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Reference · Electrical Conductivity

Conductive materials.
Insulators.
Electrical design.

Electrical conductivity reference. Metal conductors (copper, aluminum, silver), plastic insulators, semiconductors. Resistivity values.

01 · Key principles

Key principles.

Silver

Highest

Highest conductivity. Premium electrical contacts.

Copper

Standard

Workhorse conductor. Standard wiring, electronics.

Aluminum

Light alternative

Aluminum 60% copper conductivity. Lighter, cheaper.

Steel

Medium

Steel medium conductivity. Structural use.

Stainless

Lower

Stainless lower than carbon steel. 18-8 alloys.

Plastics

Insulator

Most plastics 10¹⁵+ Ω/sq. Standard insulator.

FAQ

Conductivity ranking?

Silver > copper > gold > aluminum > steel > stainless > plastic.

Why aluminum vs copper?

Aluminum lighter, cheaper. Copper more conductive. Trade-off per application.

Conductive plastics?

Carbon-loaded conductive plastics 10⁵-10⁹ Ω/sq. Anti-static (10⁹-10¹²) common.

Surface vs volume?

Surface for static dissipation. Volume for through-thickness conductivity.

Testing methods?

ASTM D257 surface and volume resistivity. Eddy current for conductors.

Application examples?

Copper wiring, aluminum bus bars, ESD-safe trays, conductive paint for shielding.

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