Q: For aluminium alloy power cables widely used in Middle East and Africa utility projects, what hidden risks exist at compression joints under large amplitude temperature fluctuation?
A:
Aluminium‑alloy conductor features higher thermal expansion coefficient
compared with copper. Repeated heating‑cooling cycles under large day‑night
temperature swings will gradually relax crimp‑joint contact pressure if non‑specialised
aluminium‑alloy lugs are applied. Do not use standard copper lugs for aluminium‑alloy
cable termination. Re‑torque compression terminals according to manufacturer‑specified
torque values in the first‑year cyclic maintenance, and monitor joint
temperature rise by infrared inspection to avoid oxidation‑caused contact
deterioration.
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