Aluminum stranded wire
Aluminum stranded wire is a highly conductive and cost-effective solution for various electrical applications. With excellent flexibility and durability, our aluminum stranded wires meet industry standards while providing superior performance.
Product Specifications
- Material: High purity aluminum (99.6% minimum)
- Conductor Type: Class B stranded
- Temper: Soft (annealed) or hard drawn
- Standard: ASTM B-231, IEC 60228
- Voltage Rating: Up to 35kV
- Operating Temperature: -40°C to +90°C
| AWG Size | Stranding | Diameter (mm) | DC Resistance (Ω/km) | Current Rating (A) | Weight (kg/km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7/2.62mm | 7.86 | 1.32 | 101 | 213 |
| 4 | 7/3.29mm | 9.87 | 0.83 | 135 | 335 |
| 2 | 7/4.14mm | 12.42 | 0.52 | 181 | 531 |
| 1/0 | 19/3.53mm | 15.88 | 0.33 | 231 | 846 |
Key Advantages
- Lightweight (approximately 50% lighter than equivalent copper conductors)
- Cost-effective alternative to copper wire
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- High conductivity (approximately 61% IACS)
- Good mechanical strength and flexibility
- Suitable for overhead power distribution and building wiring
Aluminum Stranded Wire FAQ
What is the difference between solid and aluminum stranded wire?
Aluminum stranded wire consists of multiple thin aluminum strands twisted together, offering greater flexibility and resistance to metal fatigue compared to solid aluminum wire. The stranded construction makes it easier to install in applications requiring bending or vibration resistance, while maintaining excellent conductivity. Stranded wire is particularly useful for overhead power lines and building wiring where flexibility is important.
How does aluminum stranded wire compare to copper wire?
While aluminum stranded wire has about 61% of the conductivity of copper, it offers significant advantages in weight (approximately 50% lighter) and cost (typically 30-50% less expensive). Aluminum stranded wire requires proper installation techniques including using antioxidant compounds at connections and proper torque specifications. Modern aluminum alloys have improved significantly over older formulations, reducing many historical concerns about aluminum wiring.
What applications are best suited for aluminum stranded wire?
Aluminum stranded wire is ideal for: overhead power transmission and distribution lines, service entrance cables, industrial wiring, and large feeder circuits. It's particularly advantageous in applications where weight is a critical factor (such as long spans between poles) or where cost-effectiveness is important for large-scale projects. The stranded construction makes it suitable for installations requiring flexibility and vibration resistance.
Installation Guidelines
For optimal performance of aluminum stranded wire:
- Use proper termination techniques including antioxidant compound
- Follow manufacturer-recommended torque specifications for connections
- Use compatible connectors rated for aluminum conductors
- Avoid sharp bends that could damage individual strands
- Consider expansion/contraction in long runs due to temperature changes
Technical Properties
| Tensile Strength | 120-160 MPa (varies by alloy) |
| Elongation at Break | 10-15% |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 23 × 10-6/°C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 205 W/(m·K) |
| Electrical Resistivity | 28.2 nΩ·m (at 20°C) |