Some terms in the world of electricity have different meanings in different context. The term “Conductor” is a good example. The term “Conductor” can refer to a material that allows electricity to flow through it OR the specific physical wires contained in an electric circuit.
 | Conductors |
Materials that are made up of Atoms whose Electrons are easily freed are called "conductive materials" or simply "Conductors". Because of their atomic structure, most metals are good conductors of electricity. Silver, Copper, Gold, and Aluminum are examples of some of the very best Conductors of electricity. Copper and Aluminum are conductors that are commonly used in wiring electrical systems because of their combination of performance and cost. Some expensive rare precious metals like Silver, Gold, Platinum and others are commonly used in small quantities for high-value products like: microelectronics, high quality audio components, computer chips, and telecommunications satellites because they react/corrode less than some of the other conductive materials and provide better service.
The term “Conductor” is also used in the electrical industry to refer to the specific wires in an electrical circuit or used on a utilities transmission or distribution line. The term conductor is interchangeable with the word “wire” in this context.
 | Conductors (Wires) on an Electric System |
Almost all electrical wiring in businesses, homes and the electrical utility system is made of Copper or Aluminum since these materials are much less expensive. Sometimes small amounts of other metals like iron are included for added strength in certain applications.
