Are aluminum-core cables not commonly used these days? !
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I heard that design institutes no longer design aluminum-core cables. We have a project now with motors that have relatively high power, but the operating conditions are quite ordinary. The cable cross-section was selected based on the current. But my colleague said that aluminum-core cables are not safe enough, and recommended copper-core cables instead. Are aluminum core cables that bad?
That’s indeed the case; these days aluminum-core cables are rarely seen in both design and practical applications. I haven’t compared whether it’s a matter of investment costs or weight concerns.
Aluminum-core cables have been almost phased out in industrial applications.
Why was it eliminated? Like iron pipes?
Advantages of aluminum wires: light weight, soft texture, and low cost! Disadvantages: high internal resistance leading to higher power consumption, low current-carrying capacity, poor tensile strength, tendency to form an oxide layer, and short service life! Advantages of copper wires: low internal resistance resulting in lower power consumption, high current-carrying capacity, high tensile strength, corrosion resistance, and long service life! Disadvantages: heavy weight, higher initial cost, and difficulty in installation due to the hardness of the material! Nowadays, we **advocate energy conservation; therefore, copper wires are used as they offer better electrical conductivity and lower power consumption, although their cost is slightly higher. Energy saving and reduction of consumption are things that are **strongly encouraged.
Advantages of aluminum wires: light weight, soft texture, and low cost! Disadvantages: high internal resistance leading to higher power consumption, low current-carrying capacity, poor tensile strength, tendency to form an oxide layer, and short service life! Advantages of copper wires: low internal resistance resulting in lower power consumption, high current-carrying capacity, high tensile strength, corrosion resistance, and long service life! Disadvantages: heavy weight, higher initial cost, and difficulty in installation due to the hardness of the material! Nowadays, we **advocate energy conservation; therefore, copper wires are used as they offer better electrical conductivity and lower power consumption, although their cost is slightly higher. Energy saving and reduction of consumption are things that are **strongly encouraged
Copper-core cables should be used in most locations, except in those where copper is subject to corrosion