what properties make nonmetals unsuitable for electric wiring?

Question

what properties make nonmetals unsuitable for electric wiring?

Answer 1

Metal is selected for its capacity to conduct electricity and its cost. A quick and probably appropriate "test" answer would be that non metals are non conductive and unsuitable for conducting electricity.



However "wiring" includes both metallic and nonmetallic components. Electrical wiring includes insulation, plastic junction boxes, conduit and switch covers. In all these cases, the significant property is that they are non-conductive and therefore help to channel electrical energy along the conductive material. Cost is significant. We rate electrical wiring based upon its wire diameter and the heat resistance of its insulation. In this way the nonmetallic components of electrical wiring are important for the same quality in reverse as the metal components. They are non-conductive. They are "suitable" for the use to which they are put as electrical insulation.

Answer 2

Look at it the other way around,....what do metals do that make them good as wiring? First many conduct (pass) electricity easily, also they can be formed into wire and lastly they're fairly inexpensive compared to say lithium or other contuctors.

Answer 3

There are non-metals that can conduct electricity, which could be semiconductors or conductors. Graphite for example is very conductive. The property that makes metals ideal for wiring is ductility and malleability, non-metals don't bend well.