Aluminum Bare
Aluminum Wire Info:
Electrical wire is a flexible metallic rod or bar made in many lengths and diameters, which is often electrically insulated and used for structural support or to conduct electricity.
Aluminum Bare Wire is used for electrical impulse to conduct in machinery and equipment, buildings and in transportation. Aluminum has become one of the most economical ways to deliver electrical power. Aluminum slowly oxidizes overtime which results in a loss of reflectance in the UV. It is recommended and best if aluminum has a protective overcoat. This coat will help improve abrasion resistance and prevent damage while handling.
Aluminum makes up 8% of the Earth’s crust and is one of the most common metals on the Earth’s surface.
There is nothing wrong with aluminum wiring if it installed correctly. Aluminum wiring freaks out people because of all the horror stories from 60s and 70s. As a result of this aluminum wiring was given a bad representation.
Aluminum wiring resistance is approximately 21.2 and the copper wiring is approximately 12.9. When running aluminum you would have to run one size larger than if you were going to run copper, this is because of the increase in resistance. The electricity flows almost equally if the aluminum wire is increased about one size.
To correct the mistake of electricians back in the 60s and 70s when they were wiring houses is that they did not know at the time that aluminum connections must have an anti-oxidation inhibiter type grease applied to all aluminum connections. The term for this is NOLOX which is found in most electrical supply houses.
Aluminum and Copper are both good electrical conductors but aluminum is less expensive. Aluminum is lighter in weight; it is preferred in higher voltage industrial and utility applications. Since the 60s and 70s scare copper is now preferred for residential applications.
Aluminum wears away and the rusty aluminum is an insulator. Aluminum corrodes very quickly and it is not visible. Corrosion is present in a connection which involves aluminum conductors that can lead to localized heating in the connection.
When aluminum is placed under pressure it adjust to whatever physical constraint caused the pressure and leads to a reduction in pressure. Therefore when connections are made to aluminum conductors, it causes the connections to gradually loosen over time.
Petroleum-based grease containing particles of zinc is used in the connection. The zinc particles pierce through the surface of disintegrated aluminum to assure that the connection is electrically sound.