Economic development and industrialization in most emerging countries are causing raw material prices on the world market to rise rapidly. The price ratio between copper and aluminum has risen to a factor of 1:4, which in turn makes aluminum an interesting wire material for many industries.
The ease of handling and, in particular, the laying of the up to 70 percent lighter aluminum wires / aluminum cables make customers rethink their approach, especially when it comes to wire cross-sections larger than 16 mm². When connecting such aluminum conductors in electrical connection technology, a number of general conditions must be met in order to ensure that the conductor is contacted safely and with long-term stability at the clamping point.
Aluminum conductor for indirect connection (by using)
- Ring cable lugs
- Press connection bolts
- Cu/Al washer (CUPAL)
Aluminum conductor for direct connection(3-steps)
- Scratching
- Greasing
- Connecting
Scratch the oxide layer off the bare wire using, for example, a penknife.
Grease the aluminum wire with a neutral grease.
Direct connection in the WPD terminal blocks.
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Weidmüller's WPD terminal blocks enable a simple, safe and cost-effective transition from aluminum wires or aluminum cables to copper wires within the switchgear.
For example, a supply line of the switchgear can be implemented from aluminum conductors on one side of the WPD terminal block and the further wiring on the opposite side of the terminal block with copper conductors.
The pretreatment of the aluminum conductor and the required torques can be found in the respective product data sheets.
Peter Croucher
Product & Sales Specialist - Factory Automation
