Internal Conductor Materials
The conductor is the core component responsible for transmitting electrical energy; the mainstream materials are as follows:
High-purity Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC): Currently the dominant choice for both household and industrial applications. It boasts a conductivity of up to 100% IACS and a resistivity as low as 1.68 × 10⁻⁸ Ω·m, resulting in minimal energy transmission loss. It offers excellent ductility and resistance to bending, is resistant to oxidation and core breakage over long-term use, and serves as the standard material for power cords compliant with national standards.
Aluminum/Aluminum Alloy: Low cost and lightweight, but with only 60% of copper's conductivity. It has poor mechanical strength and is prone to surface oxidation. Its use is limited to specific cost-sensitive, fixed-installation scenarios; it has largely been phased out for high-power household appliances.
Tinned Copper: Features a thin layer of tin plated onto the copper strands to further enhance oxidation resistance and solderability. Commonly found in stranded flexible cords, it is ideal for power cords on mobile devices subject to frequent bending.
External Insulation and Sheath Materials
The insulation layer encases the conductor, serving primarily to prevent electrical leakage and resist abrasion. Mainstream materials include:
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): The most common insulation material for consumer power cords. It is low-cost, offers good insulation properties, and is resistant to chemical corrosion. With a standard operating temperature of 70°C, it is widely used for the power cords of indoor, stationary home appliances and serves as the outer sheath material for the vast majority of standard power cords on the market.
Rubber (e.g., CPE/Chlorinated Polyethylene): Offers excellent resistance to high and low temperatures, with an operating range of -40°C to 105°C. It is softer and withstands repeated bending, making it suitable for applications requiring frequent movement or pulling, such as vacuum cleaners, power tools, and outdoor extension cords.
Low-Smoke Zero-Halogen (LSZH) Flame-Retardant Materials: An eco-friendly and safe material gaining popularity in recent years. It produces minimal smoke during combustion and does not release toxic hydrogen halide gases. It is frequently used in public spaces and residential interiors where fire safety requirements are stringent.
