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Re: Poly caps



Hi John,
            actually the problem with ally house wiring is that the wire
creeps over time, which increases the R of the joint.  The overhead
transmission cables used on your grid are Al - it can be joined but you need
some pretty specialist tools.

Regards
Nick Field

> Original Poster: "John Williams" <jwilliams-at-edm-dot-net>
>
> Chris:
> Aluminum has an oxide layer that is of relative high resistance.
> Some years ago there was an attempt made to use aluminum wireing in
> homes when it was thought that a safe connection method had been
> devised.  Unfortunately many of the homes that were wired this way
> burned down.
> Either the connections were improperly made in these homes
> or oxigen migrated into the joints and produced a high point resistance
> in the contact.  My sister once owned such a home and they noticed that
> several of the service outlet plates would get very warm under normal
> use.
> You have to make a connection with something that will cut
> through the oxide layer and maintain the pressure.  As far as I know
> most folks use bolts and washers.  I'd be inclined to use a split washer
> or a heavy star washer and use a thrust nut to make sure it all stays
> tight.
> Personally, when I build a cap I go down to one of the local
> industrial metal supply houses.  They stock heavy gauge copper foil.
> It isn't all that expensive provided you can buy it off the roll by the
> foot.  They stock it because it is commonly used by local artists in
various
> ways.
> Copper is, obviously, a better conductor than aluminum and
> you can solder to it.
>
> John
>
> >Original Poster: CTCDW-at-aol-dot-com
> >
> >Hello, all,
> >
> >When you roll your own poly caps, what is the best way to attatch to the
> >aluminum plates? Aluminum does not solder, etc....the inside of the roll,
at
> >least will need some sort of wire or bolt coming out to make the
connection.
> >Anyone with some advice?
> >
> >Thanks in advance!
> >
> >Chris Walton
>
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