Aluminum wiring is corrosion resistant and provides twice the conductivity per pound compared to copper wiring. And, aluminum wiring requires minimal energy to recycle and loses none of its properties during the recycling process.
50 years
Aluminum alloy cables have been safely used for building and home wiring for 50 years.
23.3%
The electrical market for aluminum grew by over 23 percent from 2010-2020.
2X
Aluminum wiring has two times greater conductivity per pound than copper wiring.
Aluminum Wiring in America's Buildings
Aluminum's use in utility grid transmission and distribution networks dates back to before World War II. Thanks to aluminum's superior conductivity-to-weight ratio compared with copper, the metal is now used for wiring in residences, buildings, aircraft and appliances.
The metal has significant cost and weight advantages over copper and is now the preferred material for electricity transmission and distribution uses. Aluminum has also been adapted for use as rigid electrical conduit. (An electrical conduit is a tubing system used for protection and routing of electrical wiring.) Unlike steel conduit, rigid aluminum does not spark, resists corrosion and will not rust.
At end of life, aluminum wiring requires minimal energy to recycle and loses none of its properties during the recycling process.
Working Safely with Aluminum Wiring
Aluminum wire and cable has been used safely in buildings and residences for decades. But, aluminum and copper wiring are not the same and require slightly different installation methods.
In a few short steps, you can learn how to safely and effectively terminate aluminum wire conductors in virtually the same time as it takes to work with traditional copper wiring.
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