WIRE

A wire is a flexible, slender metal strand or rod—most commonly made of copper or aluminum—used to carry electrical current, transmit telecommunication signals, or bear mechanical loads. Unlike a cable, which bundles multiple insulated conductors inside a protective outer jacket, a wire consists of a single electrical path (which may be solid or multi-stranded). Core Characteristics • Conductor Material: Usually copper (high conductivity, ductile) or aluminum (lightweight, more cost-effective). • Structure: Can be solid wire (one single rigid strand for fixed setups) or stranded wire (multiple fine strands twisted for flexibility). • Gauge & Size: Measured by standard gauge systems (such as AWG) that determine thickness, resistance, and maximum current (ampacity). • Insulation: Often coated with PVC, rubber, or plastic to prevent shock, though high-voltage overhead lines may remain bare.