Aluminum v. Copper Wiring

If you're working on a wiring project, you need to know the difference about aluminum and copper wiring.

[Danimal-D-Animal]

Thanks Craig. I'm installing a 50 amp sub panel for my RV today. I'm using 2-2-2-4 direct burial service entrance wire. You convinced me to spend the extra money for copper. Thanks for the lesson.

[umbrah]

I had looked this up because I was learning about the resistivity of different metals and I thought that since aluminum had the lowest resistivity out of the common metals, it would be more widely used as an effective conductor.

This video definitely gave me a heads up on the all encompassing properties of aluminum vs. copper.
Thanks!

[alexmak]

All of your comments about aluminum are incorrect. Aluminum oxide is formed through passivation and self limits. Aluminum does not cause issues because it expands and contracts. All metals expand and contract. The expansion of aluminum is only an issue when paired with copper terminations that have lower expansion rates. When aluminum rated (ALCU) connectors are used on aluminum conductors, there are no mismatched thermal expansion issues and will never loosen. The majority (over 99%) of homes are fed by aluminum conductors (neutral supported triplex or quadrupled or USE (underground service entrance). They never loosen in the load center because the lugs are ALCU.

[eileenmacdougall]

Clear quick concise answer. Thank you.

[nativepride]

Here's a good question can you use aluminum wiring from the pole they use to run power to your house to the breaker box for battery terminals for a car

[TreasureByMeasure]

Aluminum wiring requires special techniques to make connections while copper does not. The results of a 2016 survey showed that aluminum was a popular choice for America households however, copper has been proven to be the most effective, currently.

[johnmerton]

An "AI " on the net said copper will carry 30% more current than ACC cable on the same size cable --is that true?

[dondonalminana]

is it okay to use aluminum wire in underground conduit line?

[nolannetcom]

Why are special precautions necessary when connecting an aluminum conductor to a copper terminal?

[Scudmaster]

Than why is aluminum used in AC distance pilons

[TECHNICUSChannel]

Thank for your entertainment, very helpful

[LygerTheCLaw]

but the cost is near twice for copper over aluminum. i stuck with aluminum service wires for my manufactured home because it lasted 45 years and only failed because the metal conduit in the ground rusted and shorted the wiring. just use noalox and check your lugs periodically. funny thing is, a lot of service entrance wiring from your provider is aluminum, you just have to treat it for what it is. beyond my main service panel, the house wiring is copper, because that is where is where the real differences shine.

[musemusa]

Well explained, is the copper used for cable pure copper?

[CF-]

I bet you’ve dealt with a lot of shoddy McMansions in Texas. I’d imagine most of them use aluminum. Have any horror stories?

[jeffersonabogado]

Hello po tanung ku lang po kung panu ko makakabiling aluminum wire. Bibili po kc ako

[jeffersonabogado]

Helo po. Tanumg ku lang po kung panu makakabiling aluminum wire

[zerozero]

Years and decades good info. Something about tight n stuff... Good stuff . I'm having a car battery post issue ....i know there are shims that go on the post. But one of my scholars said something about an aluminum can to place in between to achieve that tightness desired in a post. Funny stuff I know . but shure can help in an Emergency !!! PS

[clintonhummel]

🤡we are replacing copper wire with aluminum all around me. Solar and turbines all around me too. Can’t wait for this to fail.

[sanjeevbhogal]

one more thing sir, al is almost half the conductive material than copper.

[donaldpedigo]

... photos of wire samples and comparisons please ... just talking is not attractive ...