Which type of conductor has been linked to fires due to expansion and contraction?

Aluminum conductors have been linked to fires due to the effects of thermal expansion and contraction. This phenomenon occurs when aluminum expands when heated and contracts as it cools. Because aluminum is a metal that can become brittle over time, consistent temperature changes can lead to loosening of connections and poor electrical contacts. Over time, these poor connections can generate heat, which in combination with the electrical current passing through can create dangerous conditions, leading to an increased risk of fires.

In contrast, copper conductors do not generally exhibit the same issues with expansion and contraction since they have better conductivity and strength characteristics. Steel, while also a good conductor, is more often used in structural applications rather than electrical wiring, and plastic conductors are not conductive materials and therefore do not present this kind of risk.

Understanding the material properties of conductors is crucial for maintaining electrical safety, which is why aluminum is singled out in this context as posing a greater risk of fire hazards linked to its thermal behavior.