn into thin wires without breaking, making it suitable for long-distance wiring and small electronic components.
3. Malleability:
   • Copper can be easily bent or twisted without breaking, which helps in installation and shaping of electrical circuits.
4. Corrosion Resistance:
   • Copper is resistant to rust and oxidation, ensuring long-term reliability even in humid environments.
5. Thermal Conductivity:
   • Copper also has high thermal conductivity, which helps dissipate heat generated by electric current, preventing overheating of wires.

Advantages of Copper in Electrical Wiring

1. Energy Efficiency:
   • Copper wires reduce power loss due to low resistance, making electrical systems more efficient.
2. Durability:
   • Copper wiring can last for decades without significant degradation.
3. Ease of Installation:
   • Ductility and malleability make copper easy to install, twist, and connect, saving labor and time.
4. Safety:
   • Copper’s high conductivity and thermal dissipation reduce the risk of overheating and fire hazards.

Applications in Industry and Daily Life

1. Domestic Wiring:
   • Copper is used in home electrical circuits, switches, and outlets.
2. Industrial Wiring:
   • Used in power transmission, motors, transformers, and machinery.
3. Electronic Devices:
   • Copper is found in circuit boards, connectors, and electronic components due to reliable conductivity.
4. Power Grids:
   • Copper cables are widely used in overhead power lines and underground wiring for efficient electricity distribution.

Comparison with Other Metals

1. Silver:
   • Slightly better conductor than copper but expensive, limiting its use.
2. Aluminium:
   • Lighter and cheaper than copper but higher resistance and lower ductility, requiring thicker wires for same efficiency.
3. Gold:
   • Excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance but very costly, used mainly for specialized electronic components.

Summary

Copper is ideal for electrical wiring because of its high electrical and thermal conductivity, ductility, malleability, corrosion resistance, and durability. These properties make it essential in residential, industrial, and electronic applications.

Conclusion:

Copper’s combination of excellent conductivity, mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and long-term durability makes it the preferred metal for electrical wiring. Its use ensures safe, efficient, and reliable electrical systems across homes, industries, and electronic devices.