Tinned Copper vs. Bare Copper Wire
Electrical wires and cables made from copper are designed to conduct electric currents. Depending on the application, you may require either bare copper or tinned copper conductors. International Wire Group offers reliable bare and tinned wires and cables that provide top-notch performance in various industries and applications. Learn more about the features, benefits, and applications of tinned copper and bare copper wires.
What Is Tinned Copper Wire?
Tinned copper wire is an uninsulated wire that is coated by a layer of tin. Why do you need tin-plated copper wire? Recently manufactured, fresh bare copper conductor works very well, but bare copper wire is prone to oxidation over time much more than its tinner counterpart. Oxidation of bare wire leads to its degradation and failure in electrical performance. The tin coating protects wire from oxidation in humid and rainy conditions, high heat environments, and in some soil types. Generally, tinned copper is used in environments with long-term exposure to excess moisture to prolong the lifespan of copper conductors.
Benefits of Tinned Copper Wire
Bare copper and tinned copper wires are equally conductive, but the latter provides robust protection against corrosion and oxidation. Here are some other benefits of tinned copper wires:
- Corrosion resistance, especially in wet or saltwater environments
- Extended cable life
- Easy solderability
Tinned Copper Wire Applications
Tinned copper wires are preferred for humid and high-temperature environments. The following are some specific applications:
- Electronic components
- Circuit boards
- Test lead wire
- Wastewater treatment facilities
- Subway systems
- Utility projects
- Jewelry making
What Is Bare Copper Wire?
As the name suggests, bare copper wire is a copper wire with no coating. Bare copper possesses unmatched conductive properties and can be made in hard, medium-hard, or soft annealed tempers. Bare wire is also known as grounding wire. Bare conductors are available in stranded, braided, or solid (single-end) constructions, depending on the requirements of the application.
Benefits of Bare Copper Wire
Copper is one of the best conductors of electricity, second only to silver. These are several other benefits of bare copper wires:
- High thermal conductivity
- Good ductility and malleability
- High strength
- Creep resistance
- High melting point
- Long-term durability
- Good solderability
- Resistance to damage while handling a large amount of electricity
Bare Copper Wire Applications
Bare copper wire is best for use in dry environments, including these applications:
- Electrical transmission
- Grounding electrical systems
- Electrical hookups
- Jumpers
- Electrical appliances
Copper Wire Products at International Wire Group
When choosing between bare copper and tinned copper conductor, the most crucial factors to keep in mind are the type of application and the environment. Copper wires are often preferred over other metals due to their excellent high conductivity and great performance. They are also known for high tensile strength, making them less likely to break under extreme conditions.
International Wire Group provides a range of wire products and services designed with your specific application in mind. Whether you need bare copper or tin-plated copper wire, you can trust us to meet your specific needs. Our dedicated team of engineers and customer service representatives is ready to guide you in making the right choice for your project. To learn more about our bare copper, tinned copper, and other wire solutions, contact us today.
