Industrial Maintenance Technician Practice Test 2026 - Free Maintenance Technician Practice Questions and Study Guide

Connecting copper wire directly to aluminum wire poses a significant risk due to the potential for corrosion at the joint where the two different metals meet. This occurs because copper and aluminum have different electrochemical properties, leading to galvanic corrosion when they come into contact in the presence of moisture. This corrosion can create resistance at the connection point, which can result in overheating and potentially lead to failure of the electrical connection.

While corrosion is the immediate concern, it's essential to understand that this can subsequently cause other issues such as overheating, which might be perceived as a different kind of risk. The heat generated from the increased resistance can lead to insulation breakdown, fire hazards, or damage to the wires themselves.

The connection between copper and aluminum should ideally be addressed using specialized connectors designed to mitigate these risks, ensuring proper electrical contact while minimizing the chance of corrosion.