When buyers ask about aluminum’s electrical conductivity, they are rarely seeking a textbook definition. What they really want to know is simple: Will aluminum do the job, and will it do it reliably at scale?
This page explains aluminum’s conductivity in plain terms, with real numbers, clear comparisons, and practical guidance for design, sourcing, and manufacturing decisions.
What Electrical Conductivity Means (In Simple Terms)
Electrical conductivity describes how easily electricity flows through a material.
Higher conductivity means lower resistance, less energy loss, and better efficiency.
For metals, conductivity is usually expressed in:
- MS/m (megasiemens per meter)
- % IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard, where copper = 100%)
Key points to remember:
- High conductivity reduces heat buildup
- Lower resistance improves energy efficiency
- Conductivity directly affects cable size and weight
Electrical Conductivity Value of Aluminum (With Real Numbers)
Pure aluminum is one of the best electrical conductors among structural metals.
Typical values:
- Electrical conductivity: ~37–38 MS/m
- Equivalent: ~61% IACS
What this means in practice:
- Aluminum conducts about 60% as well as copper
- But aluminum weighs about one-third of copper
- This makes aluminum highly efficient when weight matters
For many electrical systems, aluminum delivers enough conductivity with major weight and cost advantages.
Aluminum vs. Copper: Conductivity Is Not the Whole Story
Copper is often used as the benchmark, but conductivity alone does not tell the full story.
Copper
- Conductivity: ~58 MS/m (100% IACS)
- High density and higher material cost
- Excellent for compact, short-run systems
Aluminum
- Conductivity: ~37 MS/m (61% IACS)
- Much lighter and more cost-stable
- Ideal for long spans and weight-sensitive designs
Why do many engineers choose aluminum:
- Lower cost per installed meter
- Easier handling for long lengths
- Better strength-to-weight balance in large systems
This is why aluminum dominates power transmission lines worldwide.
How Aluminum Alloying Affects Electrical Conductivity
Pure aluminum conducts best, but most real products use alloys.
General rule:
More alloying = lower conductivity
Examples:
- 1350 aluminum (near-pure): high conductivity, low strength
- 6061 / 6063 alloys: lower conductivity, much higher strength
- 8000-series alloys: designed for electrical cables with controlled balance
Why alloys are still used:
- Improved mechanical strength
- Better extrusion stability
- Higher resistance to deformation during installation
In extrusion manufacturing, alloy choice is always a trade-off between conductivity and durability.
Factors That Influence Conductivity in Real Production
Conductivity on paper is one thing. Conductivity in finished products depends on process control.
Key factors include:
- Material purity: trace elements increase resistance
- Temperature: higher temperature = higher resistance
- Surface treatment: anodizing creates an insulating oxide layer
- Cross-section design: larger area reduces overall resistance
For electrical applications, suppliers should clearly define:
- Alloy grade
- Temper condition
- Surface finish
- Dimensional tolerances
Where Aluminum’s Electrical Conductivity Makes Sense
Aluminum is widely used where conductivity, weight, and cost must be balanced.
Common applications:
- Power transmission and distribution lines
- Electrical busbars and enclosures
- EV and charging infrastructure components
- Structural parts carrying current over long distances
In these uses, aluminum’s lower density often offsets its lower conductivity.
How to Choose Aluminum Based on Conductivity (Buyer Checklist)
Before placing an order, ask these questions:
- Is conductivity or mechanical strength more critical?
- Which aluminum alloy is specified?
- Is the surface anodized or bare?
- Are conductivity values tested or calculated?
- Does the supplier control alloy consistency?
Clear answers reduce risk and prevent costly redesigns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aluminum Conductivity
Is aluminum a good conductor of electricity?
Yes. It is one of the most widely used conductors after copper.
Does anodizing affect electrical conductivity?
Yes. Anodized surfaces are electrically insulating.
Which aluminum alloy has the best conductivity?
Near-pure grades such as 1350 offer the highest conductivity.
Why not always use copper?
Weight, cost, and installation efficiency often favor aluminum.
Working With an Aluminum Manufacturer That Understands Conductivity
At Xingyong, we have manufactured aluminum products since 2002.
Our extrusion lines, alloy control, and testing equipment allow us to match material properties to real-world requirements.
Whether your priority is conductivity, strength, or production consistency, our engineering team helps you choose the right aluminum solution.
