[Cu0172] A Comparative Evaluation of Copper and Aluminium Wires and Cables in Building Installations

Author: Ajit Advani

Publication date: December 2015

© European Copper Institute

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This paper carries out a comparative evaluation of wires and cables used within building installations with copper and aluminium conductors respectively. Arguments relating to the physical properties of copper and aluminium are examined and comparisons between the two types of wires and cables made for ampacity, thermal capacity, weight, size, strength, ease and reliability of installation, reliability of connections and terminations, corrosion aspects and relative costs.

Based on these arguments, the paper concludes that in each respect, copper conductors out-perform aluminium conductors for all wire and cable types used within buildings.

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