Why Pencil Graphite Would Not Work for Home Wiring
Pencil graphite is made of clay and graphite, which are not conductive enough to carry sufficient electric current for powering home appliances and lighting. Graphite is somewhat conductive, but has too high resistance to work for household wiring.
Some key reasons pencil graphite would not work well:
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Graphite has a resistivity of around 1 x 10^-5 ohm meters, which is 10,000 times less conductive than copper wire. This high resistance would lead to inefficient power transmission and voltage drops.
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The graphite in pencils does not form a continuous circuit. It exists as small disconnected fragments in the pencil 'lead', which interrupts electrical flow.
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Pencil graphite contacts would heat up significantly from resistance, presenting a fire hazard. The contacts could degrade over time.
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Graphite is brittle and pencil 'leads' are thin. This would not allow sufficient current carrying capacity for most home appliances. The graphite would likely overheat and burn out.
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Exposure to air and humidity over time degrades graphite conductivity. Pencil graphite wiring would become less effective over time.
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Pencil lead contains impurities and clay binders. These contaminate the graphite and lower its conductivity compared to pure graphite.
Safe and Effective Options for Home Wiring
While using pencils may seem an easy wiring method, it does not provide the safety, durability and conductivity needed for residential electrical systems. Here are some better options:
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Copper wiring has been the standard for home electrical wiring for decades. Copper has high conductivity and low resistivity. It can handle the current demands for lighting and appliances safely.
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Aluminum wiring may also be used. It has conductivity about 60% that of copper, but is lighter weight. Diameter is increased to handle the same ampacity as copper.
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Using thick gauges like 10 AWG or 12 AWG for power transmission lines ensures sufficient current capacity and low voltage drop.
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Wires coated in PVC insulation provides protection against shocks and fires. The insulation resists heat and abrasion.
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Cables certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) meet quality standards for electrical wiring materials.
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Properly wired junction boxes, conduits, cables, and circuit breakers are needed for safety. Follow local building codes for approved methods.
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Hiring a licensed electrician ensures proper home wiring to avoid fires and electrocution hazards. They are familiar with required codes and best practices.
In summary, graphite in pencils is not suitable for carrying the level of electric current needed for home wiring. While graphite conducts electricity, it has too high resistance compared to good conductors like copper. Proper wiring requires the right materials and professional installation.