Aluminum Conductors

[drewpster]

I was thinking it would be much easier to fab some plates from a copper sheet to make some high amp connections. I need to connect four 3/8" studs together. I would need to get my hands on a small sheet of copper from which to cut the plates.

It came to mind that I already have some sheet Aluminum of about 3/16" thick I could use to cut the plates. Is there a good reason I should not use Aluminum? Is it a poor conductor?

 

[JB]

Re: Aluminum Conductors

Aluminum is an excellent conductor but difficult to connect to other metals and get a good electrical connection.

I would use copper.

 

[ted655]

Re: Aluminum Conductors

Another route is copper pipe (split).
I've made lots of flat items from split copper pipe bought at Lowes.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Aluminum Conductors

Or hammer the pipe flat. Double-thick.

Aluminum is one of the most reactive metals. It corrodes easily. Add electricity and that accelerates the process. Stainless steel, bronze, brass, copper, and gold are the best choices.

 

[xtraham]

Re: Aluminum Conductors

EDIT:

 

[drewpster]

Re: Aluminum Conductors

great idea! I had not thought of using copper pipe. thanks

 

[Saskatoon2005]

Re: Aluminum Conductors

I agree, copper pipe, cut and then flattened out, would give you a nive copper panel.....it's amazing what you learn on here. Thanks for the lesson.

 

[MrBigStuff]

Re: Aluminum Conductors

Just since it wasn't mentioned, be aware that you need to take special care when using AL for conductors. As an example, house wiring has very specific rules for using AL with special connectors being required to address the dissimilar metals issue (gavanic series). I remember the early days with fires being caused by the use of improper materials with AL wiring. Corrosion = higher resistance = HEAT.

 

[drewpster]

Re: Aluminum Conductors

Consider me advised. Aluminum out, copper in. Thanks again.

 

[bbenkaz]

Re: Aluminum Conductors

If you go to an electrical supply house they will have copper buss bar they will usually cut to size for you