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Question:

How good a conductor of electriciy is aluminum?

nan

Answer:

The OP wasn't asking which metal is the best conductor or for opinions. The fact is, Aluminum is a VERY GOOD conductor of electricity so if the OP wants to know if it is safe to use around electricity to avoid electrocution, NO. IT should be assumed that all metal is conductive enough to warrant keeping it out of the equation when electrical safety is involved. There is no need for opinion or technical data. But if the question is should it be used in electrical applications, the answer is also NO since aluminum oxidizes easily which could impede conductivity and cause problems not excluding shorts and fires.
Is Aluminum A Good Conductor
Aluminum is a very good conductor of electricity. It follows silver, copper, and gold for best conductivity of metals. Aluminum ladders are good conductors and people are often killed when they lift an aluminum ladder into a high voltage wire. A man died at my work place about 30 years ago that way. Electricians often use fiberglass ladders for that reason. Aluminum is a good conductor, but aluminum oxide is NOT a good conductor of electricity and aluminum oxide forms quickly on any aluminum surface exposed to air. A very thin layer is not necessary a problem, but Aluminum wiring needs special connectors to make sure that there isn't a buildup of aluminum oxide which means heat generated at the connection which means more oxide which means more heat and bingo, there's a fire. Back in the 50's there were lots of homes wired with aluminum wiring but it is rare today and a violation of code in many places.
Aluminum is a great conductor of electricity. In fact, many service runs from a utility pole to a house are what is called ACSR, or Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced. It has a few strands of aluminum and a strand of steel for stregnth. If you are on an aluminum ladder and get struck by lightning or shocked from a circuit then you will either die or wish you were dead. OSHA requires the use of fiberglass ladders for electrical workers.
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