FAQ: Benefits of copper vs aluminium conductors

Aluminium is abundantly available and offers a cheaper alternative to copper for conductors. The demand for copper is variable and the price fluctuates considerably whereas the price of aluminium is much more stable. Whilst an aluminium conductor is only about 61% as conductive as the same sized copper conductor it is also three times lighter in weight which makes it much easier to handle. For this reason aluminium finds favour in large size cables and cables for overhead power distribution.

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The difference in the conductivity means that a much larger size aluminium conductor needs to be used to match the conductivity of the equivalent copper conductor. Using a larger size conductor has the add-on effect of requiring a greater amount of insulation material to adequately cover the conductor and the extra cross-sectional size of the cable may be restrictive in certain applications.

Other differences between the two include the tensile strength - copper has approximately twice the tensile strength of aluminium, but it is worth noting that given the equivalent aluminium conductor is bigger and lighter it often doesn&#;t require the same degree of tensile strength. Copper is more thermally conductive than aluminium but again, when the larger conductor sizes are factored in the differences are reduced. The better the thermal conductivity the better the short circuit performance of the conductor.

In some cases copper-clad aluminium conductors consisting of an aluminium core with a heavy skin of copper bonded to the aluminium can be used. Whilst not in widespread use, this conductor type does combine the advantages of the lighter weight aluminium with the more conductive copper. The ductility is however that of aluminium and not the improved performance of copper. This conductor type has found some favour with coaxial cables as a lightweight centre conductor. The lighter weight wire allows the use of lower density dielectric material for better attenuation.

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Aluminum wire has been used as an electrical conductor for a many years. Shortly after the beginning of modern power distribution systems being constructed in the late s, electrical utilities started to use aluminum wire for power transmission lines. Aluminum has been safely and effectively used in electrical applications in the United States for more than 100 years.

Aluminum wire is an economical alternative to copper wire. It requires a larger wire gauge than copper wire to carry the same current, however it takes only one pound of aluminum wire to equal the current-carrying capacity of two pounds of copper making it an extremely attractive material for utilities, builders and others.

Aluminum building wiring is a type of electrical wiring used for residential construction or houses that use aluminum electrical conductors. Stranded aluminum cable is another aluminum material that is used for main distribution wiring or feeder lines. Aluminum is very reliable making it a frequently used material when it comes to providing power to your home.

Aluminum wire provides a better conductivity to weight ratio than copper, and therefore is also used for wiring power grids including overhead power transmission lines, local power distribution lines, and power wiring of some airplanes.

Aluminum wiring is an excellent wiring choice when used in the correct application and is properly installed and maintained. Aluminum wire is a great conductor of electricity. It is light weight, strong, and more economical than copper. If you are unsure how to use electrical aluminum wiring, you can contact us for more information or your local licensed electrician.

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