Are aluminum cables still allowed to be used in chemical plants?
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Are aluminum cables still allowed to be used in chemical plants?
It is generally not recommended to use aluminum cables in chemical plants nowadays. Since aluminum cables have poorer electrical conductivity compared to copper cables, they are also prone to moisture absorption and oxidation, which can lead to circuit failures and safety accidents. Additionally, aluminum cables are prone to corrosion and are not suitable for use in harsh environments such as chemical plants. It is recommended to use copper-core cables that meet ** standards and have high corrosion and pressure resistance, or other cables suitable for the environment, in chemical plants. .
Those required by standard 50058. In locations where flammability, explosiveness, and dust explosion risks exist, copper-core cables must be used.
Specification requirement: Copper-core cables shall be used in Zone 1； Except for intrinsically safe circuits, copper-core cables should be used in Zone 2. When aluminum-core cables are used, their cross-sectional area must not be less than 16 mm², and copper-aluminum transition connectors must be employed for connections to electrical equipment. It’s fine to use aluminum-core cables in accordance with the specifications; it just depends on whether it is cost-effective
Aluminum-core cables with large cross-sections are cost-effective to use, and they can play a significant role in solving connection issues. It’s just that the owners don’t need to use it at all.
Currently, aluminum cables are generally only seen in high-voltage applications; they are hardly found in any other contexts