Copper has a number of limitations, some of which are listed below:
- Is relatively expensive compared to potential alternative materials such as: aluminum (electrical cabling) or plastics (water piping).
- Is relatively heavy compared to materials such as aluminum, so for overhead wires, it may not be practical.
- Oxidizes, particularly at high temperatures, and so has a limited life span if exposed to air.
- Presents a shock risk compared to the alternative signal transmission technology of fiber optics.
- Is toxic in large amounts, so it cannot be applied where regular ingestion of copper could occur, such as in utensils.
