The wire industry manufactures wires in many sizes and shapes. Each variety defines the applications for which they are used. For example, a copper wire can be used as a solid wire, which is a single strand design or as a braided copper wire.
In technical parlance, braided wire is an electrical conductor which is composed of many fine wires woven around a conductor or cable. Braided wires combine with conductors to form a robust independent wire.
This form is also used for grounding straps.
One overriding advantage of braided wires is it is far less likely to break than a solid wire, and can be bent or worked around corners with ease. It is for this reason; braided copper wire adapts itself to many industrial and domestic applications.
Consumers that desire braided copper wire having versatility and strength look for manufacturers having good reputation. The manufacturers must have a record of accomplishment for delivering reliable products of a high standard.
Most braided copper wires are available in put ups of approximately 30 meters, 80 meters, 160 meters or 350 meters. This however is not a golden rule, as standards can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
In the consumer segment copper wire braids have found many applications mainly for its strength, flexibility and its remarkable ability to conduct electricity even at low voltages.
Braided copper wire is also the preferred choice of electrical contractors for use as grounding straps when rolled in flat form.
But the most resourceful use of copper braid is as a shield for many cables used in the communications segment. For example, copper braided wire is used as coaxial cables extensively in cable television and satellite installations. It safeguards coaxial cables from external deterioration.
Even in networking applications, copper braided wire because of its lower cost has an edge over other alternatives such as optical cables.
While we have recognized the advantages braided design is offering to copper wire, we must not lose sight of the key characteristics of copper itself.
It is the superiority in electrical conductivity that is making copper the number one choice in electrical wiring. The closest competitor in this field, aluminum is way behind copper in its physical properties. It has only about 60% of the conductivity of copper.
Moreover, copper is a notch above aluminum in resisting corrosion and hence needs fewer replacements over a period of time.
It is true copper is significantly more expensive than aluminum and heavier too, but the pros far outweigh the drawbacks in the long run.
Driven by government initiatives and innovations in the industry, wires and cables industry is forging ahead. New manufacturers of wires and cables are trying to make inroads into the market and those that produce high quality products to international and national standards are finding good demand among consumers.
Between the financial years 2009 and 2014, wires and cables industry grew at an impressive CAGR of 16.7 %. The outlook for midterm looks quite sunny.
Rajasthan Electric Industries, under the brand name “BRITEX” manufactures a wide array of products to include copper wire, nickel copper wire, PVC wire, and Silver Plated Copper Wire, and braided copper wire to name a few.