What are conductors and insulators?

Conductors

Some materials let electricity pass through them easily. These materials are known as electrical conductors.

Many metals, such as copper, iron and steel, are good electrical conductors. That is why the parts of electrical objects that need to let electricity pass through are always made of metal.

Metal is used in plugs to allow electricity to transfer from the wall socket, through the plug, and into a device such as a radio or TV.

In a light bulb, the metal filament conducts electricity and causes the light bulb to light up.

Insulators

Some materials do not allow electricity to pass through them. These materials are known as electrical insulators.

Plastic, wood, glass and rubber are good electrical insulators. That is why they are used to cover materials that carry electricity.

The plastic covering that surrounds wires is an electrical insulator. It stops you from getting an electrical shock.