Aluminium Conductors

Why Change To Aluminium If Copper Is Doing a Good Job?

The safest way of transportation in our current society is based on Aluminium because of its unbeatable strength to weight ratio. Many concerns are still based on old information and also misinformation about using this material in the electrical (equipment) and industrial Industry. It is not until recently that pioneers in these industries are changing their networks to fit the use of Aluminium conductor cables.

Many consultant specifications and end user specifications require copper only conductors throughout their projects. Some of these specifications could be relics from the time when aluminium conductors in equipment was not the best choice or the people producing the specifications are not informed of the actual differences and similarities between aluminium and copper conductors. When the equipment is designed to the applicable industry standards, the performance of a piece of equipment should be identical whether the internal conductors are copper or aluminium. Most importantly, the designer should be aware that equipment available with aluminium conductors will definitely weigh less than the same equipment with copper and at the current commodity pricing will cost less. At the same time the designer should be aware that there might be a physical size difference. The environment in which the equipment is installed may also dictate the conductor material and plating requirements. All of these factors should be taken into account when the decision is made to use aluminium conductor material.

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REFERENCES used for this brief introduction are a small compilation of:

1) National Electrical Code

2) Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

3) National Electrical Manufacturers Association

4) Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers

5) American National Standards Institute

6) Technical and Economic Considerations of Aluminum Conductors Yanniello, Pollak, and Rook

7) Aluminum in Low-Voltage Distribution Equipment GE Publication GER - 2574

8) Degradation of Power Contacts in Industrial Atmosphere: Silver Corrosion and Whiskers - Bella H. Chudnovsky