Resource Library

Electrical Resources

Welcome to Copper Development Association's Electrical Resource Library. Here you will find all of our resources – as PDFs and webcasts – related to copper's electrical applications.

To access a resource, simply click on the preview picture. Below are the different sections, for quick navigation.

Publications (PDFs)
Webcasts (Narrated Presentations)

Copper Conductivity Materials Database

This page introduces coppers and copper alloys for conductivity applications and provides details of their properties and uses.

		High Conductivity Copper for Electrical Engineering This publication describes the electrical and mechanical properties of high conductivity copper and copper alloys that are intended for use in electrical applications. 2016. 32pp. Click here to view the publication page, with individual sections available for download. Click the left-hand picture to download the publication in full.

		Copper in Electrical Contacts This publication looks at the properties required for contact materials, and to identify those applications in which copper or copper alloys have special advantages. 1980, revised 2015. 36pp. Click the left-hand picture to download the publication in full.

		Copper for Busbars – Guidance for Design and Installation This 2014 update of a classic, 1936 publication provides the information needed to design efficient, economic and reliable busbar systems. 108pp. Click here to view the publication page, with individual sections available for download. Click the left-hand picture to download the publication in full.

		High Conductivity Coppers: Technical Data These data sheets, originally published in a series from 1968–1972, cover all the main coppers and copper alloys. They contain an invaluable summary of data relating to the physical and mechanical properties of the materials at low, ambient and elevated temperatures which is not available elsewhere. Click here to view the publication page.

		Earthing Practice This publication explains the reasons for earthing systems, legislation and includes chapters on corrosion resistance and the properties of copper. 1997. 108pp. Click the left-hand picture to download the publication in full.

		Harmonics, Transformers and K-Factors Transformers used to supply IT equipment and other non-linear loads need to be de-rated to between 60 and 80% of their nominal capacity. This technical note explains why, and how to determine the correct factor. 2000. 6pp. Click the left-hand picture to download the publication in full.

Webcasts (Narrated Presentations)

		Busbar Design Basics This webinar provides an introduction to busbar design concepts - choice of material, how to size busbars and how to optimise the lifetime costs, plus a demonstration of the CDA Busbar Design Software. Click the left-hand picture to play the presentation.

		Harmonic Regulation and Compatibility This webcast explains the need for Harmonic Regulation, such as the UK Recommendation G5/4, and the concept of compatibility on which it is based. Click the left-hand picture to play the presentation.

		Power Quality in Low Voltage Installations - Harmonics This presentations describes what harmonic waveforms look like, what kind of loads produce them, what typical harmonic profiles can be expected, what problems they cause and the mitigation measures you can use? Click the left-hand picture to play the presentation.

		Power Quality in Low Voltage Installations - Voltage Dips This presentation looks at the causes and effects of voltage dips, examining typical network performance, equipment performance and the compatibility gap between them. This gap must be covered in practice by good installation design and the right choice of mitigation equipment. Click the left-hand picture to play the presentation.