draad

Draad is a Dutch term that refers to a slender, flexible line of material that can conduct electricity, transmit force, or serve as a filament in textiles. In everyday Dutch, the word covers both electrical wire and sewing thread, depending on context. In English, wire and thread are distinct, but both derive from the same concept of a continuous strand.

Electrical wires are typically made of copper or aluminum conductors, either solid or stranded, and are coated with insulating polymers such as PVC or polyethylene. The conductor type affects resistance, flexibility, and current-carrying capacity. Mechanical wire may be steel or other alloys, galvanized for corrosion resistance, and can be used as guy wires, springs, or structural elements. Wires can be bare or insulated, and may be coated or plated (tin, nickel) to improve solderability or corrosion resistance.

Manufacturing involves drawing copper or other material through dies to reduce diameter, sometimes followed by annealing to restore ductility. Stranded wires are formed by twisting many fine strands. For electrical uses, insulation is extruded after shaping. Special wires like piano wire have high tensile strength and are heat-treated.

Wires have broad applications, including electrical power and signal transmission, construction and fencing, and textile or craft uses when describing thread. Standards for wires are defined by national and international bodies, such as IEC, ASTM, and, in the Netherlands and Europe, NEN and related EN standards. Safety concerns include ensuring correct gauge, insulation integrity, and proper termination.