Why would you use aluminum wire?

Aluminum provides a better conductivity to weight ratio than copper, and therefore is also used for wiring power grids, including overhead power transmission lines and local power distribution lines, as well as for power wiring of some airplanes. It has cost and weight advantages over copper wires.

Why is aluminium preferred over steel?

Aluminum is a very desirable metal because it is more malleable and elastic than steel. Aluminum can go places and create shapes that steel cannot, often forming deeper or more intricate spinnings. Especially for parts with deep and straight walls, aluminum is the material of choice.

Why is aluminium better than copper for wires?

Aluminium is more flexible than copper making it easier to wind in production processes. The higher resistivity of aluminium gives inherently lower eddy losses in the windings. This mitigates the risk for hot spots.

Why Aluminium wires are preferred for overhead power cables?

Aluminium wire will be much thicker but it will be lighter compared to copper since the density of aluminium is only one third of that of copper. The conductivity to weight ratio of aluminium is better than that of copper that is why we prefer aluminium in overhead power connections.

Why is aluminum wire bad?

The problem with aluminum wiring is that it expands and contracts at a high rate, which can lead to loose connections. Connections between aluminum and copper can also cause oxidation, resistance, heat, increased expansion… you get the picture. All of that can lead to a fire.

Why is aluminium used instead of copper?

An aluminium wire have a 1.5 times larger cross section to pass the same current as a copper wire, but two times lighter. Weight is one of the most important parameters for high-voltage power lines that transmit power over long distances. Therefore, only aluminium wires are used in main overhead power lines.

Why is aluminum used instead of copper in transmission and distribution lines?

Whilst an aluminium conductor is only about 61\% as conductive as the same sized copper conductor it is also three times lighter in weight which makes it much easier to handle. For this reason aluminium finds favour in large size cables and cables for overhead power distribution.