Electrical wires are one of the most vital elements of our lives. They take electricity and deliver it to our homes, schools and buildings. There are two types of wiring in electrical work, copper clad aluminum and normal electric wire. In this article, we will explore the distinction between the two in order to provide the information you need to determine which wire will best fit your applications.
Telling Them Apart
Copper clad aluminum wire is manufactured by adding a covering of copper on aluminum core. This combination of materials makes the wire both lighter and cheaper than traditional copper wire. Conventional electrical wire is constructed of pure copper and is considered to be a very good conductor of electricity and exceptionally strong. But copper is also more expensive than aluminum, so copper clad aluminum wire might be the smart choice for keeping the costs down.
The Economy of Copper Coated Aluminum Wire
The major advantage of using this wire, is that it is less expensive than regular copper wire. Considering the cost of common ground, it is obvious that CCA wire will allow saving alot of cost in different fields using the same CCA wire instead of copper wire in power transmission, signal communication, etc. This affordability factor is one reason why copper clad aluminum wire is a great and popular choice for many electric installations.
Conductivity and Performance Comparison
Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity, but so is aluminum. The thin copper layer on the outside of copper clad aluminum wire good is what makes it work so well, so it’s fine for most electrical uses. But for high-performance electrical systems, which copper conducts even better, it’s not actually copper wire that’s getting replaced anytime soon.
Durability and Longevity
Copper clad aluminum is the light-weight and strong wire for easy handling and convenient installation. Additionally, the aluminum copper pairing also makes it resistant to rust and environmental factors, so it will last you for a long time. Standard copper wire: Is Stronger overall than Copper clad Aluminum wire, but CCA wire can still be great for many electrical applications.
Safety Considerations
In terms of safety, there are exacting rules that must be obeyed by both the copper clad aluminum wire and the traditional electrical wire to ensure a safe electrical connection. Classic copper wire is time-tested for safety in electrical work but many professional electricians and home improvement enthusiasts are specializing in copper clad aluminum wire. Copper clad aluminum wire, as long as it is properly installed, has the potential to be safe and reliable.