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One of the most common industrial wires used in construction is aluminum building wire. When aluminum electrical conductors are used in commercial construction or industrial projects, aluminum building wiring is the preferred type of electrical wiring. Compared to other materials like copper, aluminum offers an improved conductivity to weight ratio, making it ideal for applications such as:
Wiring power grids
Overhead power transmission lines
Local power distribution lines
Power wiring of airplanes
From the late 1800s to the early 1900s, utility companies used aluminum wire in power grids for electrical transmission. The cost and weight advantages of the lightweight metal outweighed that of copper wiring.
Today, aluminum wire is still the preferred material in power transmission and distribution applications. Since copper is a better conductor than aluminum, most home wiring projects and small applications use copper wires. However, in the 1960s, when the price of copper skyrocketed, aluminum wiring became the preferred choice for home wiring.
There are several industrial cable types to choose from, each having its own unique uses and advantages:
Metal-clad (MC) armored cable constructions offer a cost-efficient alternative to traditional wire and pipe. This industrial cable type eliminates the need for an electrical conduit, thereby reducing the labor costs typically involved with installation.
Contractors that use MC armored cable require:
Limited pulling equipment
Fewer reels
Less time setting up pulls
No specialty bending or cutting tools
Key advantages of armored cable include:
Protection and durability. These cables provide the necessary protection and durability without needing an electrical conduit, costly offsets, elbows, and conduit couplings.
Corrosion resistance. Armored cable resists corrosion, making them suitable for locations exposed to excessive moisture.
Flexibility. The interlocked armor material is flexible, unlike continuously welded armor or other conduits, offering protection to the inner conductors. MC armored cable is also easy to install in complex, close-spaced bends.
No specialty tools. Installation does not require specialty cutting or bending tools.
A variety of industries utilize aluminum cables due to their many benefits. Even though aluminum is much lighter than copper, it maintains the same conductivity properties, giving it a distinct advantage compared to other metals. When weight is a primary concern, as in load-bearing jobs, aluminum cables are preferred because of their lightweight yet durable design.
When comparing copper cables to aluminum cables on a loading basis, aluminum offers several different advantages, including:
More cost-effective
Lighter in weight
Has the same conductivity
It is common practice to identify the properties of industrial wire and cable with a letter. With SO portable cord cables, the “S” stands for “Extra Hard Service,” and the “O” stands for “Oil Resistant.” This means that this type of industrial cable is ideal for applications requiring 600 volts or less, and its outer jacket is resistant to oil.