Electrical Conductivity Converter
Electrical conductivity measures how well a material conducts electricity. Cooper is the reference: 100% IACS = 58.0 MS/m.
Common Electrical Conductivity Conversions
| From | To |
|---|---|
| 1 S/m | 0.01 S/cm |
| 100 %IACS (copper) | ~58.0×10⁶ S/m |
| Aluminum | ~61 %IACS |
| Stainless steel | ~1–3 %IACS |
Electrical Conductivity Unit Definitions
- Siemens/m (S/m)
- SI unit.
- mS/cm
- Millisiemens per centimeter; common for water quality.
- %IACS
- Percent of International Annealed Copper Standard; used for metals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is copper used for electrical wiring?
Copper has very high conductivity (~58 MS/m = 100 %IACS) combined with good mechanical strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance.
What is the conductivity of seawater?
About 5 S/m (very salty). Fresh water ~0.05 S/m. Ultra-pure water is ~5.5×10⁻⁶ S/m — almost an insulator.
What is %IACS and why is it used?
%IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard) rates conductivity relative to annealed copper = 100%. Aluminum is ~61 %IACS; gold is ~70 %IACS. Used to compare conductor alloys.