2026-09-15
When an RF feeder specification offers two "equivalent" options — corrugated copper tube and corrugated aluminum tube — the first reaction is to compare conductivity.
The numbers are clear: copper conducts better. On the International Annealed Copper Standard (IACS), annealed copper is 100% while aluminium sits at roughly 61%. Carrying the same current at the same temperature rise requires an aluminium cross-section about 1.64 times that of copper.
But the right engineering choice depends on more than conductivity:
1. Weight and strength: aluminium is lighter; in overhead lines and support-load-sensitive installations, its weight advantage can outweigh the conductivity gap.
2. Terminations and corrosion: aluminium forms an oxide film easily, so connection workmanship and galvanic-corrosion protection matter.
3. Total cost of ownership: aluminium's larger cross-section uses more material, but its lower price often still wins overall.
Practical advice: prefer copper tube for fixed conduits, in-building distribution, and minimum-loss trunk systems; for weight- and cost-sensitive projects, quality corrugated aluminum tube cable is an economical and sound choice.