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I invited the electrician to update the input of electricity to the house.
He began to insist that the reason for the house should be done only with a copper wire,
proving that this is a mandatory requirement.
I have yet abandoned his services.
Tell me if its requirement is required?
And more: which wire is better: copper or aluminum?
Visitor
Such a mandatory requirement of changing aluminum wires for copper, so far there is no.
There are only recommendations.
Most likely, this is the personal initiative of the electrician itself. Because Copper wires are much more expensive
aluminum. Probably, the electrician could have some personal benefit.
Now about which wire is better: copper or aluminum ...
Copper in its electrotechnical characteristics is better than aluminum, i.e. Her resistance is almost
one and a half times less aluminum.
In other words: with the same diameter of the wire, the copper wire can skip one and a half
without the current without warming up.
But what is your significant difference, if you apply the aluminum wire a little more sections?
In addition, copper has very bad quality: it is strongly oxidized with time.
Therefore, the reliability of contacts falls quickly. It lead to heating wires around
contact node. Accordingly, the insulation begins melting and a short circuit may occur.
If you still decided to use copper wires, then their ends should be well cleaned
and listened. You also need to view all fixing elements of contacts.
It is desirable that they are either brass or bronze.
liqerr.
Today professionals prefer copper. Why? Outdoor aluminum is quickly oxidized by forming an oxide film with a practically non-conductive electric current. Aluminum is fragile, lying material - bent several times and he broke. With long-term operation, it is scattered literally into powders. Copper is also oxidized, but it oxidized is a conductive so. It does not lose its electrically conductive culsions. Resistant to dice, bending, etc., it is more expensive.
But then you should not save - remember the miser pays twice!
Vlad128.
Electrician rights. The direct connection of the parts made of copper (brass) with aluminum causes the rapid destruction of the latter due to contact corrosion. Therefore, in old forks, sockets and switches, contacts for aluminum wires were made of galvanized iron. Now such electrical products are practically not applied. One option remains: Cable with copper residential.
Oleg40.
My aluminum wiring serves as a year 30 without complaints and even despite repairs, I did not change it for copper. Minus only in fragility. During this period, there was a couple of times to change switches and sockets. The wire sometimes broke, but so - as the reserve is left in the box, then this is not a problem. This is rather a fashion trend such and some advantages in the installation. If you put aluminum - there will be no big misfortune, it is more important not to make a mistake.
jECK.
In fact, there are rules and norms that need to be observed. We are regulated in the house in our house, Chapter 2.1 tells us about entering and wiring in houses, chapter 2.4 - there is about VL and inputs to the house, Table 2.4.2 - Here are the norms of cables and their cross sections, which can be used for input for Aluminum their own norms for copper, as much depends on the distance from the support to the house.
vladislavus.
In copper, the resistance is really less than that of aluminum and it is well withstanding heavy loads. Aluminum is a more fragile material and I myself "burned".
All wiring in the Soviet buildings are made of aluminum wires. Then it was quite justified, because the load on the network was significantly less. Therefore, in the process of repair, the question often arises: is it possible to connect these two wires with a regular cleaner?
Answering the question about the possibility of connecting aluminum and copper wires with a conventional twist, with confidence, to answer "no" and that's why.
Aluminum and copper are not compatible galvanically. With their direct contact during the passage of the electric current, the chemical reaction begins under the influence of water vapor always present in the atmosphere. And the so-called galvanic bath is formed, which leads to an increase in resistance between wires and, as a result, to corrosion. As a result, the twist will begin to warm up, and in the future it can lead to ignition.
This is perhaps the most important reason for which the twist of aluminum and copper wires is not allowed. But there are also factors that negatively affect this type of wire connection. 
Aluminum and copper have a different expansion coefficient when heated. When working under load and without its wires, it will be expanded and narrowed in different ways that over time will bring to the weakening of their compound. And this is again overheating and the possible cause of fire. 
Another negative factor is aluminum oxidation. Over time, the aluminum surface is covered with an oxide film with a low conductivity coefficient. In this case, there is a large resistance, which leads to the weakening of contact and heating. And there is not far away.
Having considered in detail all the reasons for the ban on the direct twist of the aluminum and copper wire obviously, it is not worth risking at home. But this does not mean that there are no ways to combine these wires. Now there are special adapters with which you can make a reliable and secure connection.
The easiest and most convenient way to connect aluminum and copper wires, in my opinion, are self-armed terminals. 
The connection and disconnection of the wire is carried out using a special lever. To secure the wire, you just need to raise the lever and insert a cleaning core into the released hole. After that, the lever is lowered back, thereby fixing the wire in the terminal. Installation speed and multipleness of use Excellent characteristics that make the choice in their favor.
But this is not the only way to safely connect aluminum and copper wires, there are others.
Electrical cables are distinguished by the type of insulation, the cross section diameter, conductive vein material, the application area and the operating conditions. Copper wire is widely used for electricity transmission.
Copper cable: What is and what advantages
The working element of the cable is a conductive vein made from electrical copper. Inside the cable there are several isolated livers enclosed in a common inner shell. Depending on the operating conditions, the product additionally covers the protective screen or armor.
Benefits:
High heat and conduction. This means that to solve electrical installation tasks, you can choose a copper cable with a smaller cross section diameter than the cable with aluminum residential. Losses when heating the conductor will be less. The cable property remains unchanged even when the metal is oxidation.
Plasticity and flexibility. The copper cable is resistant to bending and twist, and it facilitates installation and further operation.
Resistance to corrosion appearance and, as a result, long service life. Full posting replacement requires overhaul. If a copper cable is selected, then in the next 30-35 years it is not worried about replacing it.
The minimum risk of fire fire. In case of fire, combustion does not apply, and the insulating material highlights the minimum of smoke and gas.
Scope of copper cables
Cables with copper residential are used in power lines, which serve to transfer and distribute electricity in stationary installations. The use of copper cables is substantiated at industrial enterprises, where there is a risk of fire or explosion. With their help, they perform the installation of internal wiring in residential and office space, industrial complexes, industrial and public buildings.
Basic varieties of copper cable
1. Power. Used to transmit electricity from an electrical station to substations, utilities and transport facilities, industrial enterprises. Isolation of power cables is rubber, plastic and paper. Inside contains up to 5 conductive lived. In the armored copper cable, the coating is made of aluminum or lead. By marking items, you can distinguish the assignment of the cable.
VG, WFE without marking - cable is used for laying single lines indoors and in cable installations.
Marking NG-LS (does not distribute burning, low degree of gas and smoke release) - a high level of fire safety allows to operate the copper power cable of this type in concert halls, in stadiums, in the metro buildings. Permitted gasket in the soil, can be applied at nuclear stations.
Marking NG-FRLS (fire-resistant, does not distribute burning, low degree of smoke and gas) - power cable with copper veins suitable for the power supply of fire alarm and pumps, evacuation elevators, lamps on spare outals and evacuation paths. In case of fire, the cables of this type continue to carry out a current for 2-3 hours. The idea (A) - the cable does not distribute the burning in the group laying through the use of insulating materials with a reduced degree of flammability.
2. Control. Used to connect electrical devices, distribution devices and mechanisms. The control cable with copper cores is installed in tunnels and channels, if protected from mechanical damage is provided. Possible gasket outdoors and indoors.
3. Household. May contain one or more copper lived. Single-core types are used to connect welding machines. The stranded cable type is used to make carrying outdoor carrying.
4. Special (signal cables). Serve to transmit signals (high-frequency cables - for long-term communication, low-frequency - locally).
Features of operation
The power products of the BGG brand and their modifications are in demand from installers. For this type of wires, double insulation from PVC is characteristic. The permissible load on the cable ranges from 60 V to 600 V (depends on the diameter of the section).
Flexible copper cable (check) is isolated by a layer of rubber. It can be used even when laying power lines for construction objects in harsh climatic conditions. To improve the characteristics, special components add to the insulating material of the cable.
For laying in tunnels, tracks, in air and in the ground they advise you to choose an armored cable with double insulation. The composition of the external coating includes graphite crumb, which maximizes the stability of the cable to fire and mechanical damage.
MTD "Energoregionkont" is the official dealer of the Energy Cabels plant and offers quality cable products from the enterprise. With us you can buy a copper cable, power wires, lighting cords and wires, as well as other products that meet Russian standards and quality standards.
It is impossible to build a home power supply without an electrical cable. However, for the arrangement of housing, it is not enough to establish it, you need to competently choose the appropriate type. And for this you need to know what characteristics affect the choice. Agree?
We will tell you what types of products offers a modern market and which wire is used for wiring in the house. We introduce with a popular nomenclature and help to understand the marking of products for gasket electrolytes. Denote that you should navigate to buyers and independent electrical installations.
Information submitted to familiarize themselves in order to optimize perceptions we have completed the schemes, photo selection, video recommendations.
The main elements of any electrical cable are the veins - elements for the passage of electric current, isolated from each other internal shell and enclosed in a common shell.
They are denoted by abbreviation TPZ.
In addition to conductive veins (1), the cable may contain such structural elements such as aggregate (3), wire or steel armor (2) and an outer shell (4)
Cases for transmitting electrical energy are two types:
- single-reprehensive solid;
- multi-voltageconsisting of a large number of thin threads.
Some mistakenly believe that single-water veins and single-core cables are identical concept. In fact, single-core products can have only one living, which, in turn, can be performed by the same multi-proper.
The basis for the manufacture of conductive livers can perform copper or aluminum. If you compare these metals, then aluminum, although it is cheaper, but loses in what has a smaller level of electrical conductivity.
This denotes that with an equal cross section, the copper conductor is able to skip a larger current. The only "minus" of copper is the moment that when it can not be directly connected to other metals. Those. For a compound with aluminum, an adapter will require an adapter that excludes the formation of a galvanic pair.
Aluminum is not the best option for wiring in the house, since it has a low level of electrical conductivity, and during operation it is faster and is rehearsed on bends
If you make a knuckle with a twist, then this place will quickly oxidize, which will lead to the breakdown of contacts, as a result of which the highway can occur. Ideally, for all lines in the apartment it is worth choosing the wires of the same type.
Cables for electrical signals are equipped with a common protective sheath.
The insulating layer can be made of:
- rubber;
- polyethylene;
- PVC plastic.
Each of these materials is characterized by high insulating characteristics. Thanks to this, they can be used in networks of various voltage class within 500 W.
The main purpose of the outer braid is to protect the conductors from moisture, which is capable of violating the integrity of isolation and, as a result, to the turbidity of optical fibers
Any cable used for the domestic and, has at least two insulating layers: the first protects the internal cores collected into the bundle, the second is moving only one core.
Varieties of electrical wires
There are several classifications to which the wizards are oriented when choosing.
The first feature for which cables are divided - number of housing. The operational parameters of single and multicline products are described in detail in the table below.
Summary table of operational parameters of single and stranded electrical products depending on the number of devices involved. The difference exists in both the device and the appointment
Below are the four most popular types of cables used in the arrangement of intra-ordinary wiring.
View # 1 - VG cable
With the arrangement of intra-quarter wiring, which involves applied VNG cable. It is used to transmit an electric current at the operating voltage within 1000 V. The amount of lived in such products may scatter from one to five.
Explorer VOG current is released in one of the four versions: in the form of products with a flat or round cross section, or a triangular or square
Among the indisputable advantages of the VZH products should include a wide temperature operating range. It can be safe at temperatures from -50 ° C to +50 ° C. The wire is famous for high tensile strength and ability to withstand humidity up to 98%.
The product of this type can have one of three designations:
- « p"- indicates a flat type of cross section;
- « z."- denotes that a rubber mixture or PVC harness is located between the insulation of CTB and the outer braid;
- « nG"- indicates that the insulation does not spread the burning.
In any cables of varieties of VG, with the exception of those that have the designation "s", the space between the outer shell and the insulating layer lived.
The outer sheath of the cable jn is usually painted in black, internal insulation conductive livers marked with yellow-green, blue, red or white with blue stripes
For household needs, use a cable with a cross section from 1.5 mm 2, with the arrangement of the private house, the product is 6 mm 2. The magnitude of the bending radius of the product is determined by multiplying the smaller cross section by 10.
View # 2 - NYM Cable
NYM. - Another high-quality power cable designed to carry out power and lighting networks to 660V. Multi-War conductive veins Products are made of copper.
The number of conductive lives of the NYM cable may vary in the area from one to five. The minimum parameters of the transverse sections of the products on sale are 1.5 mm 2, the maximum is 16 mm 2.
The magnitude of the bending radius corresponds to the four diameters of the cross section.
NYM cable in section: Copper cores are enclosed in PVC shells, between which the non-combustible sealing is laid; The role of the outdoor braid performs PVC insulation
The cable has double insulation:
- the outer shell is made of polyvinyl chloride;
- the inner braid is made of non-combustible PVC.
The inner space between the insulating layers is filled with a filler, which is a coated rubber. Such a solution increases the strength of the product and makes it more resistant to high temperatures.
Therefore, NYM cable refers to the number of moisture and heat-resistant products. Its operating temperature limits from -40 ° C to +70 ° C.
The only drawback of the NYM cable is the vulnerability before UV rays. For this reason, when used in the open section, where direct rays fall, it is recommended to cover it.
If you compare the NYM cable with an analog VG, then the first is more preferable in terms of operational parameters. But when the budget is limited, you can always save, using the NYM cable only to connect indoor and apartment plates with storey, and on the plots, the VG cable is laid.
View # 3 - PUNP Wire
Often for wiring use budget analogue - flat Wire PUNP. It is a two-way or three-core product with a cross section of 1.5-6 mm 2. Each veins of the flat wire is made of copper and is one-run.
PUNP is used to connect stationaryly installed lighting systems and "washing" of sockets at the rated voltage of the network in 250V and at a frequency of 50Hz
The cable also has double insulation:
- the outer shell is called from PVC plastic;
- the inner braid is made of polyvinyl chloride.
In terms of quality, such a wire is not the best option. In addition, as practice shows, the insulation of the wire is very vulnerable to temperature fluctuations and quickly destroys when heated.
View # 4 - Armored Cable WBBSHV
With the arrangement of the lighting system adjacent to the home area, it is impossible to fit the armored power Cable VBBSH. It is designed to work in conditions of variable rated voltage, the range of which varies from 660 to 1000 V.
The moisture-resistant product is conveniently laying out in the ground, in the railway pipes and in the corrugation in the open air, subject to the creation of additional protection against directly entering light rays.
The main advantage of this cable is the presence of metallized armor, and therefore it can be safely involved when setting up a gasket in an earthen trench
Conductive veins Products are made of copper. The number of threads may vary from one to five, each of which can consist of one or more wires.
The cross-section of VBBSHA products ranges from 1.5 mm 2 to 240 mm 2. Polyvinyl chloride is used as inner insulation and outer shell.
Criteria for competent selection
The pledge of the uninterrupted work of the home highway of the electrical system is the quality of components. Therefore, at the stage of their acquisition, one of the key tasks is to select a cable of proper quality.
Manufacturers always indicate which metals were made by the veins and which materials are part of the insulation braid; These parameters are indicated in the cable marking
To navigate when choosing a suitable cable, you need to carefully examine the product labeling. The cable must be indicated: brand, manufacturer name and compliance with GOS or specifications. The size of the section and the cable brand should be repeated at an equal interval over the entire length of the outdoor product braid.
Marking of any electrocable is represented by numbers and three letters.
The first number of numerical designation determines the amount of live, the second digit is the cross-sectional area of \u200b\u200beach of them, the third is the calculated network voltage. The remaining numbers indicate the cord flexibility class. The first letter determines the type of material involved when creating an upper braid isolation.
If you have a product in the marking of which the letter "A" is in the first place, this means that the veins are made of silver metal - aluminum; if such a letter is missing - the threads are made from copper
The second letter indicates the type of wire:
- « TO"- control;
- « P"- flat;
- « M."- mounted;
- « Sh" or " W.»- installation;
- « Mg."- Mounted with flexible residential.
The third letter marking determines the material applicable to the inner insulation lived.
Options for its designation and decryption:
- « P»- Isolation is made of polyethylene;
- « AT" or " BP"- the braid is made of rubber;
- « PV"- used vulcanizing polyethylene;
- « PS."- used self-fighting polyethylene;
- « WITH»- The outer braid is made of lead;
Rubber insulation can be protected by the NIRITE shell " N."Or polyvinyl chloride" AT».
Examples of the designation: VG 4x2,5-380 - cable with four copper veins having a sequence area of \u200b\u200b2.5 mm, designed for voltage in 380 V, isolated PVC braid and enclosed in the outer PVC sheath
The next letter denotes the type of cable: " NG"- non-combustible and fire-resistant," B.»- Armored," Ls."- does not allocate smoke when melting. Products with armored shell are used where there is a possibility of mechanical damage.
Availability in labeling letter " E."Reports that there is a filler between the veins. Lettering " OK."Shows that this is single-run lived.
How to calculate the cross section of the wire?
Section area lived standardized. Their values \u200b\u200bare selected with the orientation of current strength, the manufacture material lived and the layout conditions. After all, when operating the cable at the limit of its capabilities, the veins will be heated for several dozen degrees.
And if several such cables are laid in one tray, then with the mutual heating of the products the value of the permissible current will drop to 30%.
Calculation makes such a formula P / V..
- R - the power of the instruments whose parameters are specified in the technical documentation;
- V. - network voltage in 220 V.
The cross-sectional area is measured in square millimeters. So, one "square" of the aluminum wire is capable of passing through itself from 4 to 6 amps. At the copper analog, this parameter reaches a mark of 10 amps.
For example, for an electrical appliance with a capacity of 4 kilowatts according to this formula, the current force becomes 18.18 A \u003d 4000 W / 200V. To power such a device, you will need to pave the wiring with the copper threads in the cross section of 1.8 mm 2.
As a safety net, the value obtained is better to multiply by 1.5. Therefore, the most ideal option for the washing of such a powerful device is a copper wire with a cross section of 2 mm 2. If we consider the option of installing an aluminum analogue, then the cord will be required, the thickness of which is 2.5 times.
Simplify the task to help the table below.
Important moment! Designing hidden wiring, data from the table must be multiplied by the coefficient of 0.8.
When open is able to install in the same private house in any case, it is better to use a wire with a cross section from 4 mm 2 and higher, giving preference to high mechanical strength products.
In terms of the sections plane, the mounting cable for input to the house should be one step above the one that is necessary for servicing the most installed electrical appliances.
To save, such a wire can be applied only to enter the house and connecting to the terminal bar, and through the automata to take the line of the desired section.
What cable should be used for the electrical wiring device in a wooden house, find out from another our site.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Before choosing and practically using wires, it is better to remember the theory again, looking at the useful videos.
Video # 1. How to choose a wire:
Video # 2. The Master Council, which wire for home is better:
The price range of the electrocabels presented is quite wide. But in this question should not save. The low price may indicate that in the production of cable products, low-quality materials were involved or the wire has a cross section less than the stated.
By purchasing products of Chinese manufacturers, be prepared for the fact that in the desire to save instead of copper conductors, many of them use copper aluminum wires. Externally, they practically do not differ from copper analogs, and only differ in performance.