Can water in a pipe be used to transmit electricity?

Preeti Taneja

Entrepreneur | Posted on 1-Jul-2019

Yes. BUT why would you want to do that when the metal wire is a much safer and efficient way for electric power transmission?

Water in a pipe can be used to transmit electricity. But it has many flaws to it. For once, conductivity in water varies. Some parts of it have a higher composition of the mineral, others not so much. Sure, it can be standardized and made constant. But that would come with a big investment on the right infrastructure, which wouldn’t be a very cost-effective measure.

In comparison, copper wire, with same grade and dimension, maintains a uniform conductivity throughout. So, it stands as the best option to transmit electricity.

(Courtesy: Science ABC)

Besides, electric power transmission through the water in a pipe also has many risks. If you're transmitting high voltage, it risks huge single Line-to-Ground fault. To prevent that, the entire length of the pipe should be insulated. This, again, isn’t a cost-effective step. And then yes, using that water, even with all the at-large precautionary measure, will always have the risk of getting electrocuted.

(Courtesy: Greenlee.com)

In short, while water in a pipe can indeed be used to transmit electricity, it's not a very efficient, safe and cost-effective move.

Hope this answers your question.

Laura Barraza

Powerhouse electrician | Posted on 3-Jun-2020

Hey there I am Laura Avila Barraza Working as a powerhouse electrician.

Water has a much greater electrical resistance than copper, which means it would cause a large reduction in voltage after long pipes filled with water.

I think this is the main reason,:

Water pipes can leak if broken
If a water plastic pipe breaks, dirt can penetrate, resulting in zero or less good conductivity.
A copper cable always has a certain diameter which is fixed, with water it depends on the pressure of the tube.
The pressure is necessary to keep the water at a pressure that does not leave bubbles.
The water can freeze, which can lead to several conductivity properties.
You need more pipes, if a pipe breaks, the possibility is that the water will "mix", causing a shortcut. A clean cut of copper wire will not directly cause a shortcut.

er abhi

Blogger | Posted on 1-Jul-2019

With plastic funneling, why not, make the water an attainable vehicle channel for power would make it unfeasible for different uses like utilization.

I dare turn the thought around - empty conductors with some coolant coursing through them, could be utilized for transprorting a high current. Also, this is basically done in spot welders, where the welding heads have water channels inside them for this very reason.