Aluminum wiring is again permitted, the order № 968 Ministry of Energy
In 2017 an order was issued the Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation № 968, which is a lot of energy and do not even We read, and because it had been made very important amendments to those directly involved in electrical installation works. In this article we look at the changes that made the order, as well as to speculate where it might lead.
Technical documentation and orders for aluminum and copper wiring
The order number 968 talked about the fact that now in the living room can be used quite apart from copper and aluminum (or rather its alloy) under the following minimum values for the cross section shown in table:
But this resolution is in conflict with existing regulations, such as PUE and JV.
So, for example, PUE, p. 7.1.34 and Table 7.1.1. listed the following requirements for the wiring in the room:
The exception were the feed and distribution line, which can be performed according to SAE aluminum conductors, provided that the cross section is not less than 16 sq. mm.
Also, in an exception was made to the engineering equipment of residential buildings. But only under the condition that the aluminum section is not less than 2.5 square millimeters
IN JV 256.1325800.2016p.15.3 requirement is identical with the demand PUE:
Since, according to the hierarchy of normative and technical documents PUE and JV Located above orders, something like all is well and there is no need to particularly pay attention to the order and still work with copper further.
But, in order № 1196 of 20.12.2017 year were canceled items Rules PUE:
And in the draft amendments № 2 to JV 256.1325800.2016 It reads as follows:
It is believed that such changes can lead to a rather sad consequences.
The bad aluminum
First Things First, please note that aluminum is quite fluid material that is significantly softer than copper.
This means that during the operation of such wiring should be carried out regularly broach all screw contacts, that is necessary at least once to produce broach all the outlets in one and a half years and switches. And if you can not perform this procedure on their own, be prepared to pay for specialist work.
And if you do not, it is possible such a result:
Fragility bending
Just aluminum wires are very fragile and fracture quite a few times to bend them and lived bummer. Now try to reverse the copper in the same manner.
You any electrician says that the installation process is necessary at times to repack and unscrew and tighten the contacts. And if the copper there was no special problems, here aluminum will have to be handled with extreme care.
Aluminum and machines
In the overwhelming number of contacts made or machine made of copper, or brass (in most cases). And if aluminum wire is clamped in such contact inevitably formed galvanic couple:
Even in the GOST P 50345-2010 n. 8.1.5.2 they say that the conclusions of machines intended for connection to copper, aluminum and about there is no question.
It turns out that there is also need to perform regular broach all these contacts, in order to avoid such a picture:
Cross section
Also it should be noted that the power line socket carried by wires to the cross-section: if copper, then 2.5 millimeters, and if it is aluminum, about 4 square millimeters
And now more and more gaining popularity Wiring without junction box where all connections are performed directly in the Escutcheon. And how to place in a confined space is not a relatively thin aluminum with a cross section 2.5 square, and already quite thick aluminum conductors with a cross section 4 square very big question.
The new aluminum alloy grade 8030 and 8176
In fairness it must be said that the order does not refer to the use of the old aluminum, and its new alloys developed by RUSAL:
And according to the developers, the use of such an alloy readily admits the production of aluminum flexible cable with stranded conductors and flexible class 6 (type KG).
Previously, this was simply not possible, and now (again according to the manufacturer) such core will withstand up to 15 bends at a right angle.
And the undoubted advantage of such products is low price and low weight.
In theory, everything looks smooth, but the realities are very difficult. This can be hard to say, starting from the situation with copper conductors.
Across-under-section, the use of thinner insulation and alloys, production of TU instead GOST It makes the search for really high quality cable is very easy task. And there is no guarantee that the output of such a new aluminum alloy on the market will not immediately appear a bunch of unscrupulous vendors selling conventional aluminum brand new.
Who would benefit from such a change
In addition to the products in the black will be builders of new homes, because they had the legal right to use a cheaper aluminum for wiring. So do not be surprised that by going into a new apartment, you will see there is an aluminum wiring.
And in fairness it must be said that this order does not forbid you to use copper wiring and possibly the appearance of healthy competition will lower prices for copper cables up to reasonable limits.
And in my personal opinion the majority of experts and will continue to work with copper cables, in spite of the permission to use aluminum.
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