Copper Cable v/s Aluminium Cable: Which Is More Efficient?

 

Copper was originally used by humans 10,000 years ago. It was the only known and used metal for a long time. After its electrical qualities were found, it was used as the primary conductor in electrical applications. However, as our thirst for electrical items has grown, the cost of using copper as a commodity has gradually increased. As a result, we've seen cheaper alternatives to copper being studied and used for electrical purposes more frequently.

 

What is the most popular option? Aluminium. Although aluminium has only 61% of the conductivity of copper, it is 30% lighter and thus much less expensive. Is this to say that we should use aluminium instead of copper for electrical applications? Well, we are going to clear this confusion once and for all. Keep reading this article to see for yourself which is better:

 

The advantages of using aluminium cable are:

●      The advantage of aluminium wiring is that it is less expensive than copper wiring. It is more acceptable to use because of its reduced cost, especially in larger projects that require a lot of wiring. Copper is more expensive in these types of installations.

●      Aluminium is a lightweight and flexible material that makes it easier to work with. In extended lengths, this property of aluminium wiring can result in speedy installation and wire pulls.

 

But like every coin has two sides, using aluminium cables also has its disadvantages, they are:

●      When compared to copper conductors, aluminium conductors are typically larger. It means they'll require bigger raceways, which will cost more. It has been demonstrated that aluminium has a disadvantage over copper in many systems.

●      The metal aluminium is prone to oxidation. When aluminium is exposed to moisture and other metals, this happens. Oxidation raises the resistance in the connections. A wire with high resistance can heat up and melt the insulation around it, potentially causing a fire. It can be avoided by using an antioxidant.

●      When compared to copper wire, aluminium wiring requires greater upkeep. It entails inspecting the conductors for tight connections and the presence of oxidation.

 

Let’s have a look at some advantages and disadvantages of copper cables before comparing them. The advantages of using copper cables are:

●      Because copper has better conductivity than aluminium, smaller conductors can be used. When many conductors are connected to the same raceway, this makes the installation process considerably easier. The conduit can also be smaller than that required for similar-capacity aluminium.

●      Copper, unlike aluminium, does not undergo contraction and expansion cycles. The tensile strength of copper allows the metal to withstand wear and tear over time without revealing the impacts that aluminium does. As a result, copper is a more stable and long-lasting option.

●      Because of its high ductility, copper can also be used to make fine wires. Because of their excellent tensile strength, copper wires are virtually maintenance-free. They are put under a lot of strain but show very little wear and tear. As a result, we can conclude that copper wiring is cost-effective.

 

Some disadvantages of using copper cables are:

●      Copper cables are more expensive than aluminium wires. When a large amount of wiring is required to complete a work, the overall cost of copper wiring can be prohibitively high.

●      Furthermore, copper wiring is much heavier than aluminium wiring, which complicates the installation process. Copper wires, too, require some support to maintain their integrity over extended distances. In large installations, it may result in significant costs.

 

Because each wiring material has its own set of applications, it's clear that neither copper nor aluminium wiring will be phased out anytime soon. However, copper wire is recommended for domestic use since the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Copper wiring is also incredibly sturdy and has a low possibility of breaking. Aluminium wiring, on the other hand, is less expensive than copper wiring and is easier to deal with due to its flexibility. We hope that this article has clarified the differences between copper and aluminium wiring for you.

 

If you’re looking for aluminium wire rod manufacturers in India, check out Cabcon India. It comes under the top 10 cable manufacturers in India. Visit their website to purchase any electrical-related item such as fiber cables, binding wires, and more!