The following is a brief description of the aluminum conductors and their properties.
Aluminum and copper are commodity products heavily used in multiple industries. Copper more distinctly used in carrying electrons and aluminum is more spread in other industries. Sudden surge in development in India and China (nearly 2/5 of the pupation of the earth) created a major havoc in these two commodities. Copper prices induced many into overnight raids to the air conditionings on the roof, piping exposed on the front landscapes, or copper piping in the switchgears placed outside of buildings. This issue has caused multiple fatalities, safety, security and risk to businesses. The aluminum was less affected. Near 30 years ago, 8000 series aluminum alloy was introduced. This alloy eliminated all negative perceptions and historical problems in the electrical power industries. National Electrical Code has adopted aluminum as a viable choice and in Section 310.14 states that aluminum conductors shall be made of an AA-8000 series electrical grade aluminum alloy conductor material. At the end of the code, all properties of aluminum conductors, impedance, temperature ratings, and ampacity are detailed and provided. Aluminum alloys has been advanced to near 80% conductivity to that of copper. Aluminum wires is mostly compacted aluminum strands
As in copper all installations of aluminum alloys are clearly states in the code book. Like copper the installation requirement must be followed per code. The voltage drop, the fault current, proper torque on connections, protection from the weather,
Aluminum does have limitations for example, it is recommended to wire directly to motor disconnects and not to motors. The best use of aluminum wires is to use as feeders. Feeders are defined as wires that feed the new switchgears, panels, meters, etc. It is not used in interior of commercial or residential buildings.
The longevity of aluminum has been tested by mere evidence of aluminum installations in various industries. Aluminum is now installed as deterrent to avoid the would-be-thieves from entering premise for copper. Absolute Consulting Engineers has designed multiple 100+ room motels where all of the feeders were aluminum. The longevity of the connections has also been tested. It is recommended that like in aluminum brush wires to remove any oxide layers and then apply NOOX or Penetrox joint compounds to avoid any future oxidations.
As the copper mining for lack of material has become deeper and more tedious, the aluminum alloy has become more attractive and wire of choice, especially where these installations are open to the general public.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.