What materials are typically used to construct service entrance conductors?

Service entrance conductors are crucial components of a building's electrical system, responsible for bringing electrical power from the utility supply to the inside of the structure. The most commonly used materials for these conductors are copper and aluminum.

Copper is favored because of its excellent conductivity, resistance to corrosion, and durability. It offers a lower electrical resistance compared to many other materials, which helps in minimizing energy losses.

Aluminum is also widely used for service entrance conductors due to its lightweight nature and cost-effectiveness. Although aluminum does not conduct electricity as well as copper, it can still be very effective for larger conductor sizes, helping to reduce overall costs while complying with electrical code requirements.

The other materials listed, such as steel, plastic, and brass, are not typically used for service entrance conductors. Steel, although it has strength, does not have adequate conductivity for electrical applications, while plastic is an insulating material rather than a conductor. Brass, a copper-zinc alloy, does not have the conductivity or reliability of pure copper or aluminum for these applications. Therefore, copper and aluminum are the standard choices for service entrance conductors, making the provided answer accurate.