by Electricity Conduction Aluminum Cables
Aluminum cable is made by drawing aluminum wire through steel dies to produce a conductor with a very high purity level of over 99.5% aluminum. Aluminum is the most widely used non-ferrous metal and is a conductive metal commonly used for power transmission and distribution in the electrical industry. Some key attributes and uses of Aluminum Cable are discussed below.
Composition and Properties of Aluminum
Aluminum is a lightweight, non-ferrous metal known for its high electrical conductivity, reflectivity, and resistance to corrosion. It has nearly twice the electrical conductivity of copper, making aluminum cable a more cost-effective alternative for long-distance power transmission where copper lines would be cost-prohibitive. While aluminum has about one-third the weight of copper, it provides over 60% of copper’s conductivity, which translates to lower material and installation costs.
Aluminum is also highly resistant to corrosion and retains over 90% of its conductivity even after exposure to weathering over time. Its light weight makes aluminum cable easier to install and transport compared to copper lines. However, if not properly installed and terminated, aluminum’s growth-prone nature when exposed to air can lead to connection issues over the long run if preventive measures are not taken.
Applications of Aluminum Cable
Due to its favorable electrical and physical properties, aluminum cable finds widespread use in power transmission and distribution systems globally:
– Utility lines: Aluminum cable is commonly used for overhead power lines transmitting electricity from generation plants to local substations over distances ranging from a few miles to hundreds of miles. Its light weight allows for longer spans between poles.
– Underground residential distribution (URD): Cables insulated with PVC or cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) are buried underground for residential distribution within neighborhoods and housing developments.
– Building wiring: Stranded aluminum wires encased in plastic cable sheathing can be installed inside buildings for power distribution within multistory structures.
– Submarine power cables: Heavily insulated and armored aluminum conductors are used to transmit electricity underwater between offshore eneralting stations and countries.
Advantages of Aluminum Cable
The key advantages offered by aluminum cable include:
– Cost savings: Aluminum has nearly two-thirds the conductivity of copper but at roughly one-third the weight and cost, providing significant material cost savings for large-scale transmission projects.
– Lightweight: Aluminum’s light weight allows for longer pole spans, deeper underground burying, and easier cable installation compared to heavier copper lines.
– Weather resistance: Aluminum develops a thin, impervious oxide layer that protects its interior and makes it highly resistant to corrosion from weather elements like moisture, saltwater, etc. over long-term use.
– Low thermal expansion: Aluminum has a much lower thermal expansion coefficient than copper, reducing stresses on connections during thermal cycling and increasing stability.
– High recycling value: Aluminum scrap retains nearly all its material properties upon remelting and recycling, resulting in a highly sustainable material.
Installation Challenges with Aluminum Cable
While aluminum cable offers substantial benefits, special precautions must be taken during installation and termination to prevent growing
– Oxide removal: Aluminum cables oxide layers forming at cable termination points must be thoroughly removed to ensure proper electrical and mechanical bonding between dissimilar metals like aluminum and copper.
-Anti-oxidant pastes: Conductive and corrosion-inhibiting pastes should surround all aluminum connections to prevent air from reaching the metal surface and initiating oxidation over time.
-Torque control: Terminations must apply the right compression to cut through any reformed oxide layer without over-torquing aluminum, which work hardens more easily than copper.
-Cleaning: Any residue/contaminants on aluminum surfaces can accelerate corrosion, necessitating thorough cleaning of cables before splicing/termination.
-Training: Proper installation procedures and use of corrosion-preventing hardware must be followed to realize aluminum cable’s long-term reliability.
By accounting for its growth tendencies proactively, aluminum cable is a viable and cost-effective alternative to copper for a variety of electrical infrastructure applications. Its light weight, high conductivity, sustainability and resistance to environmental degradation make aluminum an important metal for power transmission well into the future. With correct specifications and installation methods, aluminum cable can reliably deliver electricity at scale while lowering material costs considerably.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public Source, Desk Research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Alice Mutum
Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights. LinkedIn
