Aluminium Vs Copper

In Aircraft wiring ,most of the  conductors are constructed of either copper or Aluminium.So here we compare between the conductor made of copper and of Aluminium.

Aluminium conductors are sometimes used in aircraft,however the majority of instillation are copper.
The choice of conductors depends on these factor.

1>>> The first consideration is the materials resistance over a given length(Also called resistivity,measured in Ohm meter).Annealed copper has low resistivity then Aluminium.

2>>Copper is more ductile then aluminium and can be easily soldered.

3>> Aluminium is 60 % lighter then Copper but it is more expensive

4>>A major consideration for using Aluminium is that it is Self oxidizing,this reduces manufacturing costs(no plating required)but extra precautions are  necessary for terminating the conductors due to the increased terminal resistance.

The quantity and gauge of these strands depends on the current carrying capacity and degree of flexibility required. Individual strands of copper need to be coated to prevent oxidation.Normally the types of coating are used:  Tin,silver nickel.

To summarize copper conductors are used extensively on aircraft due to the materials:

1.Low resistivity  2. High ductility 3. High Tensile strength  4.Ease of soldering.

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