Why You Should Appreciate Non-conductive Materials

The conductivity of a material refers to its ability to allow electricity to travel through it. While silver is an excellent conductor of electricity, it’s also expensive, which is why manufacturers opt for copper, which is also quite good. But allowing electricity to travel can also be dangerous.

When choosing which materials will work best for manufacturing a product, most designers or engineers will want to consider situations in which a product would need to be non-conductive. This means the product can’t carry electricity, as many metals are known to do. Here are four situations in which you might want to consider non-conductive building materials.

1. Transmitting Radio Waves

What do aluminum, wood, plastic and paper have in common? To varying degrees, they are all conductors of electricity. As such, they also have the ability to absorb radio waves. You’ve likely experienced this when radio and cellular communications go dead. A structure is interfering with your transmission. If your job is to send transmissions over a radio frequency, you won’t want to incorporate materials around your facility that would inhibit your communications reaching your intended receivers. On the other hand, if you need to block RF signals, you have options.

2. Power Stations

Because of the amount of electricity being carried through them, power stations and transformers need to be housed in non-conductive materials. You can find transformer fencing Texas for use around these structures. Because the primary material in these fences is fiberglass, it makes a safe alternative to steel, while providing longevity and durability.

3. The Handles of Your Cookware

Copper makes excellent cookware due to its conductive properties. While you can appreciate the abilities of the copper to heat your favorite dish, you won’t want it to extend to the handle. Manufacturers of cooking wares have this in mind when they design these kitchen staples. Though you may take it for granted on a daily basis, those plastic handles are there for good reason.

4. The Exterior of Electronics and Appliances

While conductivity is key to operating electronics and appliances, the conductors are safely housed in non-conductive tubing. Yet, everyone has experienced static electricity at one time or another, especially during the winter months.

So that your favorite devices don’t zap you, the exterior needs to be constructed of non-conductive materials. While your stainless steel refrigerator is made of metal, you’ll be relieved to know stainless steel is actually a poor conductor of electricity compared to other metals.