Copper as a metal is highly energy efficient due to its ductility and is valued for its high thermal and electrical conductivity. It is a standout metal as it is present not only in our homes and offices but in the circuitry, connectors and components that make virtually all electronic devices and machinery around us. In today’s day and age, while technology is advancing, we are finding alternative ways of transferring energy without the use of wires and cables, which still are the main vectors of electricity. Due to their widespread requirement, cables have undergone many modifications and variations to suit specific functions.
When we see the usage of cables all around us, it is important to make sure that the material used to make those cables too are of superior quality. The cables used in vehicles and other automotive appliances are different from the cables used at home. They must be able to withstand many abrasions and constant pressure as well as high temperatures. Auto cables must be durable enough to withstand long periods of stress so that the vehicle may function properly. Similarly, a variety of different cables such as submersibles are used for the submerged environment like oil rigs and ships, power cables and PVC for industries, switchboard cables for local intercom and internet connections, etc.
Wires and cables permeate through every aspect of our modern lifestyle, which commands uninterrupted and efficient electricity supply. From planes to trains, telecommunication to entertainment, satellites to WIFI – wires are the omnipresent, unsung heroes pulsating with electricity, bridging distances and bringing surroundings to life. Copper’s unique electrical and thermal properties make it secure, efficient and a durable material for residential and commercial installations. It is maintenance-free, lasts for decades and can always be recycled. Other conductors require periodic maintenance and increase the risk of hot spots and potential for fires. Flawed electrical wiring remains the main cause for fires in buildings causing billions of dollars in damage every year as well as loss of life. The need for safety has become an important concern, with common reason cited an electrical short circuit, overheating, fire and product explosion. Hence, industry experts encourage the use of copper wires and cables, as they are safer, highly efficient and tensile.
Over the past decade, the wire & cable industry in India has come a long way growing from being a small industry to a very large one. Although the industry comes with many technical and quality nuances, it is mostly volume driven. Over the last twenty years, the industry has shifted from being an unorganized sector to a structured one still, 35% of the industry continues to be a part of the unorganized sector.
The increasing demand for power, light and communication has kept the demand high for wire and cable. The wire and cable market in India comprises of nearly 40% of the electrical industry. According to industry experts, it is set to double in size in the next five years. The market is growing at a CAGR of 15% because of growth in the power and infrastructure segments. The present estimated per capita consumption is only about 0.5 kg. As the present government is focusing on ‘Make in India’, the industry is capable of growing at a similar rate in the next five years. Similarly, the manufacturing plants used today are well equipped with modern machinery for producing quality products. All the plants are ISO 9001: 2015, 14001 : 2004, 18001 : 2007 and 50001 : 2011 certified and are continuously upgraded to offer quality outcome. The quality of copper plays a very important role in wiring i.e. the use of Electrolytic Tough Pitch (ETP) grade copper. Wherein the purity of copper in percentage terms should be minimum 99.90% as per national standards. All electrical consultants, A-Grade electrical contractors, while specifying makes should ensure quality credential from independent laboratory, else poor quality of copper used in the wire may result in safety hazard as well as energy loss.
Being a superconductor, copper is applied to building management, home automation system, data centers and other verticals for its properties. The overall, copper usage in India in the past was around one million tons. Of this, 45% was achieved through domestic primary producers, 26% through imports of refined copper and copper semis, 13% as part of imports of finished products using copper and around 20% through secondary copper. Globally, as well as in India, the electrical sector is the biggest user of copper amounting to more than 50% of total copper usage. Copper and its alloy components play a vital role in electricity generation, distribution and utilization; about 12-15%, per annum demand growth can be achieved in this sector. However, India lags behind the global average when it comes to the use of copper in power cable; around 51% of the power cable market uses copper cables while on the other hand the share of copper cable in the power cable market in India is at a minuscule 8%. Copper is economical and eco-friendly, which has time and again proven to be cost-effective at the same time excellent in quality to all manufacturers as well as consumers, copper is steadily but strongly becoming “The Metal of the Future.”
Likewise, the Indian economy is constantly growing and moving from lower middle income to higher middle-income bracket (based on per capita income), the growth in disposable income and growing urbanization is resulting into formation of large megacities and new cities. The infrastructural push led by government spending in areas such as roads, transportation, railways & metros, airports and ports, we are certain it would lead to a rise in copper demand across all verticals of businesses. This outpouring in demand will witness more innovation that will spur the industry to adopt energy efficient copper alternatives.
