Copper vs Aluminum Wiring: Which to Use?

Perhaps you have some questions over the suitability of aluminum wiring for your home. Usage of this wiring for residential purposes was extensive from about the mid 1960s. However, from the late 1970s, its popularity waned but picked up again in the 1990s. Regardless of its high costs, copper continues to be used more widely than aluminum for home wiring. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages as detailed below.

Advantages of Aluminum Wiring

Due to its lightweight nature, aluminum is fairly malleable and easy to work with. It is also a flexible material which increases job efficiency. The lightweight nature of aluminum is beneficial when wiring is to be done over long distances. The use of lighter materials over long distances makes the job less rigorous. Aluminum also reduces corona, an electric discharge associated with high power transmissions. When it comes to costs, aluminum is more affordable than copper wire. With aluminum, you require just about half of what would be required if copper wire were to be used. Where extensive wiring is to be undertaken in a home, the difference between the two materials can give you significant savings.

Disadvantages

If not installed properly, aluminum wiring raises the risk of house fires. The expansion-contraction process creates a phenomenon known as “cold creep”. The wiring expands when it is warmed and contracts when cool. The tightness of the wiring decreases with each progressive warm-cool cycle experienced. Loose connections can cause sparking which may result in fires. Aluminum also undergoes corrosion when it encounters certain metal compounds. This oxidization gives the connection increased resistance. Wires progressively heat up and could even melt surrounding insulation and fixtures. This could trigger a fire. Aluminum wires require higher maintenance than copper wiring. This is partly due to the high wear and tear rate as well as greater risk of fire. This adds to overall home maintenance costs.

Advantages of Copper Wiring

Copper has one of the highest electrical conductivity rates amongst metals. This allows it to be soldered with ease. It also makes it possible for smaller conductors to be used to transmit power loads. Smaller conductors are easier to transport and install. They also cost less which helps manage wiring costs. Copper doesn’t undergo extreme expansion and contraction cycles as aluminum. This makes it a more stable material to use. Due to its high ductile properties, copper can be formed into very fine wire. This adds to the versatility of copper wire. Copper has a high tensile strength. It can undergo extreme stress but show minimal signs of wear and tear. This makes the wiring more durable than aluminum. Due to its great resilience, high durability, low maintenance and high performance, copper wiring also adds to home value.

Disadvantages

Copper wire costs much more than aluminum. When extensive wiring is necessary, the overall costs may prove to be prohibitive. Copper is also heavier which can add to the difficulty in wiring. More supports are required to secure the wire in place. This adds to overall costs.