C11000 vs C10200 Copper: Which Grade Should You Specify?
Updated: Oct 7
Copper grade selection can affect conductivity, manufacturability and the suitability of a finished component for its intended application.
Two grades commonly specified for electrical copper components are C11000 (Electrolytic Tough Pitch Copper) and C10200 (Oxygen-Free Copper).
Both offer high electrical conductivity, but there are important differences to consider when selecting material for busbars, connectors and custom copper components.
What Is C11000 Copper?
C11000, commonly known as ETP copper, is one of the most widely used copper grades for electrical applications.
It combines high electrical conductivity with good manufacturability, making it suitable for a broad range of components including:
copper busbars;
electrical connectors and links;
switchboard components;
power distribution components; and
custom machined copper parts.
For many standard electrical and power-distribution applications, C11000 provides a practical balance of conductivity, availability and manufacturing performance.
What Is C10200 Copper?
C10200 is an oxygen-free copper grade with very high copper purity and low oxygen content.
It also provides excellent electrical and thermal conductivity and may be specified for applications where material purity, oxygen content or specific processing requirements are important.
Typical applications can include specialised electrical components, electronic equipment and other applications where oxygen-free copper is specifically required by the design or engineering specification.
C11000 vs C10200
For many electrical components, the difference is not simply about which copper grade is “better”. The appropriate material depends on the application and project specification.
C11000 – ETP Copper
C11000 is a widely used electrical copper grade offering high electrical conductivity and good manufacturability. It is commonly specified for busbars, electrical connectors and general power-distribution components.
C10200 – Oxygen-Free Copper
C10200 has very low oxygen content and high copper purity, while also providing excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. It is often specified where oxygen-free copper or particular material characteristics are required.
Which Grade Should You Specify?
The material should ultimately be selected according to the requirements of the finished component rather than conductivity alone.
Important considerations include:
electrical requirements;
operating environment;
manufacturing process;
joining or forming requirements;
project standards and specifications; and
customer drawing requirements.
Where a drawing already specifies a copper grade, the component should normally be manufactured to that material specification.
For new designs, material selection can be reviewed alongside the manufacturing requirements of the component.
Made to Your Specification
Magellan International supplies C11000, C10200 and other copper grades for custom busbars, connectors and made-to-drawing copper components.
Components can be manufactured to customer drawings with project-specific machining, forming and surface finishing requirements.
Not sure which copper grade is appropriate for your project? Send us your drawing and material requirements for review.
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