Aluminum has approximately what percentage of the conductivity of copper?

The correct understanding is that aluminum typically has about 60% of the conductivity of copper. This is a crucial detail in the electrical industry, particularly when considering the use of materials for wiring and conductor applications.

Copper is known for its excellent conductivity and is often the preferred choice for electrical applications due to its high efficiency in conducting electrical current. However, aluminum, while not as conductive as copper, is still a widely used alternative, especially in overhead power lines and various electrical installations.

The choice of using aluminum often balances factors such as weight, cost, and conductivity. Aluminum is significantly lighter than copper, making it advantageous in applications where reducing weight is critical. Even though aluminum's conductivity is lower than copper's, it can still effectively carry current, especially when larger diameters are involved to compensate for the lower conductivity.

This understanding is important for linemen and electricians, as they must account for material properties when designing and maintaining electrical systems. Using aluminum might also necessitate larger conductor sizes to achieve similar performance levels to copper. Thus, recognizing that aluminum has approximately 60% of copper’s conductivity aids in making informed decisions about material selection in electrical work.