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Purpose The aim of this paper was to study the initial corrosion behavior of copper in the substations of Zhanjiang and Zhuhai.Design/methodology/approach The copper exposed at the substation of Guangdong coastal region in southern China for up to 12 months. The rust layer formed on the copper has been examined by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray energy spectrum, X-ray diffraction and electrochemical polarization techniques.Findings The corrosion weight loss of copper at Zhanjiang exposure site is a little more serious than that at Zhuhai exposure site in every exposure period. The corrosion products of copper have different changes in color and composition at the two exposure sites. The tensile strength of copper has a slight decrease after one-year exposure.Originality/value The atmospheric exposure experiments of copper in the substations of Zhanjiang and Zhuhai have been adopted for the first time. The corrosion behavior of copper was investigated, and it can provide reference for material selection of the substation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]