A looming copper crunch and why recycling can’t fix it

Re:A looming copper crunch and why recycling can’t fix it by lazide on Monday August 01, 2022 @12:09AM (#32301973)

Which is relatively expensive and error prone, compared to copper connections.

For service connections and large scale power distribution where trained professionals are already required and lack of maintenance is already a fire hazard, it isn't a problem.

For small branch circuits where work is often done by random Joe's and where any sort of preventative maintenance is few and far between, it is a failed experiment.

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Re:A looming copper crunch and why recycling can’t fix it by strbean on Monday August 01, 2022 @01:14AM (#32302310)

Assuming copper prices continue to outpace aluminum prices, eventually copper will be the expensive option vs. aluminum (done right). Not sure if the error prone aspect could be remedied though.

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Re:A looming copper crunch and why recycling can’t fix it by lazide on Monday August 01, 2022 @01:36AM (#32302443)

Compared to electrician labor? It would have to be price at silver prices to matter; most likely.

Either way, home and commercial construction is likely to crater (already starting in many areas) due to cost of $$ going up, so that should help tamp down demand quite a bit.

[ Parent | on HN ]