Why are aluminum and copper the most common materials for electrical transmission conductors?

2025-08-09
Both aluminum and copper are excellent electrical conductors, meaning they efficiently carry electricity with low resistance. They are also highly ductile and malleable, allowing them to be easily formed into wires and cables. However, modern transmission lines predominantly use aluminum because of its superior strength-to-weight ratio and lower cost. While copper has higher conductivity per volume, the significant weight and cost savings of aluminum make it the preferred choice for long-distance, overhead power lines.
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