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ohwilleke
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Does an aluminum wire have any performance disadvantages other than having to be thicker to carry the same amount of current?
Actually I have heard about that. Al has a much higher coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) (Al 25 x 10-6 °C-1 at RT) than most of the materials used as standard connectors and compared to copper (CTE = 16.6 x 10-6 °C-1 at RT), and yes, one needs special fittings to avoid the problem. Since Al expands, it would be under compression in the fitting, and as it flows under compression, it deforms (flows) as stated by Oleh. IIRC, Al is also softer than copper, for a given amount of cold-work.Oleh Iwanusiw said:Obviously youall have not heard that there was a time when aluminium wiring was used in himes and elsewhere. This practice was stopped - not by a law or UL directive, but by the spread of the WORD . . that the %$#@&$ aluminium wiring was no damn good.
Unlike other metals - pure aluminium (the one that has to used for wiring) "flows under load" (deforms) . . . this causes poor contacts . . . which deteriorate further as they get hotter . . .
Aluminium does form an "oxide layer" that protects the wire - but causes connection problems. Thus aluminium wiring MUST be used with special fittings in order to avoid all these pitfalls.
Aluminum wire is lightweight, making it easier to handle and install compared to other types of wire. It is also more affordable than copper wire. Additionally, aluminum wire has high conductivity, meaning it can effectively transmit electricity.
One major disadvantage of aluminum wire is that it is more prone to corrosion compared to copper wire. This can lead to a decrease in conductivity and potential safety hazards. Aluminum wire also has a lower melting point, making it more susceptible to damage from high temperatures.
Yes, aluminum wire is safe to use in homes as long as it is installed correctly and meets all safety standards. However, it is important to note that aluminum wire is not recommended for use in certain applications, such as in circuits with high voltage or in areas with high humidity.
Yes, aluminum wire can be used for outdoor applications as long as it is specifically designed for outdoor use and is properly installed with weather-resistant connections. It is important to follow all safety guidelines and codes when using aluminum wire outdoors.
In terms of conductivity, copper wire is generally considered to be superior to aluminum wire. However, aluminum wire can still effectively transmit electricity and has the advantage of being more affordable. The choice between aluminum and copper wire often depends on the specific application and budget constraints.