In which conditions can aluminum be preferred over other metals in electrical applications?

Aluminum is often preferred in electrical applications under conditions where weight is a disadvantage due to its lightweight nature compared to other metals like copper. This characteristic makes aluminum particularly advantageous for applications such as overhead power transmission lines or in buildings where reducing weight can lead to cost savings in support structures and foundations.

Aluminum offers a good balance of strength and weight, making it ideal for scenarios where minimizing load is crucial, without compromising too much on the electrical performance. In contrast, while aluminum's conductivity is lower than that of copper, it is still sufficient for many applications, and when cost efficiency is a concern, aluminum becomes an attractive option due to its lower material cost. Non-magnetic properties, although beneficial in specific applications, do not directly relate to the weight advantage of aluminum over other metals.