What is the most commonly used material for electrical conductors?

Copper is the most commonly used material for electrical conductors due to its excellent electrical conductivity. It provides a balance between good conductivity, mechanical strength, and cost-effectiveness. Copper has a resistivity that is lower than that of aluminum, which makes it more efficient when transferring electricity. Additionally, copper is durable and resistant to corrosion, which enhances its longevity in various applications, such as wiring for electrical systems, motors, and generators.

While aluminum is also used for conductors, especially in overhead power lines due to its lightweight properties, it has a higher resistivity compared to copper and may require larger cross-sectional areas to achieve similar conductivity levels. Silver and gold possess superior conductivity than copper but are much more expensive and are thus used in specialized applications rather than for general electrical wiring. Therefore, copper is the ideal and standard choice for most electrical conductor applications.