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#49637 03/11/05 08:01 PM
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 131
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Can't get a straight answer on this one it seems like so many people use rules of thumb or take what someone else told them as "the code" . I have an 86 meter service to install in an apartment. all the meters are in the basement along with the main switch. All of the apartments are fed with sub panels. I would like to feed them with Aluminum SER. Inspector says we must use copper after the main switch. I cant find that in the NEC or the NYS residential code. Any thoughts. What do you do in your state???

#49638 03/11/05 08:52 PM
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 4,294
Member
A couple of our municipal codes in So CA:

  • No Aluminum at all (mostly near the ocean)
  • No Aluminum #6 or smaller
  • No Aluminum #4 or smaller

#49639 03/11/05 09:01 PM
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 131
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Is there anything anywhere that says NO AL after the main switch? Remember I'm in NY Long Island.. crazy place

#49640 03/11/05 09:52 PM
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 53
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Member
I did copper on first few houses I did (Meter to Main) thinking I was doing quality stuff finally the inspector told me use the alum. and it's ok 310.15(b)(6) like every one else does make pocket some more money for myself. and the code says AL. service entrance cable is ok but if your inspector says no alum. after main, thats the way it is, no arguing with the MAN. the only place I would even consider Alum. is for a elec. Range but never have, guess I'll go look that up right now if really could.

#49641 03/11/05 10:11 PM
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8
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Junior Member
Here in North Carolina we can use aluminum for the service connections as well as heavy loads such as A/C sub-panels, ranges, dryers and so forth. I did an apartment complex in Charleston, South Carolina and the local juristiction says no aluminum in any building. Must be a local ruling in your area.

#49642 03/11/05 10:14 PM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 169
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Unless your inspector can show you a local amendment to the NEC, I think he's wrong.(310.2)(310.5)(310.14)
We have a local amendment not allowing Alluminum, that dates back to when alluminum was burning up at terminations.

#49643 03/12/05 08:22 AM
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,457
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Quote
but if your inspector says no alum. after main, thats the way it is, no arguing with the MAN.
Can the MAN make it rain and snow too? [Linked Image] In MA we have rules. They apply to everyone, even the inspectors. Here, if it does not exist in writing and has not been adopted into law, it is not an enforcable rule. Don't just roll over and play dead because an inspector tells you to.

#49644 03/12/05 11:59 AM
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 53
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Member
Electricmanscott quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Can the MAN make it rain and snow too?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
the issue is not rain and snow.
but if SER ALUM. is ok and what the inspector told him. here in Colorado the inspectors are state inspectors, and whinning and crying with the inspector only going to cause yourself grief, and if the inspector's telling everyone the same thing then everyone's in the same boat.
and like Redogs wrote and looked myself there is no mention of not being able to use alum.,, BUT you will also find that if the local authority (jurisdiction) says otherwise that is what you will have to follow.


[This message has been edited by highvoltageguy (edited 03-12-2005).]

#49645 03/12/05 12:46 PM
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,457
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There are leaders and there are followers. While I would not say I am a "Leader" I am absolutely not a follower. Where I work the rules are the rules. The inspectors are bound to follow them as written. Some rules are ambiguous and can be interpreted in different ways, others are black and white. Either way there are no rules that contain the words "Because I said so". So if an inspector makes that claim he can look over his shoulder and he will see I am not following.

#49646 03/12/05 01:00 PM
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 131
T
Member
Who exactly is the AHJ the NEC, the State, The town the inspector. Example the New York Board of Fire Underwiters which is an inspection company had a rule that is not in the code. It says no receptacles in closets. Now I think it is a good idea anyway but not in the NEC. you could not get an inspection passed with a receptacle in the closet period. So who is the AHJ in this case it sounds like it is the inspector. I'm confused

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