Which wire is more suitable for electrical use, raw copper or tinned copper?

Comparison of tinned copper wire and original copper wire

In electrical use, the choice of the right wire material is very important, because it directly affects the performance and life of the circuit. For the original copper wire (bare copper wire) and tinned copper wire, they have different characteristics and application occasions.

Electrical conductivity

Raw copper wire and tinned copper wire are very good in electrical conductivity. However, because tinned copper wires have a layer of tin on the surface, this may slightly affect their electrical conductivity, as tin has a higher resistivity than copper. However, this effect is usually very small, and the conductivity of tinned copper wire is still acceptable for most electrical applications.

Corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance

The corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance of tinned copper wire are better than that of the original copper wire. Copper is easily oxidized in air to form a pataquine (chemical formula CU2(OH)2CO3), which increases resistance and degrades wire performance. The tin layer on the surface of the tinned copper wire can prevent the oxidation of copper, thus extending the service life of the wire.

Weldability

The solderability of tinned copper wire is usually better. During the welding process, the tin layer helps prevent oxidation, making welding easier and more reliable.

Cost

In terms of cost, tinned copper wire is usually more expensive than original copper wire. This is because the tinned copper wire requires additional tinning processes in the manufacturing process, which increases the production cost.

Conclusion

In summary, if your application requires good corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance, or needs better solderability, then tinned copper wire may be a better choice. However, if your application has extremely high electrical conductivity requirements, or cost is an important consideration, then raw copper wire may be more suitable.

In practical applications, you should choose the right wire material according to the specific needs and budget. If you are not sure which material is more suitable for your application, it is recommended to consult a professional electrical engineer or supplier.