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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 814
B
BigB Offline OP
Member
I have always used copper for my service entrance conductors. Lately I have been thinking about using Al. I wanted to ask what other guys use and why they prefer one or the other.
Thanks, Brian (not a new member, just had to re-register)

[This message has been edited by BigB (edited 04-01-2004).]

Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,143
D
Member
Copper in, copper out (as far as we go).

Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,374
R
Moderator
Depends on the size. If I were pulling anything bigger than 350Kcmil, I would use aluminum for ease of installation.


Ryan Jackson,
Salt Lake City
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,381
Likes: 7
Member
Bottom line is "what is the spec". EE/PE specs cu, then it's Cu. If spec is al, then that's it.

Our design/build jobs are cu, unless the client has a tight budget.

The above is for large services, anything else is cu.

With the market prices for a lot of metals heading for the roof, cu & al are up also.
(Seen prices for metal studs lately) Conduit & steel poles are heading up also.

We have pulled long runs of 600Cu, 750al, & Ryan's theory of ease with al is on the money, but you do what you have to.

The few resi jobs that we do are pipe & cu for 200 amp service.

John


John
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,044
Tom Offline
Member
Whatever the customer is willing to pay for. Most single family dwelling services i do with aluminum and almost all commercial/industrial are installed with copper.

For my own service entrance, aluminum.


Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example.
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 171
M
Member
I usually use aluminum if it is underground service entrance. Then I use URD cable. If it is overhead then I go with copper where I can. Copper is must easier if limitations allow.

Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 840
C
Member
Around here, 99% are aluminum.


Peter
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 200
U
Member
Will be using Aluminum for my 200A service. Copper only gets used around here if its spec'ed.

Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 642
N
Member
We use copper unless AL is spec'd. Have had to repair too many places that had AL service, feeders, and even branch wiring.


ed
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 444
S
Member
AL for all resi applications. CU for all commercial industrial apps.

How about Transformers? I always use aluminum wound XFMRs. in all applications.

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