coppercables

Copper cables are electrical conductors made primarily of copper, typically with insulation and protective jackets. They are used to transmit electrical power as well as data and signals across a wide range of applications. Copper’s high electrical conductivity, ductility, and good solderability have made it a common choice for wiring, cabling, and interconnections.

Conductor types include solid copper and stranded copper. Insulation materials vary and can include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), and polyethylene (PE). Cables may be single-core or multi-core, shielded or unshielded, and configured as coaxial or twisted-pair cables. In data networks, copper twisted-pair cables such as Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a use copper conductors with protective jackets. Coaxial cables employ a central copper or copper-plated conductor, a dielectric layer, shielding, and an outer jacket. Power cables range from small appliance cords to large underground or overhead conductors for distribution.

Copper cables offer low resistance and low signal loss under typical operating conditions, good mechanical strength, and compatibility with standard termination methods. They are heavier and generally more expensive than some alternatives, such as aluminum, and performance can degrade if cables are excessively bent, abraded, or exposed to moisture. At very high frequencies, the skin effect reduces effective cross-section, increasing resistance—often mitigated by using stranded conductors or special constructions.

Standards and sustainability: copper cables are manufactured to international and national standards (such as IEC, NEC, ISO) specifying conductor size, insulation, shielding, voltage and temperature ratings. Copper is highly recyclable, and recycling plays a major role in the supply chain, helping reduce energy use and environmental impact despite concerns about mining and processing.