Choosing Aluminum or Copper Wiring.

The biggest difference between the two metals is that copper is just a lot more stable metal than aluminum. And the worst problem for electricity is heat. It’s important to have a stable metal when it gets hot. Aluminum is fine, but it’s not as good as copper over time because the instability of that metal, when it heats up it contracts and expands. As it cools down, it contracts and heats, it expands. This is usually called, “cold creep”. The tightness of the wiring decreases with each progressive warm-cool cycle experienced.

With that happening over years and decades especially at your main service, wall plugs, or something that causes a loose connection and it starts arcing. That arc can then create a fire over time. This doesn’t occur with copper if it’s installed properly and it’s tight at the beginning when it’s installed. The other problem with aluminum is oxidation. Both metals are exposed to air and copper oxidizes, as you can see when it turns green, but it doesn’t affect the connection of the wire. When aluminum oxidizes, it creates this crust that builds on it, this crust can sometimes get as much as a quarter inch thick. Including the fact that the metal is not as compatible to the heat and temperature problem. With that crust building up, it will also create a gap between the connections that can cause arcing.

So copper is always better than aluminum and everything except price. And the main reason that it’s being used is because it’s so much cheaper. When it comes to costs, aluminum is more affordable than copper wire. With aluminum, you require just about half of what would be required if copper wire were to be used. Where extensive wiring is to be undertaken in a home, the difference between the two materials can give you significant savings. Also aluminum is lightweight and easy to work with. It is also a flexible material which increases job efficiency. Because of how light aluminum is, it becomes helpful when wiring needs be done over long distances. The use of lighter materials over long distances makes the job less rigorous. Aluminum also reduces corona, an electric discharge associated with high power transmissions. 

Copper on the other hand has one of the highest electrical conductivity rates amongst metals. This makes it easier soldered with. It also makes it possible for smaller conductors to be used to transmit power loads. Smaller conductors are easier to transport and install. They also cost less which helps manage wiring costs. Due to its high ductile properties, copper can be formed into very fine wire. This adds to the versatility of copper wire. Copper has a high tensile strength. It can undergo extreme stress but show minimal signs of wear and tear. This makes the wiring more durable than aluminum. Due to its great resilience, high durability, low maintenance and high performance, copper wiring also adds to home value.

The obvious choice when choosing a metal to wire your house with or any electric job would be copper. Even if the cost is higher, it’s worth it in the long run.

www.elctricalservicesfl.com