Copper Cable v/s Aluminium Cable: Which Is More Efficient?
Manage episode 323527445 series 3294436
Copper was originally used by humans 10,000 years ago. It was the only known and used metal for a long time. After its electrical qualities were found, it was used as the primary conductor in electrical applications. However, as our thirst for electrical items has grown, the cost of using copper as a commodity has gradually increased. As a result, we've seen cheaper alternatives to copper being studied and used for electrical purposes more frequently.
What is the most popular option? Aluminium. Although aluminium has only 61% of the conductivity of copper, it is 30% lighter and thus much less expensive. Is this to say that we should use aluminium instead of copper for electrical applications? Well, we are going to clear this confusion once and for all. Keep reading this article to see for yourself which is better:
The advantages of using aluminium cable are:
● The advantage of aluminium wiring is that it is less expensive than copper wiring. It is more acceptable to use because of its reduced cost, especially in larger projects that require a lot of wiring. Copper is more expensive in these types of installations.
● Aluminium is a lightweight and flexible material that makes it easier to work with. In extended lengths, this property of aluminium wiring can result in speedy installation and wire pulls.
But like every coin has two sides, using aluminium cables also has its disadvantages, they are:
● When compared to copper conductors, aluminium conductors are typically larger. It means they'll require bigger raceways, which will cost more. It has been demonstrated that aluminium has a disadvantage over copper in many systems.
● The metal aluminium is prone to oxidation. When aluminium is exposed to moisture and other metals, this happens. Oxidation raises the resistance in the connections. A wire with high resistance can heat up and melt the insulation around it, potentially causing a fire. It can be avoided by using an antioxidant.
● When compared to copper wire, aluminium wiring requires greater upkeep. It entails inspecting the conductors for tight connections and the presence of oxidation.
Read More: https://cabconindia.blogspot.com/2022/03/copper-cable-vs-aluminium-cable-which.html
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