When it comes to a facility’s safety and efficiency, a key aspect lies in electrical infrastructure. In addition to the wiring color code, you need to know what kind of wiring runs through your building.
In this article, we’ll dive into aluminum electrical wiring and whether or not it is safe to work with. This will help you understand how to handle the wiring your facility currently has and how to make informed decisions moving forward!
Challenges of Aluminum Electrical Wiring
While aluminum wiring offers some advantages, it also poses some challenges with regards to longevity and safety. Aluminum wire is more susceptible to corrosion than copper, and corroded wires can lead to poor electrical connections, overheating, and increased risk of fire.
Safety Measures
If your building is already wired with aluminum wiring or you’re considering adding it to a new facility, it’s important that you understand the specific challenges that come with it. Here are some key factors to consider when dealing with aluminum wire:
- Anti-oxidation coating: To prevent corrosion, anti-oxidation coatings can be applied to any wire, including those made of aluminum. These coatings create a protective barrier that helps maintain a wire's integrity over time.
- Regular inspections: Routine inspections of any electrical system are a requirement for safety. It’s important to identify issues before they become safety hazards, noting signs of discoloration, corrosion, or overheating.
- Compatibility: It’s important to ensure that all electrical hardware you use is compatible with aluminum wiring. Aluminum corrodes more easily when in contact with other metals, creating a safety risk. Be mindful of contact with other metals when installing or maintaining aluminum electrical wiring.
- Training: Make sure your team is aware of the unique hazards of aluminum wire. Proper training is an integral part of safety, especially when it comes to sensitive systems.
Copper Versus Aluminum Electrical Wiring
Both aluminum and copper wire have advantages. Copper is more resistant to corrosion, provides better electrical conductivity, and requires less attention to guarantee safety and reliability.
Most prefer copper electrical wiring for its long-term reliability. Aluminum wiring, however, can be a cost-effective solution for less-demanding constructions. When choosing between the two wires, consider the maintenance it will take to upkeep each, your budget, and other safety concerns.
Electrical Codes
Understanding and following electrical codes is essential to maintaining a safe workplace. The National Electrical Code provides guidelines and standards for the installation and maintenance of electrical systems, and these codes are especially crucial when working with aluminum wire.
Knowing what different wire colors mean and staying up-to-date with the latest regulations is essential in order to avoid compliance issues and ensure safe conditions for your building and staff.
Choosing which type of wiring to use and maintaining it is an important decision for facilities both large and small. Aluminum wire is safe and has unique qualities that make it a strong choice for wiring. Like many critical decisions, however, there are benefits to each option, and the correct choice will depend on the details of your business.
To ensure a reliable electrical infrastructure and safe working conditions, it’s important that you assess the needs of your facility and consider the benefits of both aluminum and copper wire. To learn more about electrical safety, read our post on circuit breaker switch colors!
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