The Problem: Fire Hazard
Connecting aluminum and copper conductors is like a boxing match: in one corner is the resilient and inexpensive lightweight aluminum (Al). In the other corner, the superconductive and more expensive standard copper (Cu). If a conductive liquid (such as water condensation) is added to the fight, an electrochemical reaction occurs: the copper decomposes the aluminum, increasing contact resistance and temperature. This mixture could result in a fire.
Relatively Rare in Building Installations
Connecting aluminum and copper conductors: This is a challenge that electricians in building installations rarely face. And this is confirmed by Volker Kuhlmann, ELECTRICAL INTERCONNECTIONS technical customer consultant at WAGO. Nevertheless, “Especially in older buildings within the states of what used to be East Germany, you can still find installation cables with aluminum conductors.” When renovating or extending these electrical installations, electricians face the problem of having to connect or distribute from the old aluminum conductors to copper conductors. “These connections and distributions can occur in junction boxes and existing building distribution boards,” Kuhlmann notes.
Junction Box and Building Distribution Board Connections
With WAGO Alu-Plus Contact Paste (20 ml syringe), solid aluminum conductors up to 4 mm² can also be connected with WAGO's 2273 Series PUSH WIRE® Junction Box Connectors and 222 Series Splicing Connectors up to 4 mm² per the standards. However, the 221 Series is not approved for this. But the 224 Series Lighting Connectors can also be used with this paste. “In building distribution boards, all CAGE CLAMP®-equipped rail-mount terminal blocks up to 4 mm² can reliably connect aluminum and copper conductors with the Alu-Plus contact paste. These terminal blocks include the 279 to 281 and 780 to 781 Series.“
By the way, both 2273 Series PUSH WIRE® Junction Box Connectors and 222 Series Splicing Connectors can also be used in a building distribution board via a mounting carrier for DIN-35 rails (2273-500 or 222-500).
Using the “Alu-Plus” Contact Paste
Seize the Benefits
If you want to connect aluminum and copper conductors using WAGO's connectors, Alu-Plus Contact Paste offers the following advantages:
Alu-Plus Contact Paste Advantages
Connecting Aluminum and Copper Conductors – Adjusting Nominal Currents
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Moments of Victory at the Construction Site
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