Copper vs. Aluminum Conductors
Copper vs. Aluminum Conductors
(OP)
I design low-voltage (Under 600V) power/distribution systems for residential, commercial, and industrial facilities. In the spirit of cost savings, electrical contractors often propose using aluminum feeders and aluminum busing material. We always specify all copper materials by default, but are usually willing to permit the use of aluminum in lieu of copper.
While literature that I came across indicates that aluminum is safe and significantly better than it used to be, I still have some lingering concerns regarding aluminum's coefficient of thermal expansion and susceptibility to oxidation. It is my understanding that, where aluminum conductors are used, mechanical-type lugs on switchgear are required to be re-torqued on a yearly (Or other manufacturer-recommended time interval) basis - a maintenance item that I'm sure gets overlooked at most facilities. Does the use of compression-type lugs remedy this? And with regards to oxidation, it is my understanding that anti-oxidation compound is typically applied at conductor terminations. How effective is this? Does it ever need to be reapplied?
Any input is greatly appreciated.
While literature that I came across indicates that aluminum is safe and significantly better than it used to be, I still have some lingering concerns regarding aluminum's coefficient of thermal expansion and susceptibility to oxidation. It is my understanding that, where aluminum conductors are used, mechanical-type lugs on switchgear are required to be re-torqued on a yearly (Or other manufacturer-recommended time interval) basis - a maintenance item that I'm sure gets overlooked at most facilities. Does the use of compression-type lugs remedy this? And with regards to oxidation, it is my understanding that anti-oxidation compound is typically applied at conductor terminations. How effective is this? Does it ever need to be reapplied?
Any input is greatly appreciated.






RE: Copper vs. Aluminum Conductors
No problem encountered[from customer feedback].As Burndy declares:
"Compression connectors are installed with various types of installation tooling such as mechanical, hydraulic and battery actuated tools.
Designed to be a "permanent" connection, compression connectors are the installation of choice when you want your connections to last.
Offering compression connectors used in both grounding and power applications, BURNDY® connectors are designed "hand in hand"
with application tooling to provide a guaranteed and long lasting solution so that you do not have to worry about your installations.
Regardless of your conductor types (whether you are using copper, aluminum, ACSR or AAAC to name a few) BURNDY®
offers connectors and tooling to tap, terminate or splice your conductors."
See:
http://www.burndy.com/solutions/cmr-mro/connectors...
May be other manufacturer [equivalent] I don't know.
RE: Copper vs. Aluminum Conductors
RE: Copper vs. Aluminum Conductors
I've seen some really lousy compression connections made by electricians who did not have proper equipment, did not know what they were doing, were in a hurry, or some combination of these.