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Industrial & Commerical

AS SEEN IN NEC DIGEST
Corrosion and Current Burst Testing of Copper and Aluminum Power Connectors for Use with Copper and Aluminum Conductor PDF [2 Mb]
Crimped and mechanically bolted aluminum and copper connectors are commonly used for terminating electric power cables. In this study, copper-to-copper, aluminum-to-copper, and aluminum-to-aluminum connections were subjected to accelerated aging. The all-copper connections performed best. This is the full report.
Effect of Rooftop Exposure in Direct Sunlight on Conduit Ambient Temperatures [PDF - 212 Kb]
An IEEE paper on the interiors of conduits in sunlight, such as those containing conductors feeding air conditioning units on rooftops, become significantly hotter than the outside air (which is always measured in the shade). Temperature differentials need to be added to the outdoor temperatures to determine ampacity. IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, Vol. 44, No. 6, November/December 2008
De-rating: Outdoor Temperatures for Various U.S. Cities
The National Electrical Code requires that electrical cables be used at temperatures below the listed ratings of the insulation material, or they may be damaged. Ambient temperature is understood to mean the temperature of the air surrounding the conductor.
The data presented provides the peak and 2% design temperatures for various cities, as well as the elevated ambient temperature inside rooftop conduits exposed to direct sunlight.
Thermal Modeling of Electrical Conductors with Emphasis on Solar Heating PDF [140 Kb]
This short white paper by John Paschal, Jr., P.E. of Paschal Engineering, explains the basic principles of conductor temperature in sunlight and emphasizes the importance of Table 310.15(B)(2)(c) in the NEC.
Bigger Really Is Better
“Inspectors and Contractors Prefer Larger Gages and More Circuits” A recent survey of electrical inspectors, contractors and instructors indicated an overwhelming preference for more circuits, larger gages than Code minimums, and copper conductors in their own homes.
Connecting With Copper Is Connecting With Trust PDF [1.7Mb]
Colorful, six page summary of the results of the aluminum and copper connector study detailed below, with photographs and a description of the research and results.
Comparative Corrosion and Current Burst Testing of Copper and Aluminum Electrical Power Connectors PDF [1.41Mb]
This IEEE Paper, presented at the 2005 Industry Applications Conference, reports on testing of aluminum and copper power connectors. The performance of copper and aluminum connectors was compared by conducting accelerated aging tests. The connectors were evaluated by comparing the change in resistance of the test samples as the test progressed. The results of these tests point to a high level of failure of the aluminum connectors.
(The full report of the study by Powertech Labs can be ordered from the Publication List)
Copper Building Wire Systems
An overview of copper building wire—covers installation, corrosion, codes, strength, and more.
Copper—The Best Buy in Building Wire
Ten reasons why contractors prefer to use copper in wiring systems.
More Information can be found in our Power Quality section.
Do you Have a “Wiring for Power Quality” Story?
CDA is interested in how your company enhanced productivity or alleviated power quality problems through robust wiring.

For Contractors & Inspectors:

For Consumers:

“Aged Wiring Can Be A Hazard”
Hazards of older wiring and a report issued by the Fire Protection Research Foundation. Any home 25 years or older should be considered for inspection by a qualified electrical contractor.
Do You Need an Electrician?
Why Your Builder Chose All-Copper Wiring
Two brochures address a few common questions that a homebuyer or owner might have concerning copper building wire and communication wiring.
Home Planning Section
Electrical Safety Foundation International Warns Consumers About the Dangers of Counterfeit Electrical Products

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Copper in Building Wire

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