Twisting is an overabundance of the past. The modern market of electrical materials is replete with affordable and reliable consumables with which you can not only quickly, but also make a high-quality wire connection. But different things can happen, and twisting, and even copper with aluminum, will be, albeit a short-term, but a solution to the problem. But how long will such a decision last?
Why shouldn't you do this?
First, twisting is a short-term way of connecting conductors, which can only be used in difficult situations. For example, when there is simply no suitable material at hand. Or when doing rough work on site. A standard situation: you need to work, but there is not even an outlet to connect the puncher. And then two wires come to the rescue (or three, if there is a ground loop), a socket and its majesty twist.
But if simple twisting is not entirely good, then twisting an aluminum wire with a copper one is very bad, one might even say awful. After all, aluminum belongs to the category of active metals and after removing the insulation, its surface quickly interacts with air and a film is formed, the resistance of which is very high. Such an obstruction between the aluminum and copper conductors often leads to a fire.
Average life of copper and aluminum strands
It is impossible to say unequivocally how long the twisting life of the aluminum and copper conductor will be. The following factors affect the duration of this phenomenon, namely:
- The quality of both materialin. As you know, Chinese copper is strikingly different from European, as it has a large number of additives. Accordingly, its cost is less.
- The quality of the twist itself. You can make 3 turns and wrap it all with electrical tape. Or you can 7-8 turns, which are additionally clamped with pliers. Achieve the most reliable contact.
3. Line load. Even with perfect contact, a too powerful consumer will do his job, and the weakest point on the line will suffer, and usually this is the junction of the conductors.
One thing can be said if the twisting is done correctly, clamped and high-quality insulated, and the load on the line within reasonable limits, then such a connection can exist for a fairly long time - and 10, 15, 20 years. If you neglect the advice, then the next day after installation, the oxide film can quickly turn the twist into a charred ball.
Tips for Extending the Life of Aluminum / Copper Strands
The first thing to do is to perform high-quality twisting of at least 7-9 turns. A smaller amount will very soon just stretch to the sides.
Next, clamp the twist with pliers, since the usual twisting of the conductors is not enough for reliable contact. When clamping, remember that both copper and aluminum are soft metals and can be damaged with great force, so the procedure must be performed extremely carefully.
And finally, you need to insulate the twist. It is best to take a rag tape, which, if the conductors are heated, will become a signaling device - you can understand the malfunction by smell.