Before resuming our top-down examination of motorhome electrical systems, let's look at basic components and devices that make up the connections in electrical circuits, starting with wire.
Copper is the only suitable material for electrical wire, in terms of reliability, efficiency, and economy. Steel, while being less expensive, is not as efficient and more prone to corrosion. Likewise, aluminum has proven to be a less desirable material for electrical wires.
Copper can experience metal fatigue due to stress caused by repeated bending. Solid large diameter copper wires are more prone to breaking due to metal fatigue. On the other hand, stranded wire, consisting of multiple small diameter wires bundled together, is more flexible and better able to withstand repeated movement.
