Aluminum wiring: the pros and cons

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2018-03-23 01:13:21

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Only two metals is widespread as conductors of electricity. Both in homes and in industrial and industrial facilities. While aluminum wiring was popular mostly during the Soviet era. In modern construction the metal are prohibited for the laying of electrical communications, it replaces the copper.

Half a Century ago, the load on the mains was not as great compared to today. The same attributes at that time had a fridge, TV, several lamps. Families with good incomes bought vacuum cleaners, irons, lamps. Everything is perfectly kept posting a cross section of 1.5 mm2.

Aluminum wiring in the apartment

However, progress inexorably moves forward, it will not stop. Now almost every home has a computer which, depending on the characteristics consumes so little electricity. Also here you can add a microwave oven, a washing machine operating in automatic mode, and other modern TV and appliances.

In this regard, a reasonable question arises about the feasibility of further exploitation of aluminum wiring in an apartment or private home. Try to understand, but first a brief theoretical part.

A Little theory

All we know from the lessons in physics that an electric current-is orderly movement of charged particles, which are electrons that are affected by the strength of the electric field. these particles, moving through a conductor, will inevitably encounter opposition is called resistance, measured in ohms (Ω).

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And since the conductors have a cylindrical shape, the calculation of the resistance is conducted according to this formula: r = ρ * l / s where:

  • R-electrical resistance of conductor (Ohms);
  • ρ – electrical resistivity of material of conductor (Ω*mm2/m);
  • L – length of conductor (m);
  • S – the cross-sectional area of conductor (mm2).

It is for this reason and used aluminium and copper due to the low resistivity. Aluminium's r – 0,0294 Ω*mm2/m, of copper it is slightly less than r-0,0175 Om*mm2/m

Aluminum wiring

During the movement of electric charges in the aluminum wiring heats up. And the higher the resistance, the more heat. And it's not useful. In addition, the temperature depends on a different metric – current density determined by the formula: δ = I / s where:

  • δ – current density (a/mm2);
  • I – the amount of current (a);
  • S – the cross-sectional area of the conductor, (mm2)

What metal is best suited for electrical wiring of apartments and private homes? Consider the properties of aluminium and copper, as well as analyze is perhaps all the advantages and disadvantages of each transaction.

Aluminum Properties

The obvious advantage of aluminium is its low weight. For this reason, the laying of such a transaction is simple. Light weight metal due to low density, which is three times less than iron and copper. But at the same time, on the strength of the element 13 is not inferior to them.

Along with the electrical conductivity, the material has high conductivity. However, aluminum wiring is not exposed to high temperature, because the melting point of the metal is 660°C. 13 element of the periodic table occupies the third position on distribution in the earth's crust, conceding superiority to oxygen and silicon atoms among all. But in comparison with other metals the aluminium in the first place.

Properties of copper

Copper is a metal plate with a pinkish-red hue, like aluminum, has high thermal and electrical conductivity. Melts at 1083°C and boils at 2567°C. the Density of copper is equal to 8.92 g/cm3. In contact with air formed a dense green-gray film that protects the metal from further oxidation.

Copper and aluminum wiring

The nature of the metal can occur in pure form – the nuggets thus reach the weight of several tons. Also copper can be detected in the composition of other compounds. It is often the sulphides that are formed in sedimentary rocks or substrates. Of these compounds, the copper is easy to obtain due to the small melting temperature.

Comparing copper and aluminum wiring, it is impossible to ignore another property of this metal. Copper has a unique color stain, as gold and osmium. But the wiring is much more important is that at impact there is no spark. This property allows the use of metal in conditions of high fire danger.

The benefits of aluminum wiring

The Most important advantage of – this, of course, the cost of which is available to many consumers. It is for this reason in Soviet times, all residential facilities are equipped with aluminum wiring. Along with this, there are still some advantages:

  • Light weight which allows easy installation of transmission lines, especially when you need to get several tens or even hundreds of kilometers of wires.
  • Aluminium is resistant to oxidation processes due to the formation of a protective film.

At the same time, the disadvantages are also there, which will be discussed below.

Disadvantages aluminum wiring

Typical downside can be considered the fragility of the metal. For this reason, often leadsbreak in case of overheating.

How to connect aluminum wiring

Usually the life of aluminum wiring is not more than 30 years, after which the transaction needs to be updated. Among other disadvantages worth noting:

  • High values of specific resistance and tendency to heat. Therefore not be used for wiring the wire cross-sections less than 16 mm2 (requirements of electrical installation code, 7th edition).
  • Due to the fact that the wires often get hot and cool down over time is a weakening of the contact connections.
  • That forms a film that protects the wires from oxidation, has a low conductivity.

As you can see, weaknesses have aluminum wiring still more than merit. View, as is the case with the use of copper.

The Advantages of copper wiring

Aluminum wiring can withstand only a small load, a stronger current for it to be spam. What can be said about the analogue of copper. Her wire resistant to bending, which does not break off in the long run. In addition, it is worth noting the improved conductivity and oxidation reactions in no way affect the performance of the entire transaction.

Copper wire 1 mm2 capable of withstanding a load of 2 kW nominal. And this is two times higher than the aluminum counterpart. As for life, it is much more. If you have aluminum wiring it is not more than 30 years, the copper analogue of – up to half a century.

What is the wiring copper or aluminum is better

The flexibility of the copper wires can significantly ease the installation. In addition, this wiring is easier to connect electrical fittings (sockets, switches, etc.). And due to the lower resistance of 1.3 times decrease of the loss current.

Cons copper wiring

The Main and perhaps the only disadvantage of copper wire is high cost. If you want to use tech leads, who have lived many enclosed in a special sheath, the final price may be in two times greater than aluminum counterpart.

Is it Possible to connect copper to aluminum?

Sometimes you need to replace all the aluminum wiring, but only part of it. In this case, when we select a copper conductor, not to avoid contact with aluminum conductor. In this connection there is a certain risk, which can be created emergency situation.

The thing is that during operation the wires formed on the oxide film, which ensured the connection between the conductors. But each metal has its electrochemical properties. Over time, the resistance increases, respectively, the wires heat up more, which ultimately can lead to fire.

You can avoid Trouble, but it is enough to adhere to certain rules connecting aluminum and copper wiring:

  • Connection “hard”;
  • Bolted connection;
  • Terminal;
  • Pads.

This will allow to avoid overheating in the junction of different conductors. But in any case not allowed such a connection method, as twisting, as this can lead to overheating and - as a consequence-to the fire.

Connect “hard”

Replacing old aluminum wiring with new, you can use the option that already passed the test of time. Its specific name derives from the use of special clamps.

the Life of aluminum wiring

The connection of the wires provide a special plate, which can be up to 3 pieces. The wires are fixed by means of clamping bolts. It is noteworthy that with this method excludes direct contact of the conductors as they are connected through plate.

Bolted connection

Not less reliable is the wiring with the bolt. A bit like walnut, but there is a difference. Aluminum and copper wire are connected on a single bolt, between them is placed the washer to prevent direct contact between them. Then all securely with the nut. At the end of the connection is well insulated.

Terminals

Using the spring terminals WAGO kind of perfect for those occasions when you need to replace all the wires. Their main advantage – easy installation and easy attachment of wires, due to the spring mechanism. Just before connecting the aluminum wiring with copper, you need to strip both conductors at a length of 13-15 mm from the edges. Then place the wire in the mounting hole and fix with a small lever.

Only it should be noted that the use of such terminals is possible regarding the wiring for lighting. A large load causes overheating of the springs and as a consequence – the quality of the contact worsens. Respectively, reduces the conductivity.

Pads

The Use of pads is one of the best ways to connect aluminum wires with copper. The connector looks like a strip made of dielectric material with metal straps and clementoni to clamp inside. Everything you need – it was good to strip the wires, insert them into the holes and squeeze well with a clamp.

Old aluminum wiring

This option is suitable when using consumers high power. Plate has sufficient thickness toto withstand a greater load. Thanks to this connection almost without equal.

Helpful tips

A Few simple tips will help in deciding which transaction is better - copper or aluminum? The sockets have to go three-core cable (grounding wire required). The distance from outlet to floor shall be not less than 300 mm. But for the wiring of the lights use the ground wire is not necessary, that is, the two lived enough.

It is not recommended, especially in the case of aluminum wiring, loading only one circuit – should be divided into several lines. For example, one machine is connected only bathroom, the other only the kitchen, the third is only responsible for lighting, etc.

In the course of self-designing the wiring for your house or apartment, you should consider choosing a copper wire. First, with a smaller section they can withstand large values of current and not break down with frequent bending. Secondly, we are talking about compactness. Take, for example, a consumer with a capacity of 7 or 8 kW. Have aluminum wiring conductor cross-section should not be less than 8 mm2. The cable will consist of three stranded braid and – as a result, the thickness of the wire increases to 4-5 cm of copper wire cross-section less – 4 mm2, and the total thickness of the wire does not exceed 2 cm.


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DE: https://tostpost.com/de/gem-tlichkeit/8367-aluminium-verdrahtung-vor-und-nachteile.html

ES: https://tostpost.com/es/la-comodidad-del-hogar/8372-de-aluminio-cableado-pros-y-contras.html

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PL: https://tostpost.com/pl/komfort-domu/8370-aluminiowa-instalacje-plusy-i-minusy.html

PT: https://tostpost.com/pt/o-aconchego-do-lar/8366-chicote-de-fios-de-alum-nio-pr-s-e-contras.html

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UK: https://tostpost.com/uk/domashn-y-zatishok/8372-alyum-n-va-provodka-plyusi-m-nusi.html






Alin Trodden - author of the article, editor
"Hi, I'm Alin Trodden. I write texts, read books, and look for impressions. And I'm not bad at telling you about it. I am always happy to participate in interesting projects."

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