Alu and Cu cables together
Alu and Cu cables together
(OP)
Hi,
Is there any problem to use four single core 500 mm^2 Cu cable and two single core 500 mm^2 Aluminium cable together on each phase of a distribution network ?
So long as the cables may withstand the load, I do not foresee any problem ?
Bob
Is there any problem to use four single core 500 mm^2 Cu cable and two single core 500 mm^2 Aluminium cable together on each phase of a distribution network ?
So long as the cables may withstand the load, I do not foresee any problem ?
Bob





RE: Alu and Cu cables together
Use of trefoil clamps along the cable runs and use of non-magnetic gland plates at either end are common requirements with single core cables irrespective of the type of conductor material.
raghunath_n00@rediffmail.com
RE: Alu and Cu cables together
Why non-magnetic cable glands ? Eddy current ?
Bob
RE: Alu and Cu cables together
You are right, it is to prevent circulation of eddy currents and resultant heating / loss.
raghunath_n00@rediffmail.com
RE: Alu and Cu cables together
When cables of similar material are connected in parallel, the assumption is that the current will be equally divided among all the conductors because each segment has approximately the same impedance. If you use differing materials and/or sizes, this is no longer the case and I would be concerned that the current will divide unequally and you cannot be sure that one segment will not become overloaded.
This is NOT allowed by the National Electrical Code in the US, and I suspect this is the reason.
It would interesting to do some calculations....
RE: Alu and Cu cables together
Thanks, the possible overloading of aluminium cable or under utilisation of copper cables is an issue to be checked out. Thanks for reminding and a star to you.
raghunath_n00@rediffmail.com
RE: Alu and Cu cables together
Thks. A very interesting point indeed .
Bob
RE: Alu and Cu cables together