The Murphy Builders Site

Aluminum got a bad rap early on as the alloys would cold flow as well as
thermally loosen. That has been largely solved. There are some
important points however.
Use only compression lugs, either AL (tin or silver plated) or copper
rated for use on AL cable by the mfg.
Do not abrade the tin or silver plating.
Use a an electrical joint compound for aluminum such made by Burndy or
Thomas & Betts. These have a grease that excludes O2 and a zinc filler
that enhances conduction.
Use a Belleville (cup spring) washer under bolted connections.

There, that about does it. If those steps are followed you will have a
long term reliable joint. Frankly, unless there is an overriding reason
to use AL such as a long run of larger cable I would use the copper.
Ralph Baker
Elite 624E


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A builder friend has used Al cable with success in two homebuilts, a BD4 and
a T-18. Both airplanes are well over 20 years old.

He puts the start relay at the battery box and makes a single, unbroken run
from the battery box to the starter. This has the added advantage of the cable
only being energized during the start.

Norm Wandke


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Boy, I should have read the rest of my e-mail before I commented that time! I usually do that to prvent the exposure of ignorance. Oops!
97MR has the box in the back and 04 copper welding cable to the front. No problems so far Curt97MR


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