Bare Copper Wire

Hard-drawn copper has greater mechanical strength, while soft-drawn copper is more flexible and easier to form.

Hard-drawn bare copper wire is commonly used where strength and shape retention are important, including certain overhead and trolley-wire applications. Soft-drawn copper is more pliable and is often preferred where flexibility, bending, or easier installation is needed. The correct temper should be selected based on the mechanical and electrical requirements of the application.

Stranded bare copper wire is generally preferred when flexibility is important, while solid wire is often used where rigidity and dimensional stability are needed.

Stranded construction can make larger conductors easier to route, bend, and install, particularly in grounding and distribution applications. Solid bare copper is commonly used in smaller sizes or applications where the conductor must maintain its shape. The page includes both solid-wire applications and references to stranded constructions for overhead and grounding use.

Yes. Bare copper wire is widely used for grounding and bonding when the conductor size, installation method, and applicable electrical requirements permit it.

Copper provides high electrical conductivity and does not require insulation when the application is specifically designed for a bare grounding conductor. The wire can be used in grounding circuits, grounding electrode systems, and other bonding applications where an exposed copper conductor is appropriate. Conductor size should be determined by the system design and applicable electrical code requirements.

Bare copper wire can be used for overhead distribution because it combines high conductivity with the mechanical strength needed for supported outdoor installations.

In overhead systems, the conductor is installed on insulators or other approved supports, so a separate insulating jacket may not be required. Hard-drawn and medium-hard-drawn copper constructions can provide additional tensile strength for these applications. Installation requirements depend on conductor size, span, electrical load, environmental exposure, and system design.

Select bare copper wire size according to current-carrying requirements, conductor resistance, voltage drop, mechanical strength, grounding requirements, and the length of the run.

Smaller AWG numbers indicate larger conductors, while larger conductors may be identified in circular mil or MCM sizes. The correct size should not be chosen by diameter alone. Electrical load, allowable resistance, installation method, fault-current requirements, and applicable codes all need to be considered before specifying a bare copper conductor.