Aluminum Alloy Cable Usage and Application Fields
Internationally, the application of aluminum alloy cables is primarily concentrated in residential and commercial buildings, with a relatively low proportion in industrial enterprises. Below, the editor of Shenghua Electrical will introduce the domestic use and application fields of aluminum alloy cables.
I. Characteristics of Aluminum Alloy Cables
Characteristics of Aluminum Alloy Cables
Aluminum Alloy Cable Structure
Aluminum alloy cables cannot replace copper cables in certain applications.
The residential electrical design specification for building construction, JGJ242-2011, stipulates that copper conductors should be used for power cables within residential units. Therefore, copper wiring should be used within all residential units; aluminum alloy cables should not be selected.
2 The Code for Electrical Design of Civil Buildings JGJ16-2008 stipulates that the selection and laying of fire protection wiring should meet the needs for continuous power supply or signal transmission during a fire. All fire protection wires should be copper-core conductors or cables. Therefore, the fire protection loads within the building (such as fire fans, fire elevators, fire pumps, emergency lighting, etc.) should be powered by copper wires, not aluminum alloy cables.
The cable protection conduits embedded within reinforced concrete slabs should not exceed one-third of the slab thickness, and those installed in bedding layers should not exceed one-half of the bedding thickness. When concealed, the thickness of the outer sheath for cable protection conduits should be no less than 15mm, and for fire equipment conduits, it should be no less than 30mm. Therefore, if the wiring between the meter box and the indoor distribution box is replaced with aluminum alloy cables, 2x16+E16 aluminum alloy wire is required and must be routed through SC32 pipes (outer diameter of 40mm). In general residential standard floor slabs, the thickness is 100mm, and there are also intersections with fire and low-voltage pipelines. After replacing with aluminum alloy wire, the structural engineering department does not allow the SC32 pipes to be laid within the slab. Even if allowed, it would result in an outer sheath thickness less than 15mm, which could cause cracks in the structural slab. It is not recommended to make the change.
"Residential Building Electrical Design Code JGJ16-2008"
Conductor selection for low-voltage power distribution should comply with the following regulations: Cables and wires can be made of copper or aluminum cores, and copper-core cables or wires are recommended for residential buildings. The following locations should use copper-core cables or wires:
1) Flammable and explosive areas; (No replacement in transformer and substation rooms)
2) Significant public and residential buildings;
3) Areas with high humidity and corrosive to aluminum (Chiller pump room not replaceable)
4) Locations with high personnel concentration (activity centers and commercial areas are considered high personnel concentration locations and cannot be substituted)
5) Critical document storage, computer rooms, and important warehouses; (The community fire control room, main low-voltage power room, and monitoring room cannot be replaced)
6) Mobile devices or areas with intense vibration (generator rooms not applicable)
7) Other locations with specific regulations.
In summary: 1. Under the approval of the local power authority and provided that the load capacity is met and the installation is convenient, the outdoor sections of the electrical load (residential electricity) and indoor pre-branch cables can be replaced with aluminum alloy cables.
