What is the Purpose of Electrical Wire?

29 Apr.,2024

 

What is the Purpose of Electrical Wire?

Electrical wire is used for power distribution to transmit electricity from a transformer or other source to an outlet, appliance, device, cable, switch, distribution board, socket, and light fitting. They conduct electricity and provide a low-resistance path for electricity to flow through. Electrical wires consist of a single conductor, and cables hold multiple wires inside them. Insulation can cover the metal part of the wire so that it doesn’t make contact with outside sources. 

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Do I Need To Replace My Electrical Wiring?

If your electrical wiring in your home is over 30 years old, is tripping the breaker, requires extensions, is causing power surges and creating a fire risk, or is causing lights to flicker, you may need to replace and upgrade your electrical wiring in your home or business. A newer wire that is insulated with various high-quality materials typically lasts longer in harsh environments than an older wire with just black rubber.

Electrical Wire With Standard Electric Co

If your home’s electrical wire needs help in Gaylord, MI, Mt. Pleasant, MI, Traverse City, MI, or the surrounding areas, Standard Electric Co can help you. We strive to be the best-in-class distributor of quality products and services. We maintain the most accurate and well-positioned inventory possible. We have been in business for 100+ years and will continue to be responsible corporate citizens and improve our processes. To learn more about us, our products, our manufacturers, our electrical solutions, and more, contact us today.

Copper Vs. Fiber Optic Cabling - Pros and Cons for 2024

Advantages and Disadvantages of Copper vs. Fiber

Numerous studies have examined the advantages and disadvantages of copper and fiber data wiring. For example, one study in Mdantsane, South Africa published in the Journal on Innovation and Sustainability found the initial cost of deploying fiber optic networks was the biggest hurdle in choosing fiber cabling. Another study by Logeshwaran in the Journal on Communication Technology indicates some essential considerations in choosing the best network cabling system—first, versatility in accommodating data, voice, and video, second, compatibility with active equipment, third, ease of maintenance when updating the configuration, and 4) reliability during the entire service life of the system. In our research of the two cable network systems, most indicate the high cost of fiber as a prohibitive factor for implementation. However, a study by Jim Hayes published in the Electrical Contractor concluded that you should consider the cost of a 'complete network, not just its cabling costs' to determine its cost-effectiveness. When doing so, fiber cabling systems 'are comparable to those of Cat 6 copper cabling.' This article explores the pros and cons of fiber and copper and the virtues of using one cabling system over the other. Below are the pros and cons of the two wiring systems.

 

Top Pros and Cons for Copper vs. Fiber

 

Copper Wire Pros

 

Cost-effective

Copper wire is less expensive, making it more economical for small businesses or home networks.

Availability

Copper wire is reliably available from local retailers, making it a popular choice for network applications.

Compatibility

Copper wire is compatible with most existing infrastructures, providing an easy upgrade for outdated networks.

Durability

Copper wire is durable and a reliable option for outdoor applications.

 

Copper Wire Cons

 

Limited bandwidth

Copper wire has a restricted bandwidth, which is unsuitable for transmitting large amounts of data over long distances.

Electromagnetic interference

Copper wire is susceptible to electromagnetic interference, which can cause data loss or corruption.

Signal degradation

Copper wire can experience signal degradation over long distances, which can cause data loss or errors.

Limited transmission distance

Copper wire has a short transmission distance, often less than 300 feet, which is unsuitable for long-distance data transmission.

 

Fiber Optic Pros

 

High bandwidth

Fiber optic cables possess an elevated bandwidth over copper wire, making them desirable for transmitting large amounts of data over long distances.

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Immune to interference

Fiber optic cables are immune to electromagnetic interference, making them more reliable in noisy environments.

High signal quality

Fiber optic cables provide high-quality signal transmission, reducing the risk of data loss or errors.

Distance transmissions

Fiber optic cables transmit data over long distances without signal degradation, making them superior for long-distance transmissions.

 

Fiber Optic Cons

 

Cost

Fiber optic cables are generally more expensive than copper wire, making them a less economical choice for small businesses or home networks.

Specialized installation

Fiber optic cables require specialized installation and handling, which can increase installation costs.

Availability

Fiber wiring, connections, and network equipment are more difficult to obtain, are often out of stock, and are often prioritized for large bulk orders.

Compatibility

Fiber optic cables are incompatible with existing copper wire infrastructure, making them a more difficult upgrade for older networks.

 

Top Selection Considerations for Network Cabling

 

Copper Cabling Top Selection Considerations

  • Cheaper
  • Slow transmission speed
  • Heavier and thicker
  • More difficult to install
  • The most common type of cabling
  • More widely available
  • Easier to cut and spliced
  • Susceptible to interference from EMI
  • Signal loss
  • Distortion
  • Disruptions
  • Limited bandwidth
  • Easily subject to becoming outdated b/c of technological advances
  • Lower installation price currently
  • Tensile strength of 25 pounds
  • Copper is subject to corrosion, degrades with age, and may need replacement in as little as 5 years
  • Weight per 1000 ft = 39 lbs
  • Loses 90% of its transmission signal at 100 meters
  • Low security, easily tapped
  • Higher maintenance, interference, risk of tampering, and replacement cost

 

Fiber Optic Cabling Top Selection Considerations

  • Faster transmission speed
  • Longer distances
  • More reliable
  • Most durable 50 years
  • Thinner and more lightweight
  • Weight per 1000 ft = 4 lbs
  • Higher security
  • Tensile strength of 200 pounds
  • Not affected by EMI (electric motors, power lines, and microwaves
  • Less susceptible to signal loss, distortion, or disruption
  • Less likely to become outdated b/c of technology
  • More likely to meet the heavy demands of growing businesses
  • May be a lower cost option for the long run
  • Loses only 3% of its transmission signal per 100 meters
  • Better for supporting a LAN
  • Higher upfront price
  • High security (does not carry electrical signals)
  • Easily submerged in water

 

The chart below compares the 14 most important differences between copper and fiber wiring. Fiber has the advantage in all comparisons regarding performance. Copper has the edge with lower cost, accessibility, and compatibility with existing networking systems in many established business enterprises. However, the high price for improved technology can often outweigh the advantages of increased performance. For high-tech companies with high bandwidth requirements, performance is a necessity.

 

Comparison Chart Copper vs. Fiber Optic Cables

 

FeatureCopper CablesFiber Optic CablesSpeedLimited to a few Gbps over short distancesCan transmit data at speeds of up to 400 Gbps over long distancesDistance300 Ft. @ 1 Gbps12 Miles+ @ 10 GbpsBandwidth10 Gbps60 Tbps +InterferenceProne to electromagnetic interference, RFI, crosstalk, noise, and voltage surgesFull immunitySecurityVulnerable to tapping and interceptionDifficult to tap or intercept without specialized equipmentSizeRelatively large and bulkyMuch smallerFlexibilityFlexible, but experiences signal loss with significant bendingHighly flexible, low signal loss with bendingWeight (per 1,000 ft)39 lbs.4 lbs.InstallationThicker diameter, more routing issues, low pulling strengthEasy to install and maintain, thin diameter, strong pulling strengthEnergyConsumption >10W per user2W per userLifecycle5-years30 to 50-yearsFuture ProofContinues to fall short of the increasing network demands and technological advancesExpected to stay ahead of technology advances for some timeCompatibilityMost compatible with the pre-existing network and communication systemsOften requires replacing old networking communication systemsAvailabilityEasily accessible and almost always in stockMore challenging to find the correct item in stockCostLess expensive compared to fiber optic cablesMore expensive compared to copper cables

 

 

Fiber optic cables offer superior performance compared to copper cables, especially over long distances. They provide higher data transmission rates, larger bandwidths and are immune to electromagnetic interference. Copper cables, however, are still widely used for short-distance networking since they are less expensive. In addition, network devices that require more bandwidth, higher speeds, and more reliable internet connectivity, such as security cameras, digital signage, and VoIP phone systems, make fiber optic cable the obvious choice for those who provide telecommunications and internet. To determine the best option for your business, it is best to have a to visit your office and assess your specific networking needs. Call Les Olson IT at 801-922-5060 to schedule a free network analysis.

 

 

 

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Footnotes

  • Oki, Olukayode, and Morolake Oladayo Lawrence. " ." Journal on Innovation and Sustainability RISUS 13.2 (2022): 111-123. Abstract. Accessed 24 Apr. 2023. revistas.pucsp.br/risus/article/view/58093
  • Logeshwaran, J., et al. " ." ICTACT Journal on Communication Technology 13.01 2022. pp. 2636-2637. Accessed 24 Apr. 2023. www.researchgate.net/profile/Logeshwaran-Jaganathan/publication/363332781_The_role_of_integrated_structured_cabling_system_ISCS_for_reliable_bandwidth_optimization_in_high-speed_communication_network/links/63180fad5eed5e4bd1501c8d/The-role-of-integrated-structured-cabling-system-ISCS-for-reliable-bandwidth-optimization-in-high-speed-communication-network.pdf
  • Hayes, Jim. ? Electrical Contractor. Apr 15, 2000. Webpage. Accessed 24 Apr. 2023. www.ecmag.com/magazine/articles/article-detail/miscellaneous-copper-cabling-really-cheaper-fiber-optic-cabling