why is plastic used to cover wires?

Question

stuck on science hwk plz help need to be done by tonight
thanks

Answer 1

The thermoplastic coating on wires will handle the high temperatures imposed by electrical current. The three classes of thermoplastic for wires are 60 75 and 90 degrees Centigrade. That is 140 167 and 194 degrees Fahrenheit. Other coverings either won't stand up to those temperatures or they are much more expensive. So it is both safety and economics. Most of the wires used in homes now is the 90 degree rated insulation type. Email if you need more help.

Answer 2

They cover magnetic wire like in motors with a varnish like substance to insulate them for contacting each other.
The covering of wires with plastic is done to stop them from shorting out by touching each other and you and anything else that you don't want them to touch. The plastic has the best dielectric strength and is the most cost effective insulation at the present time. They use other materials for high temperatures but it is very expensive.

Answer 3

You have obviously never touched a wire carrying mains voltage without a plastic sheaf. Otherwise you would certainly know the answer. Plastic is a good cheap insulator which prevents electricity being conducted to items at a lower potential.

Answer 4

That thermoplastic insulation your talking about has a rating for specific heat ranges. So it not only insulates the conductive copper, aluminum, whatever but it also prevents the wire from overheating when run through flammable materials like walls and whatnot. You may also notice that inside the thermoplastic sleeve is a layer of insulating paper. This also helps prevents overheating of the condudtive material.

Answer 5

Because plastic is a good insulator and is pliable and durable. Wire used to have rubber as the covering but that tends to rot and fall to bits with time as many owners of old houses have found out the hard way..

Answer 6

Plastic is an excellent insulator and prevents the conduction of electricity from the metal wire to any conductor which comes into contact with it.

Answer 7

because plastic is an insulator, therefore the electircity carried through the wires inside cannot be transmitted through the plastic. It stops us from getting a shock too. but the main answer you need is because its an insulator, its cheap, and flexible.

Answer 8

To keep you from getting a shock from the electricity flowing through them.
Also, plastic is cheaper and easier to install than the fabric used in earlier wires.

Answer 9

in electrical wiring the wires are protected from 'shorting' i.e. touching each other, short circuiting and blowing the fuse, by the plastic covering of the wires. Wires that 'short' can also cause overheating and catch fire.

Answer 10

Because the old fasioned cloth bindings caught fire. Electricity will spark from one wire to another, and two cables set too close will cause induction, (like an electric hob). Another fire. Also it's not a good idea to touch a bare wire with enough electrical charge to blow your heart!