When talking about wires and cables, we can't help but mention their primary materials: copper and aluminum. So, what's the difference between copper-core and aluminum-core wires and cables? Which is better? Let's find out.
There are several ways to distinguish whether a cable has a copper or aluminum core.
First, look at the cable model. The letters in the model number mean the following: B—Fixed installation; X—Rubber insulation; L—Aluminum core (no letter for copper core); W—Chloroprene jacket; Y—Polyethylene jacket. For example: BXW—Copper core, rubber insulated, neoprene jacketed cable; BLXW—Aluminum core, rubber insulated, neoprene jacketed cable.
Second, the most intuitive way to distinguish is by the core material. Copper-core cables have copper cores, while aluminum-core cables have aluminum cores. Since copper is golden yellow, while aluminum is white, you can simply peel off a small section of the wire to check the color.
Reminder: Many aluminum-core cables now have a yellow coating on the core, commonly known as copper-clad aluminum wire, which also appears yellow. There are several ways to distinguish them: 1. Scrape the surface; the copper core wire will remain yellow, while the aluminum core wire will appear white. 2. Burn it with a lighter; the copper core wire will flame blue, while the aluminum core wire will flame white. So, be sure to keep your eyes open and don't be fooled by unscrupulous vendors.
Differences between Aluminum and Copper Wire
1. Copper and aluminum wires have different current carrying capacity.
2. Aluminum wire is relatively cheaper.
3. Aluminum wire is lighter.
4. Aluminum wire has poorer mechanical strength.
5. Aluminum wire is very susceptible to oxidation at the splice ends, causing the splice ends to heat up.
6. Copper wire has lower internal resistance. Aluminum wire has higher internal resistance than copper wire, but it dissipates heat faster. The main differences are current carrying capacity and mechanical strength. Copper has a resistivity of 0.017, while aluminum has a resistivity of 0.029. Therefore, aluminum's current carrying capacity is approximately 80% of copper's. Copper also has much better mechanical strength.
Comparing the Advantages and Disadvantages of Copper and Aluminum Core Cables
Copper core has low resistivity: Aluminum core has a resistivity approximately 1.68 times higher than copper core;
Copper core has good ductility;
Copper core has high strength: At room temperature, the allowable stress of copper reaches 20, while that of aluminum is 15.6 kgt/mm²;
Copper core is fatigue-resistant: Aluminum is prone to breakage after repeated bending, while copper is not.
Copper core has good stability and corrosion resistance: Copper core resists oxidation and corrosion, while aluminum core is susceptible to oxidation and corrosion.
Although aluminum core is cheaper, in many cases, the remaining cost is a mess. This is especially true when used in certain products, so extreme caution is advised.
