Why Isn't copper used for High Voltage Conductor ?
Copper isn't widely used for high-voltage transmission lines for several key reasons: Cost: Copper is significantly more expensive than aluminum, which is the most commonly used material for high-voltage lines. Since transmission lines cover vast distances, the cost difference between copper and aluminum adds up considerably, making copper much less economical. Weight: Copper is denser and heavier than aluminum. Heavier wires require stronger (and therefore more costly) support structures to hold them up, which can make the overall infrastructure more expensive to build and maintain. Corrosion Resistance: While both copper and aluminum can corrode, aluminum forms a protective oxide layer when exposed to air, which helps prevent further corrosion. This makes aluminum more durable in outdoor and harsh weather conditions, which is essential for transmission lines. Electrical Conductivity and Efficiency: Although copper has better conductivity than aluminum (allowing it to carry more c