Here at Safewater, we pride ourselves in making the safest possible installations. This begins by using the highest quality materials that are built to last in both indoor and aquatic environments.
While higher quality materials do add to the initial cost, they drastically reduce issues in the long run. One of the most important things we always focus on is the wire.
There are lots of factors that go into the choice of what wire to use for a project. There are different sizes based on the loads the wires will be carrying, different types of insulation based on the application (indoor or outdoor) and different colors to make installing them more efficient. There are even different types of metals to choose from: copper or aluminum.
This choice of copper over aluminum (or vice versa) may seem arbitrary, but it most definitely is not. When it comes to our installations, we only choose copper. Here are a few of the reasons why.
1. Electrical Conductivity:
- Copper: Copper has a higher electrical conductivity than aluminum, which means it can carry more current with less resistance. This results in less energy loss in the form of heat, reducing the risk of overheating and fire hazards.
- Aluminum: Aluminum has about 61% of the conductivity of copper. To carry the same amount of current, an aluminum wire must be thicker than a copper wire, which can be less practical in tight spaces and more challenging to install correctly.
2. Thermal Expansion:
- Copper: Copper has a lower coefficient of thermal expansion compared to aluminum. This means copper wires expand and contract less with temperature changes, reducing the risk of loosening connections over time, which can lead to electrical arcing and potential fires.
- Aluminum: Aluminum expands and contracts more with temperature changes. This can cause connections to become loose over time, increasing the risk of arcing and fires. Special connectors and installation techniques are required to mitigate this risk.
3. Mechanical Strength:
- Copper: Copper is stronger and more durable than aluminum. It is less likely to break or be damaged during installation or over time due to mechanical stresses.
- Aluminum: Aluminum is softer and more prone to damage from bending and twisting during installation. This can lead to breaks or compromised insulation, increasing safety risks.
4. Corrosion Resistance:
- Copper: Copper forms a stable oxide layer that does not degrade its conductive properties significantly. This makes copper wires less prone to corrosion over time.
- Aluminum: Aluminum forms a layer of aluminum oxide that is non-conductive. If the oxide layer forms at connections, it can increase electrical resistance and heat, posing a safety risk.
5. Installation and Maintenance:
- Copper: Copper wiring is more forgiving and easier to install correctly. It requires fewer special considerations and connectors than aluminum wiring.
- Aluminum: Aluminum wiring requires special connectors (such as antioxidant compounds and specific types of wire splices) and more careful installation practices to ensure safety and reliability. Improper installation can significantly increase the risk of electrical issues.
For pool wiring specifically, the safety concerns are even more pronounced because the presence of water can exacerbate corrosion and the potential for electrical faults. Copper’s superior resistance to corrosion and more stable physical properties under varying environmental conditions make it a safer choice for such applications.
For all of these reasons, aluminum wiring is no longer used for standard household electrical circuits such as outlets and devices. However, it is still common practice to use it for larger wire runs such as main power feeds and big power needs (such as air conditioning units, sub panels, or power to outbuildings). Why would some electricians choose aluminum over copper in these cases?
One word: PRICE.
As of the writing of this article, aluminum is substantially cheaper than copper and many electricians use it as a way to cut cost and increase margins. Afterall, most homeowners won’t know the difference. In spite of the drawbacks, they will use it to save a few dollars. In our field (the aquatic electric specialty) we ONLY use copper. It’s safer, lasts longer, and requires less maintenance and repairs. If our quotes are a bit higher than the other guys, this is a big reason why.
And, when comparing quotes from different electricians, it’s important to compare apples to apples. Next time you are collecting quotes for an electrical project, make sure you ask if they’re running copper or aluminum. Is the price savings for using aluminum worth it? Ultimately, you make the call. But now you can make a more informed decision.
If you want to know how Safewater can help your aquatic environment be the best it can, give us a call and we’ll send one of our highly qualified technicians your way.
Best of luck in your next project!
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