Electrical conductors and insulators
A conductor is a material that allows
electricity to flow through it.
Most metals conduct electricity very well
and so does water, especially salty
water.
Copper (brass) is a very good
conductor of electricity. The conducting
wires that we use in electric circuits and
electric cabling are made of copper.
Some reasons why copper (brass) is
preferred as a conductor of electricity:
• Copper is easy to bend – it can be
bent a couple of times without
breaking.
• Copper conducts electricity very well to
other components in an electrical
circuit.
• Copper is not too expensive – it is
much cheaper than for example gold
(which is also a very soft metal).
An insulator is a material that will not allow
electrical current to flow through it.
Insulators protect the electric current from
flowing to places where it is not needed.
Wood, plastic, ceramic and rubber are
examples of insulators.
Insulators protect us from getting
‘shocked’ by an electric current.
Electric cables and wires are insulated
with plastic.
Ceramic is used in electric pylons to
prevent the electric cables from touching
the metal parts of the pylons.