All About Aluminum Magnet Wire

Aluminum Magnet Wire is one of the strongest types of wire. It is used in many different industries such as automobiles, electronic equipment and electrical wiring. This type of wire has many advantages over copper wire. Copper wire has a tendency to become rusty after being outside. It is also prone to deterioration when exposed to moisture. This makes copper wire a poor choice for  applications.

Standard Alumina Wire is inexpensive and popular to work with  electrical devices. It is sometimes wrapped around objects and even wrapped on objects as well. The wire is relatively non-conductive, but it is relatively easy to wrap a wide variety of objects onto it. The biggest weakness of aluminum magnet wire is its inability to provide enough strength to support a weighty object. As a result, the wire can bend significantly before the object any strain.

Plastic coated Enameled Wire Wires is available in two different configurations; magnetic and non-magnetic. Non-magnetic varieties are also available. These wires are commonly used in jewelry application and other consumer products. They provide flexibility because they can be easily cut by hand into the specific diameter needed. The plastic coating provides an excellent grip because of the smooth and non-stick surface.

Insulated wires are available in three different configurations: polyethylene (PE), galvanized steel, and flat steel. Polyethylene is the  flexible variety of aluminum magnet wire. It is capable of providing a tight fit and high strength. Because it is thin, it also allows dust to collect on the surface. These types of wires are not recommended for electrical applications because of the risk of shorting and fire.

Flat steel is the  popular and versatile configuration of insulated wires. Its high strength rating allows it to support a great weight limit while maintaining a tight fit. Flat steel is typically used to support cable carriers, connectors, and clamps. It is also the  expensive type of aluminum magnet wire.

Paint film aluminum magnet wire has a thin film of paint which protects the core wire while adding a glossy look to the outer surface of the device. The advantage of using this configuration is that the individual strands are not connected to each other, unlike the other varieties. Each individual conductor can support its own weight limit without jeopardizing the performance of the entire unit. However, because the paint film is susceptible to abrasion and scratches, care must be taken to avoid damage to the surface.

A plated wire has an aluminum core enameled wire and either a single or double strand of insulation layer. The  common configuration is the double strand, where each copper or aluminum conductor is wrapped around a non-conductive, conductive metallic strip, such as steel or copper. These devices are very durable and can withstand high temperatures. They offer excellent electrical conductivity, but because of their conductivity they tend to generate a small amount of heat. A plated aluminum magnet wire with a single insulation layer is an excellent choice for a variety of applications.

Other types of wire that have long been in use include the braided and twisted wire configurations. Braided wire refers to a wire that is composed of a series of wires that are wrapped in a pattern. The  common configuration is a ladder-like formation, consisting of two conductors on either side of a single non-conductive, flat strip. These are primarily used in electrical transformers and industrial wiring.

Wires that are wound into spiral shapes create a fine, insulating layer between the two cables, which helps reduce resistance. This wire configuration is  often seen in multi-conductor transformers. When using a transformer with multiple cables, the wires are twisted together in a way that helps reduce the thermal resistance. A common configuration is a parallel-wire cable that goes from transformer to collector.

A magnetic cable is basically a series of interconnecting wires that are  used for electrical and magnetic purposes. The  common configuration is a series of copper strips, insulated by galvanized steel. The outer layer is made of non-conductive, braided wire. Interconnecting the strips together creates a large, insulated coil. These coils are mainly used in industrial and transportation applications, as well as in power transformers and home generators.

Non-magnetic strips or cables are wrapped around an electrical core. The core has two to four copper bars that are coated with aluminum oxide. When the wire is connected, the aluminum oxide layer acts as a shield against magnetic field, preventing the field to strengthen. Thus, the strength of the electric current is not affected. When the wire is unplugged, the aluminum oxide layer will separate, allowing the field to resume its strength, thereby increasing the voltage. However, the increase in voltage is largely dependent on the resistance in the core.