Copper alloy 110 has the second highest electrical conductivity of all metals. If you’re wondering which metal is at the top, it’s silver. But, you won't see silver wiring in electrical applications. Besides being considerably more expensive, silver lacks copper's other desirable qualities - like ductility and malleability. So, for the majority of applications requiring electrical and thermal conductivity, copper is a popular option.
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Copper Alloy 110 and Thermal Conductivity
Of all the qualities of copper, thermal conductivity is the one that sets it apart from other metals. And when comparing copper alloys, alloy 110 has the greatest thermal conductivity. It’s no wonder this alloy – also referred to as Electric Tough Pitch (ETP) – continues to be the most common copper item on the market.
To be used for electrical transmission and interconnection, you typically want a copper with at least 85% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard). Copper alloy 110 has 101% IACS, making it ideal for electrical and thermal applications.
Predictably, alloys with higher thermal conductivity will also have higher electrical conductivity. And alternatively, alloys with lower thermal conductivity also tend to have lower electrical conductivity. Because of this relationship within alloy families, it's common to measure an alloy's electrical conductivity to determine its relative thermal conductivity. This is a helpful exercise because thermal conductivity is more challenging to measure.
Because copper's high conductivity is coupled with a series of other desirable properties like strength, formability, and corrosion resistance, it's easy to see why it's ideal for a wide range of electrical products, the most popular being electrical connectors.
Additional Copper 110 Properties
Alloy 110 is used for a wide range of applications because of its thermal conductivity and its other properties like corrosion resistance, high ductility, malleability, and attractive appearance. The high conductivity of alloy 110 makes it the number one choice for transformers, switch gears, and many other electrical applications.
Copper is also antimicrobial. Throughout history, there are examples of copper being used to purify water and treat various illnesses. Today, this attribute makes copper a popular choice for surfaces within hospital environments, as it can help reduce the opportunities for microbial infections to spread.
