Choice between CU and AL cables
Choice between CU and AL cables
(OP)
Hi,
What is the best choice from a technical point of view, between three 240 mm^2 Aluminium single core cable/phase and one 3 cores 300 mm^2 /phase. It is also understood that both options can carry the load current .
Thks.
Bob
What is the best choice from a technical point of view, between three 240 mm^2 Aluminium single core cable/phase and one 3 cores 300 mm^2 /phase. It is also understood that both options can carry the load current .
Thks.
Bob





RE: Choice between CU and AL cables
Do you mean a choice between three single-core 240mm² cables (aluminium) or one three-core 300mm² (copper) cable?
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However, if you state that cable sizes, I will prefer single-core cables. Single-cores are much easier to handle and will also terminate easier in a box. What about single-core copper cables?
RE: Choice between CU and AL cables
RE: Choice between CU and AL cables
It takes about 6 times as much heat to weld copper as it does to weld aluminum. From the standpoint that welding is the best way to make an electrical connection aluminum is a better choice.
However, you cannot use weldment lugs on underground cables that run at over 600 volts. The alternate method is to clean up the strands with #220 silicon carbide abrasive paper, treat with joint compound, and then recompress that strands with a hose clamp.
Please go to my website http:/home dot earthlink dot net/~mc5w for directions on how to make up aluminum wire connections that have ALL the wire strands conducting using the silicon carbide paper, elbow grease, electrical grease method.
RE: Choice between CU and AL cables
modern Al conductors have alloy additions overcoming many historical disadvantages, very common to find lugs Cu-Al rated.
RE: Choice between CU and AL cables
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RE: Choice between CU and AL cables
A lot of times with a duct bank that is underground or across the ceiling it does not cost that much extra to throw in a few extra conduits. A lot of the cost has to do with supports and trenching.
You can also use wireway as a totally enclosed nonventilated version of cablebus. One way to get in a pulling string is to attach jetline to a toy car or tank that is radio controlled. For 6 inch busway a lot of toy racecars can be fitted with some steel strap underneath that fits inside of the wireway.