copper vs aluminum

[jco1385 5,000+ posts]

not saying you're wrong //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/fyi.gif.9f1f679348da7204ce960cfc74bca8e0.gif

trying to understand it.... *******

 

[grassroots 10+ year member]

i guess aluminum oxidizes in a way that inhibits current flow, and coppers oxidation is just aesthetic...

 

[jco1385 5,000+ posts]

from what i've just read (not much) the aluminum in wire is an ALLOY (AA13000 series alloy or AA8000) which would mean there are other metals in there. maybe thats why..

idk, and i guess idc really. just curious was all.

 

[galacticmonkey 5,000+ posts]

If you want copper buss bars for your batteries but dont want to pay rediculous prices for copper, just get some copper pipes and hammer them flat and drill them.

 

[jco1385 5,000+ posts]

If you want copper buss bars for your batteries but dont want to pay rediculous prices for copper, just get some copper pipes and hammer them flat and drill them.

where does this relate to this thread??

 

[pr-festiva 10+ year member]

If you want copper buss bars for your batteries but dont want to pay rediculous prices for copper, just get some copper pipes and hammer them flat and drill them.

or just ask some one that works around tons of the stuff all night

 

[DidUHearThat? 10+ year member]

One reason that alum oxidizes quickly in electrical applications is being in proximity to other metals. They pass electrons to each other in a form of electrolisis, that accelerates oxidation. If it was all alum, it's not a problem, but since there is always some other steel around, you will get oxidation.

Bury a piece of alum wire and it will stay shinny for a long time. Bury it with some carbon steel nails and it will oxidize very quickly.

This is why boat builders try to make sure all the hardware/rigging on a boat is all the same type of metal. Either alum, zinc, steel, etc. You don't want to mix metals in the presence of sea water or electrolisis oxidation will occur.

 

[vellocet 10+ year member]

That's good to know about the aluminum wires. Thing I don't get is why do they use gold plated terminals instead of silver. Isn't silver more conductive(not sure thats proper english)?