The development of electrical machines was facilitated by the availability of high conductivity copper conductors, and the nonferrous manufacturers are still meeting the requirements of the electrical and electronics industry. Having shown that copper it still in plentiful supply, the review describes over 80 standardised wrought coppers and copper alloys and 37 casting materials. Compositions are given together with basic mechanical and physical properties in the annealed, worked or heat-treated conditions as appropriate. Machining and jointing techniques are described and the suitability of the materials for end use requirements is discussed. Sources of further information are given.