C11000 copper or C26000 brass for a busbar? Compare conductivity and forming needs

At a glance

C11000 copper and C26000 brass differ substantially in published conductivity. Selection also depends on strength, forming, joining and supplied temper.

Direct answer High-conductivity copper is often evaluated when conductor loss is a priority. A stamped contact that also needs complex forming or spring behavior requires strength and formability checks as well. Copper.org lists C11000 at 101% IACS and C26000 at 28% IACS at 68°F. These are published material values, not measurements for a Hongchuan part.

For an SMD busbar or PCB terminal, alloy designation alone does not predict assembly temperature rise. Section geometry, joints, solder connections and cooling also matter.

Published material data	C11000	C26000
Common name	ETP copper	Cartridge brass
Conductivity at 68°F	101% IACS	28% IACS
Thermal conductivity at 68°F	226 Btu·ft/(h·ft²·°F)	70 Btu·ft/(h·ft²·°F)

The values come from Copper.org alloy records. Verify product form, temper and lot against the material certificate and purchasing specification. IACS is a reference scale for electrical conductivity.

Consider the forming operation

C26000 is a copper-zinc brass that Copper.org lists for connector applications and describes as capable of cold work. C11000 has higher published conductivity and is also used in cold-worked products. The right material depends on whether the part is stamped, bent, expected to retain spring force or carries fastening load. Temper affects finished strength and forming behavior.

For a bent strip, also review bend radius and material condition. The alloy code does not replace drawing requirements for thickness, temper and forming.

Put material requirements in the drawing

State the material standard and grade rather than “high-conductivity copper” alone.
Specify thickness, temper and any permitted substitution.
Identify whether a material certificate, conductivity or hardness record is required.
Review plating, contact areas and joining process as separate requirements.

Common questions

Does 101% IACS mean a finished busbar has a fixed current rating?

No. Conductivity does not include part dimensions, joint resistance, ambient temperature or allowable temperature rise.

Can C11000 and Chinese T2 be treated as identical?

Do not substitute grades by name alone. Confirm the applicable standards, composition and temper, then state acceptable equivalents in the purchasing document.

Sources

The cover is an AI-generated material concept, not a product composition or test result.

Apply this to your component selection

Start with the product catalog and model guide. For a specific project, send the part number or drawing, quantity and key operating conditions. This article will be included in your enquiry for context.

Articles explain selection considerations and do not replace the confirmed drawing, test conditions or supply documents for a specific part. Check any cited source and its applicable edition for standards and parameters.