Aluminum or copper ??

[powerplay]

I was asked if aluminum used as a feeder for a heavily loaded agricultural panel for long durations become a problem? I did read that annual maintenance is a good way to deal with "cold flow" ...maybe it's just not worth using? i'd be interested in hearing feedback from experience... maybe to save $$ a torque wrench is the solution with tightening aluminum cable?

 

[ActionDave]

I wouldn't have a problem with it. Moreover, I have done it and without a torque wrench.

 

[jrannis]

It is interesting that our power distribution is aluminum but as soon as it enters a building people pull out all of the historical myths about cold flow, maintenance and re-torque theories. Read up on modern day aluminum alloy cables and get back to us on this..:thumbsup:

BTW,
I think the installation would be just fine with aluminum.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Modern day aluminum does not have the same characteristics as the aluminum wire of past years. No-lox is not even needed with the new material but I can't make myself not use it.

 

[sameguy]

You could crimp if you feel bad about alu..

 

[Cow]

You're not supposed to retorque lugs unless you cut the end off the conductor and reterminate it. Frequent torqueing causes the lug to start biting through the conductor.

 

[powerplay]

You're not supposed to retorque lugs unless you cut the end off the conductor and reterminate it. Frequent torqueing causes the lug to start biting through the conductor.

Exactly.... i was told that with heavy switched lighting loads for agriculture, the short periods of off time and long periods of on time require yearly mainenance(tightening). if this were to be done the aluminum wire would be flattened eventually?? It was said the copper would not expand with the lug as well, but can be torqued on properly to prevent loosening and not flatten with mainenance??

 

[jim dungar]

Modern day aluminum ....

Which has been in existence for almost 30 years now.

 

[Twoskinsoneman]

Modern day aluminum does not have the same characteristics as the aluminum wire of past years. No-lox is not even needed with the new material but I can't make myself not use it.

I've had heated arguments with buddies that it is not required but I still put it on every aluminum termination. :ashamed1: