Home Blog Copper Wire Guide
Product Guide

Complete Guide to Copper Wire Types & Applications

Expert guide to selecting the right copper wire for electrical, industrial, and construction applications. Learn about wire grades, conductivity ratings, sizing, and compliance standards.

Updated December 2024
10 min read
Electrical Guide
A bundle of copper wire used in electrical cables

Why Copper Wire Selection Matters

Copper wire is the backbone of electrical systems worldwide, carrying power and signals in everything from residential wiring to industrial machinery, telecommunications networks, and automotive applications.

Selecting the correct copper wire type ensures electrical safety, optimal performance, energy efficiency, and compliance with building codes. This guide covers wire types, grades, applications, and selection criteria to help you make informed purchasing decisions.

Main Types of Copper Wire

1. Bare Copper Wire

Uninsulated Grounding

Description: Pure copper wire without any insulation or coating. Available in solid or stranded configurations.

Common Uses
Grounding systems, earthing, bus bars, electrical connections
Advantages
Maximum conductivity, low cost, easy termination

Standards: ASTM B1 (hard-drawn), ASTM B2 (medium-hard), ASTM B3 (soft/annealed)

2. Insulated Building Wire (THHN/THWN)

Thermoplastic NEC Approved

Description: Copper wire with thermoplastic insulation rated for building wiring. THHN (heat-resistant), THWN (water-resistant).

Common Uses
Residential wiring, commercial buildings, conduit installations
Temperature Rating
90°C dry, 75°C wet (THWN-2)

Standards: UL 83 (THHN/THWN), NEC Article 310, meets National Electrical Code

3. Romex (NM-B) Non-Metallic Cable

Residential Multi-Conductor

Description: Multiple insulated copper conductors bundled together with a plastic sheath. Most common residential wiring.

Common Uses
Home wiring, outlets, switches, lighting circuits
Available Sizes
14/2, 12/2, 10/2, 8/3, 6/3 AWG

Standards: UL 719, NEC Article 334, temperature rating 90°C

4. Magnet Wire (Enameled Copper Wire)

Coil Winding Motors

Description: Copper wire coated with thin enamel insulation for electromagnetic applications like motors, transformers, and inductors.

Common Uses
Electric motors, transformers, inductors, solenoids, speakers
Insulation Types
Polyester, polyurethane, polyamide-imide

Standards: NEMA MW 1000, IEC 60317, temperature classes 130°C to 240°C

5. Communication & Data Cable (Cat5e/Cat6)

Networking Telecommunications

Description: Twisted pair copper cables for data transmission in computer networks and telecommunications systems.

Common Uses
Ethernet networks, VoIP, security cameras, building automation
Speed/Bandwidth
Cat5e: 1Gbps, Cat6: 10Gbps

Standards: TIA/EIA-568, ISO/IEC 11801, UL 444 (CM/CMR/CMP rated)

6. Speaker & Audio Wire

Audio Low Voltage

Description: Stranded copper wire designed for audio signal transmission with minimal signal loss and interference.

Common Uses
Home theater systems, PA systems, studio equipment, car audio
Gauge Range
12 AWG to 18 AWG (most common)

Key Feature: High strand count for flexibility, oxygen-free copper (OFC) for audiophile applications

Copper Wire Gauge (AWG) Selection Guide

AWG Size Diameter (mm) Max Ampacity Typical Application
14 AWG 1.63mm 15A Lighting circuits, outlets
12 AWG 2.05mm 20A Kitchen outlets, general circuits
10 AWG 2.59mm 30A Water heaters, dryers
8 AWG 3.26mm 40-50A Electric ranges, sub-panels
6 AWG 4.11mm 55-65A AC units, welders, feeders

Important Note

Always consult NEC (National Electrical Code) or local electrical codes for proper wire sizing. Ampacity depends on insulation type, ambient temperature, and installation method.

Need Help Selecting Copper Wire?

Our team can help you choose the right copper wire type, gauge, and specifications for your project requirements.

Browse Products Contact Expert