What materials are standard electric terminal clips made of?

The most common materials used for standard electric terminal clips are copper or brass. These materials are chosen for their excellent electrical conductivity, which is essential for efficiently transferring electrical energy between components. Copper, in particular, has a very high conductivity, making it the preferred choice for many electrical applications. Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, also exhibits good conductivity while providing added strength and resistance to corrosion, making it another suitable option for terminal clips.

In contrast, while aluminum and steel possess their own properties, they do not match the efficiency and reliability of copper or brass in electrical applications. Plastic and rubber are insulative materials, which are not suitable for the conductive function required in terminal clips. Similarly, gold and silver, while highly conductive, are not used for standard electric terminal clips due to their high cost.