Denver Brian Nisnisan

From: Cesit [ka.cesar@gmail.com]

Sent: Monday, June 10, 2013 4:15 PM
To: Liezel Mae Medalle; Sancho Bacanaya; Denver Brian Nisnisan; Roy Escalante; Ruben
Talledo
Subject: why cu or al cable

To All,

here the justification...

Is copper better than aluminum for conductors?

If the performance is considered identical, why wasn’t the less expensive conductor specified?

Both copper and aluminum are publicly traded commodities that are subject to price fluctuations on
the open market. Therefore, on any given day, the price difference between aluminum and copper
varies.

Generally, aluminum pricing is lower than copper―sometimes significantly, as shown in the following
example for a 400 amp service:

Both materials are electrically conductive. Aluminum, however, is approximately 60% as conductive
as copper - requiring larger aluminum conductors to carry the same amount of electricity as copper
conductors.

Historically, aluminum connections deteriorate over time because aluminum expands and contracts
more than copper due to greater electrical resistance and resulting heat. The conductor expansion
and contraction may cause loose connections that, in extreme cases, lead to fires. Utilizing special
connections, paying extra attention during installation, and periodic maintenance will help avoid these
problems.

In larger sizes (for relatively steady electrical loads and minimal connections) aluminum may be an
acceptable alternative to copper conductors. Initial cost savings is only part of the equation. Proper
installation, connections, inspections, and ongoing maintenance should be considered, as well. As
an example, since the early 1900s, utility companies have successfully used aluminum wire for
transmission of electricity within their power grids.

Recommendations

For uses below 200 amps –

Copper is the better choice because there is minor cost saving (if any) by using the alternative:
aluminum conductors. Additionally, breakers, fuse blocks, and receptacles are listed to only
terminate with copper and will not accept aluminum connections.

Between 200 and 800 amps –

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Denver Brian Nisnisan
From: Cesit [ka.cesar@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, June 10, 2013 4:39 PM
To: Liezel Mae Medalle; Sancho Bacanaya; Denver Brian Nisnisan; Roy Escalante; Ruben
Talledo
Subject: why cu or al cables

June 10, 2013

An electrical conductor is anything that can be used as a medium for moving electric charges. In general chemistry, we were taught
that metals are good conductors of electricity. This makes them a leading component in the creation of wires and other electrical
supplies. However, not all metals have the same characteristics, and hence conduct electricity in different rates. Here is a brief
comparison of copper and aluminium electrical conductors.

Copper Conductors- Pros

Less incompatibility. When two metals are merged and become an alloy, there is a possibility that a galvanic action would
commence, leading to corrosion and the subsequent destruction of aluminium. This is the reason why it’s not good for aluminium and
steel to interact with each other in very high temperatures. However, copper is essentially compatible with every other kind of metal,
which reduces the risk of any corrosion in high temperatures.

No surface oxides. Metals by nature are prone to oxidation. Oxidation is the addition of oxygen or the removal of hydrogen. In
layman’s terms, oxidation leads to corrosion and rusting. This is why most metals need to be treated with anti-oxidants to prevent them
from corroding. Copper is not prone to corrosion.

More familiar. Because copper is perceived as the “safest” electrical conductor, it is endorsed to be used by more electricians.
Because of this particular bias, electricians are more familiar with copper than they are with substitute metals like aluminium. So when it
comes to wiring, electricians are better equipped to wire copper conductors than aluminium ones.

Copper Conductors- Cons

Price The only inhibiting factor of copper is its price. Copper is less abundant that aluminium. If you’re strapped for cash, then best go
with aluminium.

Aluminium Conductors -Pros

Inexpensive Being the most abundant in the earth, there’s a lot of aluminium that can go around for industrial needs. Because there is
no problem with the supply, the production of aluminium wires and consequently aluminium conductors is more efficient compared to
copper? Because of this, aluminium conductors are sold cheaper in the market. Especially in the 1960’s when the prices of copper
became steeper, aluminium conductors were a staple in every household.

Physical properties Aside from the economic aspect, the reason why aluminium conductors are popular is because aluminium by
nature is more flexible and lighter than copper. This means that contractors can work with aluminium more freely than they would with
copper.

aluminium Conductors- Cons

Tendency to expand aluminium conductors that are not installed or manufactured properly run the risk of expanding with increased
thermal load. This results in loose connections, overheating, and the merging of the aluminium conductor and steel screw terminals to
create alloys.

Increased house insurance premiums Because of the safety hazards that aluminium poses, most insurance companies charge a
higher premium for houses that use aluminium wiring. Owners of aluminium houses either have to endure that or upgrade their home to
reduce the risk of fire.

you should remember that on a transmission line everybody is using Al ACSR conductor.
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Cesar Buensuceso

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Complete case-by-case study and evaluate the building characteristics such as voltage, distance,
load variations and type of load. Within installations of this size, aluminum can often be used from
the utility transformer to the building distribution, then from the building distribution to the house
distribution panel. Significant savings can be achieved based on the distances involved.

Aluminum conductors often offer larger cost savings above 800 amps. For example, in one large
multi-building lifestyle center project, the estimated savings to use aluminum instead of copper
building service conductor was $100,000.