What type of wire is preferred for overhead services?

The preferred choice for overhead services is aluminum wire. This is primarily due to its properties that lend themselves well to overhead applications. Aluminum is lightweight, which makes it easier to handle and install, especially in an overhead environment where minimizing weight can help reduce the size of the supporting structures needed. Additionally, aluminum has a good strength-to-weight ratio, which is beneficial for spanning distances between poles or structures without excessive sagging.

Another significant advantage of aluminum is its resistance to corrosion, particularly in outdoor environments where it is exposed to various weather conditions. This characteristic contributes to its longevity and reliability as an overhead conductor. Furthermore, aluminum is often more cost-effective than copper, making it a more economical choice for large-scale installations.

While copper is a highly conductive material and offers great performance, it is heavier and more expensive than aluminum, making it less practical for certain overhead applications. Plastic-coated wires are also not typically used for overhead services because the insulation could become compromised under the stress of environmental factors or physical impacts. This makes aluminum the ideal and preferred choice for overhead services in electrical installations.