How good a conductor of electriciy is aluminum?

Question

Does an aluminum ladder insulates a person from making electric ground like in an electric shock or lightning?

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

Its really not .

it has to be metal , or steel .

try a knife . or something .

Answer 4

ALUMINUM ALLOY 6061-T651

Typical Analysis in Weight Percent:

Si0.4 - 0.8Mn0.15

Fe0.7Mg0.8 - 1.2

Cu0.15 - 0.4Cr0.04 - 0.35

Zn0.25Ti0.15

Other0.15

Typical Physical Properties:

Density: .098 lbs/in3

Average Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (68 - 212 oF): 13.1 x 10-6/ oF

Melting Range (Approximate): 1080 - 1205 oF

Temper: T651 - Stress relieved by stretching.

Thermal Conductivity (at 77 oF): 1160 btu/in ft2 hr oF

Electrical Conductivity (at 68 oF, % of Int’l Annealed Copper Standard):

Equal Volume: 43

Equal Weight: 142

Electrical Resistivity (at 68 oF): 24 ohms-cir mil/foot

Typical Mechanical Properties:

Tensile Strength:

Ultimate: 45 ksi

Yield: 40 ksi

Elongation (% in 2"):

1/16" thick specimen: 12

1/2" thick specimen: 17

Brinell Hardness (500 kg load - 10mm ball): 95

Ultimate Shearing Strength: 30 ksi

Endurance Limit: 14 ksi

Modulus of Elasticity: 10.0 ksi x 103

hope this help

Answer 5

I dont believe it is very good. but im not 100% sure.