What are Pros and Cons of Aluminium Wires
Aluminium wiring stands out in building construction projects for its affordability, durability, and efficient conductivity. It's an ideal option for large-scale endeavours, capable of enduring harsh weather and extreme temperatures. Its lightweight nature and ease of installation add to its appeal. Industry statistics consistently highlight aluminium wiring's longstanding popularity in both residential and commercial applications.
Aluminium wiring remains a top choice in construction for various reasons, including:
- Cost-effectiveness is particularly beneficial for extensive construction endeavours.
- Exceptional durability, capable of enduring severe weather and extreme temperatures.
- Lightweight nature, facilitating easy handling and installation.
- Efficient conductivity, ensuring effective current transmission.
Let’s delve into the aluminium pros and cons and precautions of wiring in the residential and workspace areas.
Pros of Aluminium Wiring
Aluminium wiring offers multiple to SME owners and procurement managers. Some of its major pros are mentioned below:
1. Cost Efficiency: Aluminium wiring proves to be notably more budget-friendly compared to copper wiring, especially in larger commercial buildings. The cost savings are substantial, offering similar performance levels without significant financial strain.
2. Lightweight Design: Its remarkable lightweight nature simplifies installation processes, saving both time and money during construction. Easy manoeuvrability allows for swift placement even in intricate areas, which is ideal for complex commercial building designs.
3. Conductivity: With outstanding conductivity properties, Aluminium wiring effectively carries current, ensuring high reliability for various electrical purposes.
Cons of Aluminium Wiring
Even though Aluminium wiring has extensive applications, it has multiple benefits. It is highly preferred by SME owners and procurement managers. Although some people might question, ‘Why is Aluminium wire bad?’. There are a few reasons, though.
1. Susceptibility to Corrosion: Despite its durability and lightness, Aluminium is highly prone to corrosion when in contact with other metals, leading to quick and easy deterioration.
2. Thermal Expansion: Aluminium wiring exhibits greater thermal expansion compared to copper, potentially causing issues when the wiring expands excessively, particularly at splice or junction points.
3. Compatibility Concerns: Incorrect usage of connectors and outlets not rated for Aluminium wiring can result in loose connections and terminations. This can lead to hazardous situations such as arcing, melting, or fire. Additionally, improper wire stripping and overly tight splices can lead to failure of the Aluminium wire.
Precautions for Aluminium Wiring
As the electrical system can be extremely dangerous for your life and property if not taken good care of, ensure that you learn and follow the necessary precautions for the Aluminium wiring system installed at your place.
1. Anti-Corrosion Measures: Implement surface treatments like painting, anodising, or other coatings to shield the Aluminium from corrosion. To maintain the aluminium appearance while providing resistance against pitting, opt for clear coats or thin anodic coatings.
2. Thermal Considerations: Be proactive in addressing signs of overheating or arcing within switches and receptacles. Replace original devices with those specifically rated for Aluminium (properly marked) or consider installing copper tails to mitigate hazards.
3. Professional Inspection: Inspect wiring for the presence of "Aluminium" or the initials "AL" on the plastic wire jacket. During visible inspections, such as in the electrical panel or attic, inspectors can identify printed or embossed letters on the wire jacket for verification. Moreover, you must ask a professional electrician to check your electrical system because a wrongly installed Aluminium wiring can cause hazards.
Residential Aluminium Wiring
Residential Aluminium wiring refers to electrical conductors used in house construction, offering a conductivity-to-weight ratio superior to copper.
Key highlights:
- Its application extends to power grids, encompassing overhead transmission lines, local distribution lines, and even some aircraft power wiring due to its advantageous properties.
- From the late 1800s to the early 1900s, utility companies utilised aluminium wire for electrical transmission, benefiting from its cost and weight advantages over copper.
- Even today, Aluminium remains the preferred wire material for home wiring, power transmission and distribution purposes.
Safety with L&T Aluminium Wiring!
Just like everything else, there are many pros and cons of aluminium. The metallic aluminium wire offers benefits such as cost efficiency, amazing conductivity and lightweight design. On the other hand, some of its drawbacks include thermal expansion, compatibility issues and susceptibility to corrosion. Hence, learn and follow all the necessary precautions while you install aluminium wiring in your place.
Explore the best quality and high-durability aluminium wires on L&T-SuFin. We offer unique features that suit the needs and aluminium wire considerations of SME owners and procurement managers in the best ways possible. Hence, for safe wiring, choose L&T SuFin.
Discover the best rates/prices from verified suppliers by raising quotations on the L&T SuFin platform.
Know the pros and cons of aluminium wiring and make an informed decision that suits your business needs!
Comprehensive Guide to Aluminium Wires: Types, Applications, and Benefits
Aluminium and its alloys have become essential in the electrical industry due to their notable attributes: lightweight nature, high structural strength, high ductility, excellent conductivity, and non-magnetic properties. These materials are highly prioritised by SME owners and procurement managers and find extensive applications in various sectors, such as foil windings, busbars, cables, overhead transmission lines and more.
In this Aluminium wires guide, you will acknowledge the wire types, wire applications, and aluminium wiring benefits.
What is an Aluminium Wire?
The aluminium wire serves as an electrical wiring material utilised in various applications, including residential houses and aircraft. It acts as an alternative conductor because of its mechanical and electrical characteristics, as well as its price point compared to copper wire. While aluminium has a lower conductivity than copper, making it less common in small-scale applications like home wiring, it gained favorability during the 1960s when copper prices surged.
Properties
Aluminium wires boast lightweight properties, high ductility, low electrical resistance, and exceptional corrosion resistance, making them suitable for numerous applications. Additionally, aluminium possesses non-sparking, non-toxic and non-magnetic attributes.
Conductivity
In terms of conductivity, aluminium is comparatively softer and weaker than copper. During a rise in circuit temperature, aluminium wire expands and moves within electrical connectors, creating spaces. As electric current passes through, it generates pressure, heating the aluminium wire connector. Subsequently, when electricity ceases, the aluminium cools and contracts, resulting in small gaps between the wire and the connector. This gap raises the risk of corrosion, subsequently increasing resistance. The increased resistance can generate more heat, potentially igniting the connector material.
Types of Aluminium Wires
The types of aluminium wires available are:
Bare Aluminium Wires
- Ideal for overhead power transmission lines at different voltage levels.
- Suited for installation across challenging terrains like rivers, valleys, and areas with unique geographical features.
Insulated Aluminium Wires
Popularly used in transmission cables.
- It comprises multiple twisted wires with smaller diameters, enhancing flexibility compared to solid-core wires.
- Often coated with rubber sheaths or PVC insulation to safeguard against corrosion and water damage.
Aluminium Alloy Wires
- Widely employed in industrial applications requiring a sturdy, lightweight material.
- Despite having 60% of the electrical conductivity of copper, it's used in electrical transmission lines due to its lightweight nature.
Benefits of Using Aluminium Wires
Some major benefits of using L&T Sufin aluminium wires are:
Cost-Effectiveness
Aluminium power cables offer a cost-effective advantage. Being less costly than copper, aluminium serves as a favoured option for large-scale projects. Opting for aluminium cables instead of copper enables cost savings without compromising on performance.
Lightweight Nature
Aluminium alloys are known to enhance the tensile strength of pure aluminium. The weight-bearing capability of aluminium alloy wire is typically denoted by the maximum load it can withstand before breaking or deforming.
Generally, aluminium alloy wire exhibits a lower tensile strength compared to copper wire, implying it can support less weight for a given diameter. Nevertheless, aluminium alloy wire still maintains considerable weight-bearing capacity and finds application in crucial sectors like power distribution and transmission, where it's essential to bear the weight of transmission lines. This advantage becomes particularly apparent in the wiring of long-span buildings. For instance, aluminium alloy cables can support up to 4,000 metres of deadweight, surpassing the capacity of copper cables, which can only handle approximately 2,750 metres.
Corrosion Resistance
Aluminium's resistance to corrosion stems from the protective surface oxide layer formed upon contact with air. This oxide layer exhibits high resistance against different types of corrosion. Furthermore, the incorporation of rare earth elements in aluminium alloys can enhance their corrosion resistance, particularly against electrochemical corrosion. The robustness of aluminium in harsh environments makes it a prevalent choice as a cable conductor in pallets, as well as in various industrial components and fixtures.
Uses of Aluminium Wires
Uses of aluminium wires include:
Electrical Wiring
Aluminium's superior conductivity-to-weight ratio makes it a preferred choice for electrical wiring, utilised in power grids, local power distribution lines, overhead power transmission lines, and in power wiring for certain aircraft.
Power Transmission
Aluminium wires are commonly employed for electricity transmission due to their low resistivity. This low resistivity reduces resistance, allowing for increased current flow in the circuit, making them excellent conductors of electricity.
Construction Projects
Aluminium wires' inherent properties of being corrosion-resistant and lightweight make them extensively used in the construction industry. It's used in external facades, doors, staircases, windows, walls, roofs, railings, shelves, and various other applications.
Explore Aluminium Wiring for Extensive Applications at L&T SuFin!
This guide helps you acknowledge the benefits, types and applications of aluminium wires. Before you choose wiring for your personal or workplace, ensure that you acknowledge each specification of the types of aluminium wires available and then go for the one that suits your needs the best.
L&T-SuFin provides all types of aluminium wires for safe and long-lasting wiring for your place with top-notch quality and durability. SME owners and procurement managers can expect to discover the best rates/prices from verified suppliers by raising quotations on the L&T-SuFin platform.
Troubleshooting Aluminium Wiring: How to Detect and Address Wiring Issues?
Looking back 30 years to the 1960s and 1970s, you can see the economic importance of aluminium over copper. However, house wiring using aluminium wires at times suffers from certain issues. Aluminium wire troubleshooting and the need to analyse aluminium house wiring must be understood by business owners and managers. Go through electrical wiring problems and troubleshooting and gain insights into diagnosis and remedies for a thorough understanding of the challenges posed by wiring problems.
Dangers Associated With Aluminium Wiring
In complex electrical systems, aluminium wiring ports are remote dangers. Some of the key dangers that may come in handy with aluminium house wiring are as follows:
1. Higher Electrical Resistance
Aluminium has an inherent resistance, which means thicker cables are required, increasing the resistance of electricity. The resulting high temperatures can cause bending and melting of insulation, potentially leading to fire hazards. This resistance-driven problem is a persistent danger to the stability of electrical systems.
2. Galvanic Corrosion
Galvanic corrosion occurs when aluminium interacts with different metals in the presence of moisture. Corrosion damages connections and puts them at risk. There is an increased risk of electrical breakdowns as a result of this spreading chemical reaction.
3. Oxidation
The natural process of oxidation, which affects all metals, is critical in electrical wiring. While copper's oxide layer maintains conductivity, aluminium has difficulties. The resulting resistive layer obstructs electrical flow, perhaps causing connection issues. The decreased conductivity increases the chance of excessive warmth as oxidation develops, adding a dangerous dimension to the wire.
4. Expansion and Warping
Unlike copper, the visible expansion of aluminium can cause connections to weaken gradually. This characteristic, coupled with aluminium's softness, promotes warping. Arcing, a deadly electrical discharge, occurs as connections loosen. The effects are twofold: weak connections and arcing, which could put the underlying strength and safety of the wire at risk.
5. Excessive Vibration
Aluminium wiring is especially vulnerable in areas with a lot of vibration. The increased vibration becomes a persistent force, progressively loosening connections. This weakened stability creates the conditions for electrical breakdowns and malfunctions, which worsens the dangers in vibrating situations. The delicate balance of electrical stability in aluminium wiring becomes unstable, necessitating close monitoring to avoid potential risks.
How To Detect The Dangers Of Aluminium Wiring?
Detecting aluminium wiring risks is critical for ensuring safety in the electrical system. Visual inspections, thermal imaging, and professional electrical audits are three essential approaches for identifying potential concerns.
Visual Inspections
Regular visual inspections are of the utmost importance for detecting potential aluminium wiring concerns. Keep an eye out for signs of oxidation, colour change, and warping. These are the critical markers that require immediate attention to prevent more electrical wiring problems.
Thermal Imaging
Thermal imaging is essentially the conversion of infrared (IR) radiation (heat) into visual images that reflect the spatial distribution of variations in temperature in an area observed by a thermal camera. Thermal imaging reveals hidden dangers in aluminium wire. This technique detects hotspots, which indicate prospective issues and spots of higher resistance. Thermal imaging is highly regarded for its ability to detect electrical flaws in advance, enabling focused preventative actions.
Professional Electrical Audits
Professional electrical audits are the primary stage of protection against aluminium wiring dangers. These audits include thorough testing and analysis. This provides a detailed review of the system's health. Promoting expert audits offers an anticipatory strategy, allowing for immediate action and the reduction of possible dangers in electrical infrastructure.
How Do You Repair Aluminium Wiring?
Both diagnosis and solution of aluminium wiring problems require expert hands. It is critical to solve concerns as soon as possible in order to reduce the risks associated with aluminium wiring and guarantee a safe and dependable electrical system for your property.
- Professional Inspection: In-depth professional inspection is a must. The professional determines the status of faulty connections and the general condition of the aluminium wire.
- Antioxidant chemicals: Antioxidant chemicals can be used to reduce oxidation and improve electrical conductivity. The application of these substances to connections protects them against potential damage.
- Copper Pigtails Installation: To improve the safety and conductivity of aluminium wiring, attaching copper pigtails during repair. This is accomplished by connecting short copper wires to aluminium wires, thereby decreasing the dangers associated with aluminium's special qualities.
- Total Rewiring: In severe circumstances, a licensed electrician should perform total rewiring. This complete technique ensures that all potential problems linked to ageing or faulty aluminium wiring are eliminated.
Elevating Electrical Safety with L&T-SuFin
Understanding the risks of aluminium house wiring and competent aluminium wire troubleshooting is critical for electrical safety. It ensures the detection and management of possible threats, protecting both property and people. A secure and resilient electrical system requires vigilance in resolving these concerns. SME owners and procurement managers must emphasise the critical threats and detection procedures since they hold the key to strengthening the electrical systems. They may assure a secure and efficient future for their operations by employing the offerings of verified suppliers through the renowned L&T-SuFin. The dedication to safety is vital, and the platform allows users to interact with reliable sources. Investigate the wide range of products and solutions ushering in a new era of dependability and peace of mind for all electrical projects.
Choosing the Right Aluminium Wire Gauge: Sizing and Selection Made Easy
Manufacturers use a variety of criteria, such as the wire’s potential applications and the total cost of the project, while building a custom wire harness that helps them select the ideal wire. Since wires come in a wide choice of widths, the diameter or cross-sectional area of a wire is measured using wire “gauges”. This establishes a wire’s resistance, weight per unit of length, design expenses, and maximum current capacity. When working on an electrical project, understanding the aluminium wire gauge is essential for evaluating the ampacity of your wires or what amount of electric current a wire is capable of carrying without being harmed.
What are Wire Gauges?
A wire gauge is the measurement of the diameter of the wire. The diameter of a wire specifies the amount of amperes (amps) it can carry while not overheating. If a wire overheats, its insulation may melt away, resulting in a fire.
The most commonly used equipment for wire sizing is a conventional round gauge tool. To gauge a wire, strip it and consider fitting it into the marked grooves that are equivalent in size to it. The wire should be able to flow through to the hole that needs to be closed while still fitting inside the proper size. The gauge size written is going to be the number that corresponds with the groove it fits into, which is followed by "AWG."
Wires are assigned an AWG number by the AWG system that governs their cross-sectional area. Since a gauge wire with a lower number has a bigger diameter, it can support the highest currents.
Industry professionals can easily figure out whether a wire is suitable for a certain application by determining its gauge, as a wire's thickness directly affects its electrical properties, like resistance and load-carrying capacity. Additionally, this information can be successfully shared between other parties, such as between consumers and manufacturers for wire selection.
Applications for Different Wire Gauges
The following are the applications of the different wire gauges:
| Rate Ampacity | Wire Gauge | Wire Use |
| 10 amps | 18 AWG | Doorbells, thermostats, and other low-voltage applications. |
| 13 amps | 16 AWG | Light-duty extension cords. |
| 15 amps | 14 AWG | Outlets for the office, bedroom, and lighting circuits. |
| 20 amps | 12 AWG | Outlets in restrooms, kitchens, and other spaces where appliances consume higher current. |
| 30 amps | 10 AWG | Electric water heaters, electric clothes dryers, and occasionally cooktops and wall ovens powered by 240 volts. |
| 40-50 amps | 6 AWG | Kitchen cooktops and ranges. |
| 60 amps | 4 AWG | Large electric heaters, electric furnaces. |
Factors Associated with Aluminium Wire Gauge
Certain factors associated with wire gauges are as follows:
- Diameter: The numbers on a wire gauge go from low to high; lower values indicate smaller diameters and higher values indicate larger diameters.
- Foot-per-pound: The term "foot per pound" describes how many feet of wire are required to weigh one pound.
- Area: Round wires' cross-sectional area can be computed using the formula A= πr2, where r is half the diameter. The cross-sectional area of the wire doubles every three levels it lowers.
- Resistance: The length and thickness of a wire determine its electrical resistance. In comparison to shorter wires, longer wires offer more resistance. The thicker wire would have less resistance than the thinner wire when two wires of the same length are used.
- Current Capacity: The maximum safe current that a wire is capable of carrying is determined by its current capacity. Lower gauge wires can hold larger numbers of electrons than higher gauge wires because they are thicker.
Aluminium Gauge Chart
| AWG | Diameter (in inches) | Diameter (in mm) | Cross-sectional area (in mm2) | Max current (amps) |
| 0000 (4/0) | 0.46 | 11.684 | 107 | 302 |
| 000 (3/0) | 0.4096 | 10.40384 | 84.9 | 239 |
| 00 (2/0) | 0.3648 | 9.26592 | 67.4 | 190 |
| 0 (1/0) | 0.3249 | 8.25246 | 53.5 | 150 |
| 1 | 0.2893 | 7.34822 | 42.4 | 119 |
| 2 | 0.2576 | 6.54304 | 33.6 | 94 |
| 3 | 0.2294 | 5.82676 | 26.7 | 75 |
| 4 | 0.2043 | 5.18922 | 21.1 | 60 |
| 5 | 0.1819 | 4.62026 | 16.8 | 47 |
| 6 | 0.162 | 4.1148 | 13.3 | 37 |
| 7 | 0.1443 | 3.66522 | 10.6 | 30 |
| 8 | 0.1285 | 3.2639 | 8.37 | 24 |
| 9 | 0.1144 | 2.90576 | 6.63 | 19 |
| 10 | 0.1019 | 2.58826 | 5.26 | 15 |
| 11 | 0.0907 | 2.30378 | 4.17 | 12 |
| 12 | 0.0808 | 2.05232 | 3.31 | 9.3 |
| 13 | 0.072 | 1.8288 | 2.63 | 7.4 |
| 14 | 0.0641 | 1.62814 | 2.08 | 5.9 |
| 15 | 0.0571 | 1.45034 | 1.65 | 4.7 |
| 16 | 0.0508 | 1.29032 | 1.31 | 3.7 |
| 17 | 0.0453 | 1.15062 | 1.04 | 2.9 |
| 18 | 0.0403 | 1.02362 | 0.823 | 2.3 |
| 19 | 0.0359 | 0.91186 | 0.653 | 1.8 |
| 20 | 0.032 | 0.8128 | 0.519 | 1.5 |
| 21 | 0.0285 | 0.7239 | 0.412 | 1.2 |
| 22 | 0.0253 | 0.64516 | 0.327 | 0.92 |
| 23 | 0.0226 | 0.57404 | 0.259 | 0.729 |
| 24 | 0.0201 | 0.51054 | 0.205 | 0.577 |
| 25 | 0.0179 | 0.45466 | 0.162 | 0.457 |
| 26 | 0.0159 | 0.40386 | 0.128 | 0.361 |
| 27 | 0.0142 | 0.36068 | 0.102 | 0.288 |
| 28 | 0.0126 | 0.32004 | 0.080 | 0.226 |
| 29 | 0.0113 | 0.28702 | 0.0647 | 0.182 |
| 30 | 0.01 | 0.254 | 0.0507 | 0.142 |
| 31 | 0.0089 | 0.22606 | 0.0401 | 0.113 |
| 32 | 0.008 | 0.2032 | 0.0324 | 0.091 |
| Metric 2.0 | 0.00787 | 0.200 | 0.0314 | 0.088 |
| 33 | 0.0071 | 0.18034 | 0.0255 | 0.072 |
| Metric 1.8 | 0.00709 | 0.180 | 0.0254 | 0.072 |
| 34 | 0.0063 | 0.16002 | 0.0201 | 0.056 |
| Metric 1.6 | 0.0063 | 0.16002 | 0.0201 | 0.056 |
| 35 | 0.0056 | 0.14224 | 0.0159 | 0.044 |
| Metric 1.4 | .00551 | .140 | 0.0154 | 0.043 |
| 36 | 0.005 | 0.127 | 0.0127 | 0.035 |
| Metric 1.25 | .00492 | 0.125 | 0.0123 | 0.034 |
| 37 | 0.0045 | 0.1143 | 0.0103 | 0.0289 |
| Metric 1.12 | .00441 | 0.112 | 0.00985 | 0.0277 |
| 38 | 0.004 | 0.1016 | 0.00811 | 0.0228 |
| Metric 1 | .00394 | 0.1000 | 0.00785 | 0.0225 |
| 39 | 0.0035 | 0.0889 | 0.00621 | 0.0175 |
| 40 | 0.0031 | 0.07874 | 0.00487 | 0.0137 |
Wire Gauge Selection with L&T SuFin
Choosing the appropriate wire gauge is essential to the outcome of your electrical installation. We at L&T-SuFin have a vast inventory of the best-quality products. It is a well-known online e-commerce platform that links reputable Indian suppliers of office supplies, machines, construction supplies, and electrical supplies. With our first-rate features, which include full or partial deliveries across 21,000+ codes, KYC-verified suppliers and buyers and round-the-clock client support, you can be confident that our products will be of the highest caliber for your projects. Want to fulfil urgent aluminium wire gauge needs for your upcoming project? Check out our ‘Request for Quote’ option!
Copper vs. Aluminium Wires: Understanding the Pros and Cons
Is it about wiring your new construction project? Or are there electrical problems with the property's current wiring configuration? Are you uncertain about the type of wiring that will make the residence safer? The manufacturing industries and researchers strive hard to improve the quality of electric wires to offer the highest safety and best quality.
There is a wide variety of electric wires currently available in the market, synthesized from natural and synthetic materials. Copper and aluminium are the most often used metals in electrical wire manufacture. These metals have special qualities that make them ideal for a variety of uses. The following article will explain the most prevalent differences between wires made of copper and aluminium.
Copper Wires: The Pros and Cons
Understanding the applications of copper wire is important. So, before we get into the pros and cons of it, let’s have a look at the applications of copper wires:
- The electrical conductivity of bare copper wire allows it to be employed in circuits and overhead power transmission lines. They have been used in heavy machinery, commercial transformers, cars, and submarines.
- Compared to other naturally present metals, copper wires have comparatively stronger magnetic characteristics. It is useful in the making of solenoids and magnetic bars.
- Copper wires are commonly used in high-speed machinery and appliances that are subjected to continuous high-temperature conditions and vibrations because of their exceptional resistance to tear and damage and long lifespan.
Here are certain pros and cons of copper wires that would help you make an informed decision:
Pros of Copper Wires
- Better conductor than aluminium
- Higher durability
- Less corrosive nature
- Malleable in nature and offers flexibility for desired size and shape
- Lesser expansion and contraction owing to low thermal expansion
- Enhanced connection security
- 40% better tensile strength
- Requires 56% lesser cross-sectional area compared to copper for the same current carrying capacity
Cons of Copper Wires
- Expensive on purchase
- Heavier in weight
- Not suitable for the long run
- Unable to tolerate electrical surges
- Offer electromagnetic interference, thus disrupting safety
Aluminium Wires: The Pros and Cons
Before getting into the pros and cons of aluminium wires. Let’s take a look at their use and why are they used:
- Aluminium has applications in electrical wiring. It is so because it is a highly effective electrical conductor and is frequently employed in electrical applications where space and/or weight pose significant considerations.
- Because aluminium resists corrosion, it is also put to use in certain high-voltage applications.
- Aluminium is commonly used to make telephone cables because of its electrical conductivity and resistance to corrosion.
- Due to its lower weight and greater corrosion resistance, aluminium wire is also frequently used in place of steel wire in several automobile applications.
Here are certain pros and cons of aluminium wiring that would help you make an informed decision:
Pros of Aluminium Wires
- Extensive home and commercial applications
- Uses lesser quantity compared to copper
- Half the cost of copper
- Lighter in nature
- Offers lesser resistance to current flow
- Malleable in nature, thus making it easy to be drawn into wire
- Environmental friendly and comprises recyclable properties without loss of quality
- Easier to use
- Provides safety on proper installation
- Resistant to corrosion
- Come with a long lifespan
Cons of Aluminium Wires
- Expands while power is drawn from the wire but contracts when it isn’t
- Loosens over time, thus leading to fires
- Melts the fixtures on experiencing high temperatures
- Requires dedicated parts like screws and lugs
- Terminal parts require a compatibility test
- Less resistant to corrosion and become brittle, decreasing long-term suitability
- Quick corrosion on contact with other metals
- Softer and hence prone to breakage
- Not insurance friendly
- More wear and tear poses a higher replacement frequency of aluminium wires compared to copper wires.
Difference between Copper-Coated Aluminum Wire and Copper Wire
The basic difference between copper-coated aluminium wire and copper wire is given below:
- Copper-coated aluminium wires have a higher DC resistance than pure copper wires because copper has better conductivity than aluminium.
- Pure copper wires and copper-coated aluminium wires are both sold by weight, but copper-coated aluminium wires are slightly more costly than pure copper wires of the same weight.
- Copper-coated aluminium is softer than pure copper. Thus, wires produced from copper-coated aluminium conductors are softer than pure copper cables.
- The electrical conductivity of copper-coated aluminium wire is lower than that of solid copper wire. Copper-coated aluminium wire continues to be more conductive than aluminium, but it doesn't have the same electrical conductivity as solid copper wire.
Copper Wire vs. Aluminum Wire Resistance
Aluminium cable is more resistant and can carry less current (by roughly 40%) than a comparable copper conductor.
Aluminium has a higher electrical resistance than copper. This low resistance causes copper wires to heat up less, lose a lower amount of energy, and undergo a lower voltage fall.
Copper Wire vs. Aluminum Wire in AC
Since copper is a more effective conductor and has lower resistance, it is usually applied in AC systems. Copper can readily handle AC currents due to its low resistance and low heat generation.
The use of aluminium in AC systems is possible. Still, because of its greater resistance and the skin effect, it may result in higher energy decline, heating up, and potential performance issues. Aluminium wires in AC systems often have to be wider in diameter to make up for these shortcomings, which can address the higher resistance.
Aluminium vs. Copper Wire Ampacity
In comparison to aluminium wires of the same size, copper wires often have a greater ampacity. Heavy-duty appliances and circuits require greater ampacity applications where copper is commonly used.
To attain an equivalent current-carrying capacity as copper, aluminium wires used in high-amperage applications need to be greater in diameter or size. This may increase the need for more space and raise implementation costs.
Understanding the Different Types of Copper & Aluminum Electric Wires
Let us explore the multiple options that you can choose from:
Winding wires: Offered in two conductor materials, aluminium and copper, the winding wires are available with a breakdown voltage of 5 kV. These winding wires are suitable for applications concerning general and submersible motors. There are four types of insulation material available: polyester, PVC, polyester and polyesterimide. Top companies like Polywrap, RR Shramik and many others provide the services.
Electric wire: The most preferred conductor materials, aluminium, copper and HRFR, are easily available with base materials in different forms. For instance, wires are also available as annealed copper, ETP copper, solid and stranded copper. Other types of electric wires, such as eco-friendly, FR active, advanced, PVC, lead-free, FRLSH, HRLF, ZHFR, twin insulate, and many more, are also available. The offered voltage rating is also wide from 220 to 1100 V, and the current rating is from 10 to 93 Amperes.
Alloy Wire: Aluminum Magnesium Alloy wire is gaining popularity too. The wires are single-filar type and find a wide range of applications in complex and significant tasks. It is of use in electrical transmission, the automotive industry, bicycle and sporting goods, marine construction materials, and aerospace construction.
When Should You Use Copper and Aluminium Wire?
Electrical systems in homes and businesses have consistently used copper wiring. It is often chosen over aluminium wiring due to its great tensile strength. Copper's elemental composition also makes it a very good and affordable conductor. When it comes to exposed overhead cables outdoors, aluminium wires work better. It is so because when placed under the weather, the aluminium wire forms a thick oxide film. This prevents oxidation and corrosion caused by air and precipitation.
Procuring Online at L&T-SuFin: A Smart Choice
The comparison, copper vs aluminium wire indicates that both serve unique advantages and disadvantages. Replacing either of them, depending on the use, is a wise decision. A thorough understanding of the requirements aids in choosing the right material for electric wire. Be it commercial electricity services, facility maintenance services, or the incorporation of electric wires in regular electrical applications, L&T-SuFin provides wires that offer the product's best quality and brand. Trusted by numerous and have delivered excellent service for a long time, we welcome you to surf our site to learn more about the diverse range of our offerings.