In the transformers industry, the phenomena of using aluminum wire instead of copper wire always happen. There is a difference between the transformers wound by copper wire and aluminum wire. This article will let you know what is the difference between copper wire winding and aluminum winding.
Difference Between Copper Wire Winding And Aluminum Winding
1. Different weight and size
The transformers wound by copper wire are smaller and heavier comparing with the aluminum wire winding transformers.
2. Different performance characteristics
The electrical conductivity of copper wire is low so it produces less heat and low temperature rise while in the conduction. Besides, it has the strong anti-short circuit ability. Therefore, its lifespan is long and the transformers wound by copper wire have the strong dynamic stability and thermal stability.
The electrical conductivity of aluminum is high. Its serious heating and activeness make it more easy to be oxidized which will shorten its working life.
Moreover, the ductility of aluminum wire is weaker than the copper wire so it ‘s more hard to bend while winding comparing to the copper wire.
Therefore, the requirements on the production process on the aluminum windling should be well controlled.
3. Different noise processing
The transformers wound by alumimum always make a big noise in operation. Besides, the load loss of aluminum wire is obviously higher than the copper wire in the testing result.
How Can We Distinguish The Coil Inside The Transformers Is Copper Wire Or Aluminum Wire?
1. The most direct way is to see the weight.
The transformer wound by copper wires is usually heavier than the one wound by aluminum with the same power.
2. If the conditions allow, we can take the transformer apart and cut off the wire to see whether it is the golden copper wire or sliver aluminum wire.
The transformers with same power, input and output, the copper winding one is more expensve. Its size is smaller and has lower heat in the operation. The aluminum wire is completely reverse. So we can compare two transformers with same input, output and power but different coils which are wound by copper wire and aluminum wire. You can find that the aluminum winding transformer is lighter and bigger.