Aluminum alloy cables are produced by adding alloying elements-such as copper, iron, magnesium, silicon, zinc, and boron-to electrical-grade aluminum. Through process adjustments, the mechanical properties of the aluminum alloy conductor are significantly enhanced, overcoming issues associated with pure aluminum conductors (such as low elongation, poor creep resistance, and limited flexibility) and improving the connection reliability of the cable system. Additionally, the electrical performance remains comparable to that of electrical-grade aluminum conductors, maintaining a conductivity of over 61% IACS.
The DC resistance criteria for aluminum alloy conductors can be referenced against the values for solid or stranded conductors specified in GB/T 3956-2008 ("Conductors of cables"); furthermore, rod types such as AA8030 are already defined in GB/T 3954-2014 ("Aluminum rod for electrical purposes").
Alloy power cables address the shortcomings of earlier pure aluminum cables. While they do not increase electrical conductivity, they offer vastly improved bending flexibility, creep resistance, and corrosion resistance, ensuring stable performance during prolonged periods of overload and overheating. The use of AA-8030 series aluminum alloy conductors significantly boosts conductivity and high-temperature resistance while resolving issues such as electrochemical corrosion and creep associated with pure aluminum conductors.
Conductivity
The conductivity of the aluminum alloy is 61.8% of the IACS value for copper (the standard benchmark material), and its current-carrying capacity is 79% that of copper-performance levels that exceed the standards for pure aluminum. However, for the same volume, the actual weight of the aluminum alloy is approximately one-third that of copper. [3] Consequently, for an equivalent current-carrying capacity, an aluminum alloy cable weighs about half as much as a copper cable. Replacing copper cables with aluminum alloy cables reduces cable weight and installation costs, minimizes wear and tear on equipment and cables, and simplifies the installation process.
Weight
While delivering equivalent electrical performance, aluminum alloy cables weigh half as much as copper-core cables; their cross-sectional area is 1.1 to 1.25 times that of traditional copper-core cables, yet they are priced 15% to 30% lower.