A facility that utilizes aluminum wiring has a number of risk levels involved. That is why there should be a full inspection of the electrical system conducted by a fully qualified inspector. In instances where the facility has to be repaired, there is a great risk in exposure to electrical failure.
Such hazards should be reduced as much as possible. It all starts with familiarizing the properties of the aluminum conductors and also the manufacturing changes. While outdated compounds have their risks, the new ones come with their own threats to safety.
Aluminum alloys belong in the 1000 series category. These are about the same as pure aluminum. When copper is added as the major alloying element, it belongs in the 2000 series and when manganese is used, it belongs in the 3000 series. Zinc, magnesium, silicon and a combination of the last two elements have other series designations.
Oxidation is one of the most known problems when employing aluminum wiring. An oxide layer with a high electrical resistance quickly develops on the conductor. Oxidation involves the formation of a barrier on the conductors surface. Any additional oxygen is blocked and therefore, further oxidation is hindered. However, during its use in the electrical distribution, the main reason why this is problematic is the electrical resistance of the oxide layer. It is quite high, especially in environments where the temperature is also high. In turn, the aluminum oxide behaves like an electrical insulator.
The issue with oxidation worsens when fretting corrosion occurs. The compound formed by the interaction of the aluminum with other metals is affected by corrosion and erosion problems. This results to oxidation and a high electrical resistance.
Like all materials, failure will result soon after the aluminum wiring is used for a long time. Once a splice or termination is made with the conductors, there is a disturbance with the oxidation layer and this permits ample current flow. The electrical resistance of the connection will gradually increase when the layer reforms.
This behavior is affected by the rise in temperature that results to thermal expansion. This occurrence also contributes to fretting corrosion and loosens up the connection. With the elevation of the temperature, the insulation covering the conductors is damaged. Thus, there is a fault to the receptacle box or grounded enclosure as with contact with other conductors.
There are still a number of industrial facilities that use large aluminum conductors in the electrical distribution. Even with all the hazards involved, how these materials are applied determines how likely failure occurs. That is why it is of utmost importance to conduct an informed inspection of the facility.
Such hazards should be reduced as much as possible. It all starts with familiarizing the properties of the aluminum conductors and also the manufacturing changes. While outdated compounds have their risks, the new ones come with their own threats to safety.
Aluminum alloys belong in the 1000 series category. These are about the same as pure aluminum. When copper is added as the major alloying element, it belongs in the 2000 series and when manganese is used, it belongs in the 3000 series. Zinc, magnesium, silicon and a combination of the last two elements have other series designations.
Oxidation is one of the most known problems when employing aluminum wiring. An oxide layer with a high electrical resistance quickly develops on the conductor. Oxidation involves the formation of a barrier on the conductors surface. Any additional oxygen is blocked and therefore, further oxidation is hindered. However, during its use in the electrical distribution, the main reason why this is problematic is the electrical resistance of the oxide layer. It is quite high, especially in environments where the temperature is also high. In turn, the aluminum oxide behaves like an electrical insulator.
The issue with oxidation worsens when fretting corrosion occurs. The compound formed by the interaction of the aluminum with other metals is affected by corrosion and erosion problems. This results to oxidation and a high electrical resistance.
Like all materials, failure will result soon after the aluminum wiring is used for a long time. Once a splice or termination is made with the conductors, there is a disturbance with the oxidation layer and this permits ample current flow. The electrical resistance of the connection will gradually increase when the layer reforms.
This behavior is affected by the rise in temperature that results to thermal expansion. This occurrence also contributes to fretting corrosion and loosens up the connection. With the elevation of the temperature, the insulation covering the conductors is damaged. Thus, there is a fault to the receptacle box or grounded enclosure as with contact with other conductors.
There are still a number of industrial facilities that use large aluminum conductors in the electrical distribution. Even with all the hazards involved, how these materials are applied determines how likely failure occurs. That is why it is of utmost importance to conduct an informed inspection of the facility.
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