Electrical materials are the materials that are used to produce, distribute, convert and use electrical energy, such as: transformers, machines, devices, tools and protective devices.

There are many types of connectors or electrical cables, circuit breakers, switches, outlets, lights and nozzles.

Electrical materials can be classified into three basic types according to their electrical behavior: insulators, semiconductors, and conductors. This will determine how they behave in the presence of a magnetic or electric field.

electrical connectors

They are objects capable of conducting and transmitting electricity. These devices are made first with a conductor, which is made up of copper. This can be a wire, that is, a single strand, or a cable consisting of wires wound around each other. The most commonly used materials in the manufacture of electrical conductors are copper and aluminium.

Although both metals are good conductors of electricity, copper is the main ingredient in manufacturing because it has remarkable mechanical and electrical advantages. The use of one material or another depends on its electrical properties (ability to conduct electricity), mechanical properties (corrosion resistance, adaptability), and usage. specified to be presented.

Electrical insulators

They are materials that do not conduct electricity at all, so they can be used as insulators. Some examples of these insulators are: glass, ceramics, plastics, rubber, mica, wax, paper, dry wood, porcelain, certain types of fats for industrial and electronic use, and bakelite. Although no materials are 100% insulating or conductive, they are widely used to avoid short circuits.

Electrical conductors are always lined with this type of material to keep parts of electrical systems away from the user which, if touched directly while they are still alive, can cause a discharge and can be a major problem.

Some materials are insulators under certain circumstances, for example: air is an insulator at room temperature, but in conditions of relatively low energy it can become a conductor.

Semiconductors

They are less electrically conductive than a metallic conductor, but higher than those of a good insulator. Therefore, it behaves as a conductor or as an insulator and this depends on many different factors, for example: the electric or magnetic field, the pressure, the radiation that falls on it or the temperature of the environment in which it is located.

The most widely used semiconductor is silicon, which is the most abundant element in nature after oxygen. The other materials are germanium and selenium.

The most widely used electrical materials

The most commonly used electrical materials are:

electrical cables

It is responsible for conducting electric current and is usually made of copper or aluminium, as copper offers a better quality in terms of mechanical and electrical advantages. Depending on the electrical and mechanical requirements of the particular installation, the type of cable to be used will be chosen. Therefore, this material, which is the basis of any installation, comes in different presentations that provide more or less capacity for energy conversion. , abrasion resistance and flexibility.

Electric sharpener

This electrical part is responsible for establishing a secure connection with the (male) plug to complete its function; It is also called female and is applied externally or combined. This type of cut or material can easily blend with the decoration of the place where it is installed, since many of its offerings have an aesthetic design; It consists of at least two metal pieces that complete the connection to the plug and allow current to circulate.

Transformation

This device is responsible for interrupting the flow of current, and its basic width consists of two stainless metal contacts and the leading one. These contacts travel from detachment (current does not pass) and the performer or switch, when pressed toward one of its positions, engages the contacts by pressing so that the current circulates. There are designs that match the decoration of the place, in addition to dimmable applications to adjust the intensity of the light, and there are also technological applications to control it remotely.

the electric lightbulb

It is a production device responsible for producing light by heating metal filaments until they turn white through the passage of current. There are also energy-saving lamps and LEDs, and it is the technology that brings the most benefits when it comes to quality and durability.

shock

It is the metal part designated to receive the lamp socket and to ensure that the lamp is connected to the electrical circuit. This material is made of ceramic, plastic or other non-conductive material and is the mounting base for the lamp.

breakers

It is an essential device for any installation made with cables or connectors because if there are electrical surges that can damage or cause injuries, it is the breaker that interrupts the flow of energy while it solves the problem, plus it is one that also energizes its passage. Without this device, the daily use of electricity would be very dangerous because we would not have how to control the general passage of electric current that reaches our home or our company.