Aluminium current-carrying capacity

Aluminium and copper conductors start oxidizing at about 90°C. The oxides of aluminium (AI2O) and copper (CuO) are poor conductors of electricity. They may adversely affect bus conductors, particularly at joints, and reduce their current-carrying capacity over time, and lead to their overheating, even to an eventual failure. Universal practice therefore is to restrict the operating temperature... 

Current-carrying capacity of copper and aluminium conductors 30/916... 

The resistivity and conductivity of standard annealed copper and a few recommended aluminium grades being used widely for electrical applications are given in Table 30.1. Their corresponding current-carrying capacities in percent, with respect to a standard reference (say, 100% lACS) are also provided in the table. 

Main bus bars Compare aluminium and copper bus bars for the intended location, total current carrying capacity and presence of corrosive gases, if any. 

---