Grounding

[RETed]

Originally Posted by Cp1

Here are the most common metals you would find on your car

As a % of conductivity of copper the list is:

Silver: 106%
Copper: 100%
Gold: 65%
Aluminum: 59%
Chromium: 55%
Steel: 3-15%

This chart simply means that of all the metals in your car the one we rely on the most is also the least effective. Most people are surprised by this list when they first see it but each metal has its own properties. and it also means that silver is by far the best conductor of electricity out there bar none! this is a fact. copper is both the standard as well as being affordable but in a bind aluminum will give you the best value for the money.

I'd like to see something silver in my car!

If anyone is wondering why we don't see more silver "wiring" in use...
Gold is the standard for conductors in most applications.
Why Au (gold) if Cu (copper) and Ag (silver) are better conductors?
Both Cu and Ag oxidize readily.
Copper oxide and silver oxide make very poor conductors.
So, in their pure states, yes, Cu and Ag both are superior to Au.
Once both Cu and Ag oxidize, Au becomes an obviously superior conductor.

The same goes for Al (aluminum) wiring.
Al's affinity to oxidize rapidly makes it inferior to Cu - although Cu does oxidize, Cu oxidizes at a much slower rate than Al does.


-Ted