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Questions and Answers
What is an electrical conductor?
What is an electrical conductor?
Any material that conducts electrical current.
Which of these materials is the best electrical conductor?
Which of these materials is the best electrical conductor?
- Copper
- Silver (correct)
- Gold
- Aluminum
Copper conducts electricity better than aluminum.
Copper conducts electricity better than aluminum.
True (A)
What does conductor ampacity refer to?
What does conductor ampacity refer to?
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What types of insulation are used in conductors?
What types of insulation are used in conductors?
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Aluminum is lighter and costs less compared to _____.
Aluminum is lighter and costs less compared to _____.
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What provides electrical isolation and physical protection to a conductor?
What provides electrical isolation and physical protection to a conductor?
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Copper clad aluminum is aluminum wire with a thin coating of copper.
Copper clad aluminum is aluminum wire with a thin coating of copper.
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What is the purpose of a jacket on a conductor?
What is the purpose of a jacket on a conductor?
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Study Notes
Wiring Materials
- Electrical conductors allow the flow of electrical current; wires are common examples.
- Conductors are classified by wire gauge standards and cross-sectional areas measured in circular mils.
- A circular mil equals the cross-sectional area of a circle with a diameter of 0.001 inches.
- Silver is the best electrical conductor, followed by gold, but both are costly for wiring.
- Copper and aluminum are commonly used due to a balance of conductivity and cost.
- Aluminum is lighter and more cost-effective, while copper offers better conductivity and strength.
- Copper-clad aluminum features aluminum wire with a thin layer of copper for improved conductivity.
Conductor Ampacity
- Ampacity refers to the maximum current a conductor can carry continually without exceeding insulation temperature limits.
- Factors affecting ampacity include wire thickness, conductor material type, insulation and sheathing materials, and temperature conditions.
Insulation and Protection
- Insulation provides electrical isolation and physical protection to conductors, minimizing power loss and preventing short circuits.
- Various insulation types are suited for specific environments (indoor/outdoor, overhead/underground, temperature extremes, and moisture levels).
- Jackets are added over insulation for enhanced chemical, physical, or thermal protection.
- Plastic is the most commonly used insulation material, while older conductors may use cloth or rubber insulation.
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