Copper is among the most preferred highly desirable metals for electrical conductivity, but it has many shortcomings. However, to reduce its defects, copper is tinned, increasing its suitability for applications.
Wires and cables vary in size, styles, and applications; therefore, users must determine the aspect of longevity. Service life is one of the essential determinants of choosing the suitable wire for your project. Thus the development of tinned copper from the pure copper material.
Reasons behind tinning Copper
Pure copper is a good conductor of electricity, but its functionality reduces if corroded, primarily when used in highly humid or wet environments. In high humidity environments, pure copper corrodes and weakens very fast; hence the solution for Tinning is provided.
Furthermore, Tinning gives copper more strength to be functional in all circumstances, thus increasing its performance abilities. Moreover, this Tinning allows the material to offer resistance and safety from high temperatures and humidity levels.
However, since it’s impossible to tin copper manually, the tinning process is achieved through an electrical chemical process known as electroplating.
According to experts, the market’s demand for tinned copper cables is increasing daily, thus increasing its overall applications in industrial appliances and equipment. Globally more electrical-based businesses are purchasing this product in bulk to fill the gaps in supply and demands.
Understanding Tin Copper wire and Bare Copper wire
Tinned and pure copper wire has different expressions in dynamic ways based on their applications. Tinned Copper Cable is copper plated with a base alloy that is mostly tin that enhances the natural abilities of copper to make it more robust in Performance and suitable for
Bare copper wire refers to a copper wire that’s simply derived from a pure copper rod. It has no insulating layer, and its material is unique, soft, and an excellent electrical conductor. Electricians normally make use of pure copper wire in visible ground wires and in simple electrical connections.
Difference between tinned copper versus Bare Copper
The significant difference between these two materials is in their appearance. Tinned plated copper wire has a silver appearance since tin metal is silvery in color, while pure copper wire appears as a golden-yellow wire derived from the pure copper rod.
Also, their Performance differs as Tinned copper cable produces better results during electrical conductivity than their competitor material. Furthermore, it has more substantial corrosion and oxidation resistance, improving its performance life and longevity. Also, tin-plated copper wires are more accessible to fold, stretch and expand during installation than pure copper wires.
Additionally, the process of making tinned copper cables is more complicated than that of making pure copper wire. Additionally, applying the hot tin plating process to the made pure copper wire allows the surface to contain a coating with a thin layer of tin.
The tinning process is complicated and requires sufficient time to succeed. Additionally, Tinned copper wire is expensive and comes higher than pure copper.
Advantages of Tinned copper versus Bare copper
Even though both tinned copper and pure copper wires offer equal or similar results when it comes to electrical connectivity, tinned copper wires have what it takes to produce a stiffer resistance as far as humidity, chemicals, acids, and corrosions are concerned. Pure copper wire is less resistant in wet or saltwater environments than tin copper cables, which can withstand environmental conditions.
Tinned plated copper wire has an extended cable life and easy solder ability. In contrast, a pure copper wire may have good solderability, and its service life depends on the application conditions. Moreover, they can be used with a wire cable of 12 to 18 AWG and operate efficiently at an optimum temperature of between 40 degrees Celsius and 105 degrees Celsius.
However, added advantages of pure copper include:
- High thermal conductivity.
- High melting point.
- High strength.
- It is highly resistant hence preventing damage caused while handling a large amount of electricity.
Application of Tinned Copper Cables versus Pure Copper Wire
The environment determines the application of tin-plated copper wire. It’s applicable in equipment found in water-sewer treatment facilities and projects exposed to excess oil, gas, or water. Utility projects frequently use Tinned copper cable, and electricians can install it in environments exposed to excess salty concentrations.
Tinned copper lengthens the service life of the cable; therefore, planning in the excessive corrosive area for application can prevent and reduce replacements of wires in the future. In addition, tinned copper wire is also applicable in wiring installation processes in the marine industry and major electronics appliances.
However, users can use copper wire in electrical transmission, ground electrical systems, hookups, jumpers, and other electrical appliances.
Conclusion
Tinned copper cable and bare copper wire may have similar or equal conductivity but are very dynamic in their application and Performance. The tanning process makes the tinned copper more resistant to corrosions and oxidation reactions, extending its lifetime and service life. However, make a good choice when purchasing both copper wires to prevent a counterfeit product.