How to connect copper and aluminum wire: advice and guidance

At any cables has a current-carrying conductor, which is made of copper or aluminum. Since these materials are characterized by excellent efficiency and current conductivity during installation and frequently becomes necessary to connect them together. For information on how to connect copper and aluminum wire, while preventing the error, will be discussed further.

Wires copper and aluminum: is incompatible

To deal with all the subtleties of the procedure, it should be understood that the same is in the like. Indeed, a broad array of opinions on that, you should not connect the copper wires with aluminum.

Like any other metals with oxygen participation occurs oxidation of aluminum and copper. As a result, there is an oxide film on their surface. And if the copper covering almost does not prevent the flow of electric current, it's oxide is a major barrier to this.

Copper wire and aluminum compound, in spite of what would be a push to communicate metals. Aluminum is characterized by a greater degree of activity. This means that between compounds, in the case of the moisture, so-called electrolysis occurs - transfer of aluminum ions for copper. As a result, the conductor of the aluminum loses weight. In it there are sinks and voids, which are also susceptible to oxidation and only accelerate the electrolysis.

The result is almost destroyed conductor which is made of aluminum. As its cross section decreases, the degree of current density is increased. In turn, this provokes the heating of metal. Variants outcome this situation only two: either aluminum burns at the point of connection, or a fire.

Impossible or how to connect the copper and aluminum wire

While some doubt whether it is possible to connect aluminum wire with copper, many do it successfully. Moreover, there are several major conventional methods by which one can eliminate the contact between the materials, aggressive action with respect to each other. Each of them requires special attention.

How to connect the copper and aluminum via terminal blocks

Terminal block for connecting wires can be fitted or bolted clamping mechanism. This design provides a connection to the two types of materials - aluminum and conductive. Between themselves, they are contacted by the steel plate. It is made from a neutral material that does not tend to enter into reactions with the aluminum - often a plate of brass or tinned copper.

Socket for wires, comprising a clamp bolt, characterized by a more reliable and is used in low-voltage power circuits. Often, such a clamp is performed with the use of "nut". It is a small junction box which is made of dielectric materials. Like the name of the unit was due to its shape. Inside it is a block of metal plates, and is provided by means of which the contact between copper and aluminum wires.

Each of the above methods is a detachable connection. This means that you can execute them repeatedly disconnecting and reconnecting if necessary.

Note! Replacing old wiring it is recommended in any case. Copper different load capacity, which corresponds to the electrical equipment consumption. If it is not possible to perform a total replacement, it is produced in part. Then the question arises, how to connect the wires.

Terminal for connecting wires, which is most popular, is capable of providing a connection to eight conductors with different cross-section, as well as to attach the DIN rail by means of a special adapter installation.

Features and secrets of application Compression method

Sometimes during mounting and laying of electrical cables necessary to obtain high-quality wiring. In such case, the compound of aluminum wiring with copper is carried out using the method of crimping sleeves. Often, such a need appears on the stage of putting in electrical cabinets, electrical appliances or in while the cable is connected to an already mounted unit where there is no possibility of replacing copper to aluminum, and on the contrary.

Presented by type of conductor connection is characterized by a large costly, as it involves the use of specialized equipment and tools. However, during the execution of multiple similar work professionals often prefer it to this method.

Important! It is not recommended to put conductors made from copper and aluminum, in a parallel direction to each other, in other words, overlap. The fact that in this case copper and aluminum is contacted directly. In addition, it is better to abandon the use of copper untinned liners in conjunction with the cable manufactured from aluminum.

Due to the wire crimping sleeves guarantee a durable and reliable contact. In a similar way to operate the manufacture bonding aluminum and copper conductors, even with powerful consumers.

To carry out such works require special aluminum-copper sleeve. If available no manual hydraulic press, squeezing them can be carried out using a standard hammer and lining of aluminum.

It is interesting! Such squeezing recommend to use when performing crimping sleeves not only, but also tips. By the way, they too can be made half of aluminum and copper. This allows the aluminum wire connected to various devices with terminals or copper pins.

Often alyumomednye sleeve used to connect the conductor cables that have large cross-section. If the cross section of unessential, carried molding sleeve conductor pairs only. In this case, the wire is better to start a butt - on both sides.

A few words about the rules of bolting wire

Often, during work on the electrical wiring in a home, a person who is not engaged specific work, might wonder how reliably connect aluminum and copper wires. Naturally, in such a situation to run to the market to buy special tools, it makes no sense. This is due to the fact that the work is of a single character, but to fulfill it is still necessary.

In this case, the move may well go the usual nut with a couple of goals and a simple bolt. In this method, the main thing - to perform separation of the two washers aggressive with respect to each other metals.

Note! Deciding preferable bolting, can be replaced with a steel washer part made of brass. If near at hand there is metal, it could even cut yourself. As for the version with a washer manufactured of steel, it can be used only in those networks, where the load is not too great.

Compound of copper wires with aluminum bolted method can be carried out in the distribution boxes. Without such structures is impossible to imagine conducting, and no houses or in separate apartments. Thus, with the bolt can be quickly and easily solve the problem of how to connect multi-core and single-core copper wire.

When bolted rings formed from wires should be wrapped in the direction of tightening the nut. This is necessary in order to avoid unwinding rings and increase their diameter during tightening. On the contrary, this method will contribute to a more dense circulation around the bolt.

Furthermore, there is the option of using alyumomednyh washers and terminals. There are several ways:

1. To carry out molding using the aluminum cable and the ferrule perform the connection to a tire made of copper.
2. Compression cable made of aluminum, standard aluminum cap and make the connection to the bus through the given washer.

How to connect copper to aluminum by threaded

Compound wires through nuts and screws, in case of correct execution represents the most reliable solution and ensures a proper contact throughout the life of the wiring. The answer to the question of whether it is possible to connect copper and aluminum wires of various kinds by a threaded connection, is an unambiguous "yes." Applying a threaded connection, you can work with thick, solid, thin, and stranded wires. Home - to prevent direct contact wires made of aluminum and copper.

Before you connect electrical wires threaded manner, will conduct training: remove the insulation from the wires to such a length which is equal to four times the screw diameter, in the case of the oxidation leads - to carry out cleaning of metal gloss, and to form rings.

After that ringed the screw in the following order:

• spring washer;
• Plain washer;
• a ring conductor;
• Plain washer;
• ring other conductor;
• washer;
• nut.

When screwing in the nut of the screw tightening the whole package before the straightening of the spring washer.

Conductors, in which the core diameter does not exceed 2 mm will suffice M4 type rotor. If a copper wire is stranded, must first perform its proluzhivanie by solder.

How to connect the aluminum wire with an aluminum non-detachable manner

Connect the one-piece type is endowed with all the virtues of the screw. The difference is only in a few points:

• the possibility to disassemble and re-assemble the connection without breaking the rivet;
• need for the presence of special devices for carrying out the rivet.

To date, the rivets are widely used for permanent connections of thin-walled structural elements in the process of creating partitions. Efficiency, small price and durability - the main advantages of the present type of permanent connection.

The essence of the riveting operation is quite simple. He pulls and cuts the steel rods Threaded through the tubular rivet with a cap made of aluminum. The rods have a thickening, and during retraction of rivets in the tube it expands.

Note! There are different types of rivets, the diameter and length variations. So everyone can choose the best option to perform personal tasks.

For connection conductors via rivets need to prepare them in the same manner as for the threaded connection. The diameter of the ring should be slightly larger than the diameter of the rivet. The optimal size - 4 mm. On the rivet wear parts in the following order:

• conductor of aluminum;
• spring washer;
• conductor of copper;
• flat washer.

Then a rod of steel is inserted into and pressed Zaklepochnik handle until it clicks into place. This sound indicates a cutting steel rods surplus. That's it, the connection is made.

Related article:

Compound of wires in the junction box for electrical wiring

Types and methods of installation of junction boxes. How to instal themselves.

The reliability of both one and the second type compound represented by a rivet, is quite high. Such a connection method can be successfully used to splice the damaged areas in the process of repairing wires in the wall. However, it should definitely provide excellent insulation exposed joints.

How to connect the aluminum wire by soldering

In the case of large conductor cross-section (when the weight is more important than strength) will be rational to give preference to aluminum. Sectional area of ​​the conductor made of aluminum, will be greater in comparison with copper several times with the aluminum piece will still be twice lighter than copper. If you ask people about how to connect copper wires to each other, many of the answers, it is better to do it by soldering.

To carry out soldering of wires made of aluminum, it is possible in the manifold, by applying a gas torch or soldering. The complexity of using a soldering iron is heated it to exactly the right temperature is almost impossible. And in the case of aluminum overheating also unacceptable as insufficient heating.

Important! It characterized by significant thermal conductive metal, and an extensive portion of the soldering point can cause it to reflow.

Therefore, before the aluminum wires to connect to each other so as not heated, better equip a gas burner. With its help to carry out the heating temperature control easier, but will have to prepare the surface for a long time to use it. Nevertheless, it is better to give preference to the burner if necessary soldering massive parts. Whatever it was, the soldering of aluminum wires involves their preparation.

Difficulty brazing process is that aluminum is characterized by low gelling temperature, so its melt may occur in the event of careless heating. The essence of another factor, by which the soldering process is complicated, is reduced to the rapid oxidation of aluminum in air.

Although the oxide coating on the surface of aluminum is reliable protection against the effects of negative external conditions, it simultaneously inhibits the adhesion of solder material, so it is absolutely necessary delete.

Note! Mechanically remove plaque oxide is not possible. Material immediately amenable to oxidation and film tightened again. Get rid of it can only mechanically by covering the surface of the oil layer.

Option butter quite uncomfortable in a house, and is characterized by complexity. Pre oil must anneal to the level of 200 degrees in order to rid it of oxygen present therein.

Thus, in advance of the soldering ends of the aluminum wire to be processed. The use of rosin or many other fluxes will not be effective because of the high degree of chemical stability of the oxide coating. It does not dissolve even in the event of an organic acid.

Note! In order to implement the tinning of wires should be used specifically designed for this purpose fluxes and mechanical method at a time.

Naturally, such a procedure should perform before the twisting wires. Otherwise, clean the surface of the wire is not completely succeed. Only the ends of which have been tin-plated, it is possible to twist with each other, and then solder.

Wires equipped with multiple cores should soldering solely using special flux because their handling by mechanical means is nearly impossible. A feature of brazing technology is that each of the wires to be first a good process with the use of flux.

It will have to roll out and fluff beam. After the processing will be executed, each of the thin wires is required to cover the conductor layer of solder and twist into a bundle. Thereafter, twist a few tips and do soldering.

Important! Often, there may be situations when you need to make the connection wires of different metals. It should be noted that the aluminum brazing with copper is not possible.

The whole problem lies in aluminum. Due to its chemical and physical qualities of the character of the aluminum can not be soldered to another metal. If solve solder copper and aluminum, while applying solder, characterized neutrality to both metals to separate the temperature expansion coefficient rapidly destroy contact. This is due to the fact that during the passage of current through the conductor, he is sure to warm up, and after the trip - to cool down, and this is impossible to do anything.

Studying the question of how to connect aluminum wire between them when laying power wiring, it becomes clear that a standard soldering iron and sandpaper here can not cope. Therefore, before you connect copper wires to each other, need to arm themselves with knowledge on the basic tenets of welding.

However, when it comes to connecting wires that are made of different metals, welding better idea immediately rejected. This is due to the temperature difference needed to melt metals. And from the destructive electrolysis, such a procedure does not protect.

How to connect the aluminum wire with a copper on the street: the key features of the process

During installation of cable lines in the streets, each of the coupling elements is influenced by adverse factors of an environment. Snow, rain, fog, ice is not exactly contribute to the high quality connections.

In this regard, for the implementation of such works require only sealed construction. Moreover, it should be characterized by resistance to low temperature and UV rays.

Deciding to perform the connection to the outside, to be armed with knowledge about how to connect the NIC cable with copper wire. Indeed, it is through this operation can be joined copper and aluminum wire on open terrain.

How to connect the SIP and the copper wire: features of each embodiment

Depending on the accounting shield location options compound NIC can vary.

If accounting shield located on the support line, the connection is made through a solid conductor. As part of the shield is directly connected to the machine. To connect the conductors from the line it is recommended to apply regular piercing clamp that is designed specifically for SIP lines.

It is interesting!Piercing connectors designed to connect the branch line to the trunk line. Such instances can serve to connect the lines, the cross section of which is from 16 to 120 mm2, and the cross section of the branch line lies within from 6 to 50 mm2. Thus the taps can serve as a NIC and a standard cable, made of copper.

As main elements of compressing the two plates protrude with sharp teeth made of steel. In the case of mounting bolts twist they approach each other and interconnected at the moment of piercing the wire insulation and establish a reliable contacting sealing attachment points. Bolt Tightening occurs before failure, which is designed for a specific compressive force. In this case, the design is a one-time in nature.

If the connection of the accounting board to the house decided to carry out with the help of CIP, it also can not do without regular fixture. The best option would be to wire facility to the distribution box to connect it to the machine in the shield. In this case, concatenate it with the cable is not necessary.

Note! To connect the SIP bare (uninsulated) wire should apply special clamp. He must be free of sharp teeth by attaching bare wire.

In case of placing the accounting shield on the wall of house, the branch line which is connected to the line by line clamp led into accounting shield and connected to the machine. If the role otpaechnogo conductor performs SIP, on the support line and the wall mount so-called anchor clamps secures the wire.

Make the connection of copper cable with insulated wire may be needed if the area has a number of structures and on them distributing food carried by SIP. In this situation, the installation method described above can be performed by applying a spot or piercing type clamp.

Connect copper and aluminum wires: a few blitz tips

And finally, a couple of tips for you. Having taken note of them, it is possible to prevent the error from the adverse effects.

First of all, in order to perform the cleaning of the conductors, it is better to abandon the use side cutters, pliers and other tools to the same principle of operation. To cut insulation without touching the body wire, will need substantial experience. As practice shows, often the integrity of the wires is still broken.

The fact that aluminum is ductile metal which is not tolerate kinking, especially if the surface can not boast integrity. Perform stripping should be using a sharp knife - movement along the conductor. This process is similar to sharpening pencils.

To perform tinning copper conductors can not be used fluxes containing acids such as hydrochloric acid etched, zinc chloride and so on. N. Even quality cleansing compound not protect it from corrosion process over time.

Note! To exclude the ingress of water in place of the metal compounds can be used a special paste. Such structure not only prevents penetration of moisture, but also oxygen. The result is quite insignificant oxidation of aluminum. And due to the lack of moisture at the connection point is not developing the most destructive process - electrolysis.

When it comes to such products as aluminum stranded cable, prior to its installation to be in order to achieve a monolithic effect. An exception may make only spring-type terminals and terminal pads, which are equipped with the pressure plate.

All kinds of additional parts: nuts, washers and bolts - must be made of non-galvanized metal. The essence is that the potential difference of copper and zinc is much higher than the difference between the pair of copper-aluminum. By the way, for the same reason, do not need to buy too cheap shoes made by unknown. As shown, the metal parts in such stocks have just galvanized coating.

Contrary to popular advice after copper and aluminum wire are connected, they can not be processed with water-repellent effect of formulations. Oil for cars only from the skin is difficult to remove. When exposed to air, the sun and freezing temperatures protective coating will be destroyed more quickly than planned. In addition, as part of some lubricants initially present a few percent of water.

So, now you do know that you can still connect the copper wire with aluminum, and it is done fairly quickly and easily. The article presents the basic methods of performing this task, both indoors and outdoors.

However, the question of how to combine copper wire with aluminum, there is no definite answer. Everything depends directly on the conditions and tools that are available nearby.

We hope this article has helped you to understand the issue of how to properly connect the copper and aluminum wire. If you still have questions about how to connect video, which follows, will deal with all the ambiguities.