Natural Aging of Nonenergized Aluminum Conductors

This paper reports the results of a photographic and electrical study of the mechanism by which a new aluminum conductor ages. A systematic approach of monitoring the aging process revealed the movement of water drop location from the top of a new conductor to the bottom of an aged conductor. Through photographic water drop analysis and electrical test results it has been determined that an aluminum conductor, even though not energized, is essentially aged in 4 to 7 months in the environment of northern Indiana, USA. A seasonal effect was found to add up to 5 months to this period.