Aluminum Wire is used as the primary material for electrical conductors on utility transmission and distribution systems. The overhead wires spanning Utility Poles are made of Aluminum and do not have Insulation around them. By not insulating the wires, the heat can dissipate to the air faster.

	Bare Aluminum Conductors on Overhead Lines

	Roll of Aluminum Conductor

	Aluminum Conductors

Aluminum’s two advantages over Copper as a conductor for Utility Lines include its lighter weight and more economical lower cost: :

• Because Aluminum costs less than Copper, using aluminum conductors (wires) helps Utilities keep costs down.
  
• Because Aluminum is lighter than copper, in can be run longer distances between the poles (spans) which allows fewer poles to be used. This saves money on poles when building the line.

Most Electrical Codes do not permit Aluminum Wiring in residential buildings. Aluminum can be used in many commercial and industrial buildings provided it is installed and maintained under strict rules.