The drop wire clamps are indispensable hardware for installing and maintaining overhead lines. A suitable drop clamp can reduce unnecessary losses in your project. Below, I will distinguish the aluminum drop wire clamp and the stainless steel drop wire clamp from ten different characteristics. Through the comparison, we can help you choose a more suitable drop wire clamp.
1. Material
The aluminum drop clamp is made of aluminum alloy, the stainless steel drop clamp is made of 304/316 stainless steel.
2. Mechanical Strength
The mechanical strength of the aluminum drop wire clamp is between 170-310 MPa, and the stainless steel drop wire clamp is between 540-980 MPa.The stainless steel wire clamp has strong tensile strength.
3. Weight
The density of stainless steel is 8.0g/m³, and aluminum alloy is 2.7g/m³. The weight of the aluminum drop wire clamp is lighter.
4. Hardness
The Brinell hardness range of stainless steel is 80~600 HB, and aluminum alloy ranges from 15–150 HB. The hardness of aluminum alloy wire clamps is relatively low.
5. Electrical Conductivity
The conductivity of aluminum alloy is 377,000 Nm, and the stainless steel is 14,500 Nm. The aluminum drop wire clamp has better conductivity.
6. Tolerance
In extreme environments such as low or high temperatures, aluminum drop wire clamp will lose strength, but stainless steel drop wire clamp is not affected. Therefore, the stainless steel wire clamp has a stronger tolerance. In a humid environment, the aluminum drop wire clamp has an aluminum oxide film is not affected by the environment, but the stainless steel drop wire clamp will rust faster.
7. Corrosion Resistance
The aluminium forms an aluminium oxide film in air, but this film is easily corroded by acidic or alkaline environments. The chromium oxide film of stainless steel is different. This film will not be corroded in acidic or alkaline environments and has stronger corrosion resistance.
8. Application areas
Aluminum drop wire clamps are suitable for lightweight areas, such as fiber optic cable lines, aviation, etc. Stainless steel cable clamps are suitable for harsh environments such as high-voltage utility lines, construction areas, and industrial areas.
9. Installation
Aluminum drop wire clamps are light, flexible, and easy to install. Stainless steel drop wire clamps are heavy, have high hardness, and may require tools to install.
10. Cost
Aluminum drop wire clamps have a low production cost and are suitable for projects with limited budgets, but their subsequent maintenance cost are high. The stainless steel drop wire clamps have a high production cost, but their subsequent maintenance cost are low.
Summarize
Aluminum drop wire clamps can be used on lightweight and moderate projects. If you want to use high strength, quality, and service life drop wire clamps, you can use stainless steel drop wire clamps.
