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Copper Strip for Electrical Transformer

What is transformer copper strip

Transformer copper strip is a key conductor material made from high-purity electrolytic copper and is primarily used in the manufacture of winding for various transformers. It possesses excellent electrical properties (high conductivity, low resistance, and low energy loss), stable mechanical properties (high tensile strength, fatigue resistance, and good weldability), high dimensional accuracy (controllable thickness and width tolerances), outstanding thermal stability, and strong compliance adaptability, making it a core consumable material for high-efficiency and energy-saving transformers.

transformer copper strip.jpg

Specification of copper strip electrical

Alloy

Thickness(mm)

Width(mm)

Technique Standard

T2 M

0.5-2.0

100-1000

GB/T18813-2014

Chemical composition

Size

(MM)

Weight

(KGS)

Cu

Pb

Fe

Bi

S

As

Sb

1.2446*440

904.0

99.990

0.0010

0.0020

<0.0003

0.0011

<0.0003

<0.0002

1.2446*500

977.0

99.990

0.0010

0.0023

<0.0003

0.0009

<0.0003

<0.0002

1.2446*570

3044.0

99.990

0.0010

0.0023

<0.0003

0.0009

<0.0003

<0.0002

0.7112*485

648.0

99.990

0.0009

0.0022

<0.0003

0.001

<0.0003

<0.0002

Copper strip properties

Size

(MM)

Weight

(KGS)

Tensile Strength

(Mpa)

Hardness

(Hv)

1.2446*440

904.0

235

57.0

1.2446*500

977.0

235

57.0

1.2446*570

3044.0

235

58.0

0.7112*485

648.0

231

55.0

Copper transformer strip uses

· Dry-type transformer

· Oil-immersed transformers

· Step-up station transformers

· Box-type substations

· On-board charger transformers for new energy vehicles

· Traction transformers for rail transit

· High-frequency transformers for UPS power supplies in data centers

· Metallurgical electric furnace transformers

· Toroidal transformers

types of copper transformers.jpg

Which one to choose: Copper strip VS Aluminum strip

Items

Copper Strip

Aluminum Strip

Selection Tips

Grades

Pure Copper (Cu), mainstream grades TU0, TU1, TU2, C11000, etc., purity ≥99.9%

High-purity Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys, mainstream grades 1050, 1060, 1070, 1350, etc., purity ≥99.5%

Copper strips are suitable for high-precision applications; aluminum strips are prioritized for high-purity grades to ensure conductivity.

Conductivity

Resistivity approximately 1.72 × 10⁻⁸ Ω·m, conductivity ≥ 100% IACS, low heat generation, low loss

Resistivity approximately 2.82 × 10⁻⁸ Ω·m (61% higher than copper), conductivity approximately 60% IACS, requires thicker wire diameter for compensation.

Under the same current, the cross-sectional area of aluminum strip needs to be about 1.6 times larger than that of copper strip to achieve the same conductivity.

Mechanical Strength

Tensile strength ≥ 200MPa, Vickers hardness 50-75HV, strong short-circuit resistance (stress limit 1600kg/cm²)

Tensile strength lower than copper strip, weaker short-circuit resistance (stress limit 450kg/cm²), lower hardness, easy to process but easily deformed

Copper strip is preferred for high-load and high-impact applications; aluminum strip can meet basic requirements for ordinary load applications.

Physical Properties

High density (approx. 8.9 g/cm³), compact size, less prone to oxidation, strong joint stability.

Low density (approx. 2.7 g/cm³, only 30% of copper), 5%-10% lighter, larger size, prone to oxidation.

Aluminum strip is more advantageous in scenarios where transportation and installation are inconvenient (e.g., mountainous areas, high altitudes).

Service Life

25-30 years, virtually maintenance-free, suitable for long-term stable operation.

Around 20 years, can be extended with proper maintenance, but prone to aging under long-term high-temperature operation.

For projects with a lifespan exceeding 20 years, copper strip offers better cost-effectiveness.

Cost (Procurement + Maintenance)

Procurement costs are higher, 30%-50% higher than aluminum strip, but maintenance costs are lower and there are no additional loss costs.

Procurement costs are 30%-50% lower, with a significant advantage in USD pricing, but material loss due to thicker wire diameter needs to be considered, and oxidation issues need to be monitored during long-term maintenance.

For projects with limited budgets and short-term needs, aluminum strip is preferred; for long-term projects, copper strip has a lower total life-cycle cost.

Packaging & Shipping

The packaging of exported transformer copper strip follows the principles of rust prevention, moisture prevention, and collision prevention, and is suitable for long-distance sea freight and international export standards. The outer packaging uses IPPC fumigation and heat treatment wooden pallets or wooden boxes, which are tied in a grid pattern with PET plastic steel straps/steel straps and wrapped with stretch wrap film. Waterproof labels with relevant information and English warnings must be affixed to the outside.

copper strip for transformer.jpg

FAQ

1. What is the standard purity of copper transformer strip?

Most copper transformer strips are manufactured with high-purity copper, typically 99.9% or higher, depending on application and industry standards.

2. What are the common dimensions available?

Copper transformer strips are available in different:

  • Thicknesses

  • Widths

  • Edge types

  • Coil or straight length forms

Custom sizes are often available based on transformer design requirements.

3. What conductivity level should I expect?

High-quality copper transformer strips generally offer conductivity close to or above 100% IACS, depending on grade and processing.

4. What is the advantage of annealed copper strip?

Annealed copper strip provides:

  • Better bendability

  • Easier winding

  • Reduced cracking risk

Improved workability during transformer manufacturing.

5. Is copper transformer strip better than aluminum strip?

Copper is generally considered better when higher conductivity, compact design, and durability are required, but copper strip price is relatively high. Aluminum may be chosen for lower cost and lighter weight, but copper offers better performance in many transformer applications.

6. How do I choose the right copper transformer strip supplier?

Choose a supplier based on:

  • Product quality

  • Industry experience

  • Testing capability

  • Customization options

  • Certifications

  • Delivery reliability

  • Technical support

  • Competitive pricing

Original source: https://www.alcustrip.com/product/copper-strip-for-electrical-transformer.html

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