Which Metals Conduct Electricity?

When it comes to understanding the fundamentals of electricity and materials, a common question arises: do all metals conduct electricity? The short answer is yes, but conductivity can vary significantly among different metals. Here, we will learn the answer to the age-old question: Are all metal conductors? What are the differences between metals in conductivity? We will also see metals ranked by conductivity.

What is Electrical Conductivity?

Electrical conductivity is the measured amount of current generation created on a metal target’s surface. More simply, it is how easily an electrical current can flow through a metal.

Can All Metals Conduct Electricity?

All metals conduct electricity to varying degrees, which means that, generally, all metals are conductors. This is because metals have free-moving electrons that facilitate the flow of electric current. However, the efficiency with which they conduct electricity can differ widely from one metal to another.

Which Metals Conduct Electricity?

While all metals can conduct electricity, certain metals are more commonly used due to being highly conductive. The most common example is Copper. It is highly conductive, which is why it has been used in electrical wiring since the days of the telegraph. Brass, which contains copper, is far less conductive because it is made up of additional materials that lower its conductivity, making it unsuitable for electrical purposes.

You may be surprised to learn that copper is not even the most conductive metal despite being used in many common applications (and the fact it is used as the measuring stick for rating conductivity in metals). Another common misconception is that pure Gold is the best conductor of electricity. While gold has a relatively high conductive rating, it is actually less conductive than Copper.

Which Metal Conducts Electricity the Best?

So, which metal conducts electricity the best? The answer: Pure Silver. The problem with Silver is that it can tarnish. This issue can cause problems in applications where skin effect is important, such as with high-frequency currents. It is also more expensive than copper, and the slight increase in conductivity is not worth the added cost.

So, if all metals conduct electricity, how are metals ranked by conductivity? Take a look at this metal conductivity chart:

Material IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard)

Ranking               Metal                                  % Conductivity*

1             Silver (Pure)                                      105%

2             Copper                                               100%

3             Gold (Pure)                                        70%

4             Aluminum                                          61%

5             Brass                                                  28%

6             Zinc                                                     27%

7             Nickel                                                 22%

8             Iron (Pure)                                         17%

9             Tin                                                       15%

10           Phosphor Bronze                              15%

11           Steel (Stainless included)                3-15%

12           Lead (Pure)                                        7%

13           Nickel Aluminum Bronze                 7%

* Conductivity ratings are expressed as a relative measurement to copper. A 100% rating does not indicate no resistance.

As you can see on the metal conductivity chart, the differences in electrical conductivity vary considerably depending on the metal. As mentioned, brass has a very low conductivity rating despite containing copper, so assumptions mustn’t be made on the electrical conductivity of a material. Always do as much research as possible!

Does Brass Conduct Electricity?

When asking, “Is brass conductive?” technically, the answer is yes, but not as efficiently as some other metals like copper or silver. Brass is an alloy primarily composed of copper and zinc, which gives it some conductive properties. This makes brass suitable for certain applications where moderate electrical conductivity is acceptable, but it is not the first choice for high-conductivity requirements.

Can Copper Conduct Electricity?

Yes, copper can conduct electricity and is, in fact, one of the best conductors available. Copper has a high electrical conductivity due to its atomic structure, which allows free electrons to move easily through the material. This makes it an optimal choice for electrical wiring, motors, and other electrical components. Its excellent conductivity, durability, and availability make copper a preferred material in many electrical applications.

What Is Copper Used For?

Because Copper is an excellent electrical conductor, most of its common uses are for electrical purposes. Many common applications also rely on one or more beneficial properties, such as the fact that it is a good thermal conductor or has low reactivity (reaction with water and acids).

Some of the common uses of copper include:

Pins in a 13A plug – Used because it is an electrical conductor that has low reactivity and is strong.

Water pipes – Used because it is ductile (soft) yet tough and strong. It also has the added benefit of being anti-bacterial and has low reactivity.

Saucepan base – Used because it is a good thermal conductor with low reactivity and is strong.

Electric cables – Used because it is a good electrical conductor and is ductile and strong. This includes wiring for electronics such as television equipment and accessories.

Microprocessors – Similar to electrical cables; used because it is a good electrical conductor and ductile.

Is Gold a Better Conductor Than Copper?

Gold is not a better conductor than copper. While gold does conduct electricity effectively, copper has a higher electrical conductivity and is more efficient in transporting electric current.

Which is the Best Metal to Use in an Alloy to Increase Its Conductivity?

Copper is the best metal to use in an alloy to increase its conductivity. Copper is renowned for its excellent electrical conductivity, surpassed only by silver. When added to an alloy, copper significantly enhances the overall conductivity of the material.

Don’t have time to read the blog?

Check out the video blog below to learn about which metals conduct electricity the best.