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The electrical equipment industry is witnessing first-hand how a customer’s purchase decision is being heavily influenced, by the finest of margins, when it comes to the two very similar performing metals of aluminium and copper.
Over the years, there has been plenty documented about the performance of these two metals, especially when it comes to their suitability, reliability and performance as conductors.
Now, as more factual information comes to the fore, (aligning the misconceptions from the past), there are lots of arguments to consider for both the manufacturers and consumers.
In turn, this paper aims to provide an informative comparison regarding the mechanical and electrical properties of aluminium (AI) compared to copper (Cu), and their abilities when applied to electrical distribution products. Hopefully, the information provided will give readers a greater insight to the argument, before having to make a decision of their own.
Due to the fact that AI and Cu are the two most commonly used materials for conductors in transformers, (amongst other electrical equipment), there has always been comparisons made.
The competition between these two metals really began to heat up during World War II. Copper became scarce because it was being used for shells and bullet casing. This meant that, due to their similarities, several industries opted for aluminium as the nearest alternative.
Aluminium, at the time, was in good supply and mostly cheaper than copper. Therefore, it quickly became the preferred metal for high-power transmission power lines. Today, almost all major manufacturers’ transmission lines are made with aluminium.