Aluminum is one of the most popular materials used in electrical systems and for a good reason. Regarding electrical applications, aluminium is recognized as the most suitable conductor material, often used for bus bars. Aluminum has several beneficial properties, making it the ideal choice for bus bars. In this blog post, we’ll explore the properties and characteristics of aluminium bus bars in detail.
What are Aluminum Bus Bars?
Aluminium bus bars are electrical conductors that distribute power within an electrical system. They may be considered thick, heavy pieces of aluminium or copper used to connect two other points. It is an important part of any electrical distribution system because it carries large amounts of electricity with superior reliability and stability compared to smaller wires or cables. Their enhanced performance comes from aluminium bus bars having a higher cross-sectional area than copper wires, allowing more electric current to flow through their surface area without melting them due to excessive heat generation. Moreover, they have superior tensile strength, which helps them achieve wider contact surfaces while ensuring structural integrity over time under various temperatures and loads. Lastly, aluminium bus bars are more economical than copper wiring since they require fewer connectors when constructing larger systems.
Benefits of Aluminum Bus Bars
Conductivity:
The first reason aluminium is an excellent choice for bus bars is its high conductivity. Aluminum has a conductivity rating of approximately 61% of the conductivity of copper. This conductivity allows for high electrical engineering in electrical systems without adding significant weight and costs.
Corrosion Resistance:
Aluminum has impressive corrosion resistance properties, making it the ideal choice for harsh environments. This makes aluminium bus bars better suited for exposed outdoor applications like substations.
Low Melting Point:
The low melting point of aluminium enables it to operate at low temperatures. In addition to this feature, aluminium has excellent thermal conductivity, making it an ideal choice for applications requiring heat dissipation.
Cost-Effective:
Aluminium is an affordable material to produce, making aluminium bus bars much cheaper than copper bus bars. Aluminium bus bars cost approximately 40% less than their copper counterparts despite the same size.
Lightweight:
Aluminum is a light material, about three times lighter than copper, making it easy to handle and transport. This feature also focuses on the ease of installing and maintaining an electrical system, where many electrical workers and installers must work in hazardous environments.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, aluminium bus bars offer an ideal solution for professionals in the electrical industry who need reliable, cost-effective, and safe electrical components. Their ability to withstand harsh environments while providing high conductivity is why they are becoming increasingly popular in modern infrastructures. Their light-weighted composition makes them easy to handle and install, while their resistance to corrosion and low melting point ensures their durability and stability over time. For more information on aluminium bus bars or other electrical components, contact a reputable manufacturer or supplier to ensure you get the best quality at a fair cost.