Aluminum cables have a wide range of applications in industries, power transmission and technology in general. On this post I will share with you some of the specifications of the aluminum cable and why it is the most preferred cable for your power transmission applications.

Benefits of aluminum cables:

• Aluminum is very durable since it can withstand harsh environmental conditions, therefore can last longer compared to other power transmission cables
• Aluminum is very easy to work with due to its flexibility
• Aluminum has excellent electrical properties and can transmit current with ease
• Aluminum is easily recycled and can be put to other use once worn out
• Aluminum is robust and can withstand external forces which may cause damage to the conductor
• Aluminum cables are cheap compared to copper cables
• They are lighter in weight compared to other metals
• They have the same conductivity as copper when compared in terms of loading

Choose the appropriate aluminum cable:

When choosing the appropriate aluminum cable that matches your specific needs, you should put many factors in to considerations. First and foremost is the cable size. Cables are normally categorized in to sizes. The aluminum cable is basically graded in to the AWG sizes. A standard used in North America for naming wire gauges. It is advisable to select the appropriate aluminum cable size that matches your specific needs. Smaller cables deliver small amounts of current hence you should check the voltage rating of your application before buying a cable.
Furthermore oversized cables may cost you more and still deliver the same current compared to properly sized cables. Another factor to put in to consideration is whether it is a SEU cable or SER cable. Even though both are Service Entrance (SE) cables but there is a slight difference. SER cables have a reinforcement tape while SEU cables have an overall reinforcement all together with a neutral tape. SEU cables can be used in applications of 600 volts and below while SER cables are used only in applications rated at 600 volts.

There are also other various types of aluminum cables to consider before buying a roll, as mentioned earlier they include type RHW-2, USE-2, RHH, XHHW among others.

Construction:

These cables are designed to withstand harsh environments. It has a robust design and the materials used are also strong. It is composed of a conductor, insulator and a jacket.

Conductor:

The aluminum cable as it name implies has a compact stranded soft drawn 8000 series aluminum conductor in accordance to ASTM B-800 or B-801. The conductor is the electrode in the cable and is responsible for transmitting electric current. Aluminum as hinted earlier has an amazing ionic structure which enables it to transmit current easily. The stranding enhances its flexibility and enables it to carry more current. Soft drawn aluminum is also easy to transport and install in constricted areas.

Insulation:

It has cross-linked polyethylene (XLP) insulation. The conductors are normally cabled together with XLP insulated aluminum ground or bare copper ground and covered with a reinforced binder tape. The insulation is very vital since it prevents direct contact with the live wire. It also protects the conductor from damage caused by external forces. XLP insulation is tough and is resistant to impact, abrasion, chemicals, acids, oils, industrial solvents and changes in weather.

Cable jacket:

The cable jacket used in its design is polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). The jacket protects the inner components of the cable from external forces that may cause damage to it. It is also used for easy identification of the cable. PVC is robust and is resistant to oil, sunlight, water, flames, acids, chemicals, radiation, impact, abrasion and weather changes. On the cable jacket are sequential footage markings that help the user identify the appropriate length during installation without guess work.

Applications:

As hinted earlier in the article this cable can be used in various applications not exceeding 600 volts. These include branch circuits, direct burial, panel feeders, power transmission, mobile homes, and multiple unit dwellings among other various applications. It can also be used in construction sites in place of a copper buildingwire.

For more information on this cable and other cable products feel free to get in touch with us and we will gladly respond.