i came across aluminum wire on the job, the guy i work for would not touch the job needed. i understand that aluminum, when it gets hot, exspands and contracts making the connection weaken ( arcing...ect). also can not mix cooper and aluminum. is there anything that i am missing about the horror of aluminum wire, thanks

dan

Only those that allowed it's usage....

Whoa... New Smilie?

Sparky's becoming quite the 'techie' eh?

See web site below for more info. http://inspect-ny.com/aluminum.htm

Sparky,
Is that one of those "funny" cigarettes?
daniel,
Although some would disagree, the Ideal 65 Cu-Al wire connector is designed for aluminum branch ckt. work. If you choose to use them, do so in strict accordance with their instructions.

Check out this: https://www.electrical-contractor.net/ubb/Forum1/HTML/001013.html
It's an earlier thread that includes ideas about working with aluminum branch circuit wires - #12 and #10 gauge.

Al

thanks guy for your help!!

dan

I don't want to start a war here but.... why are some people so anti-aluminum? I'd rather pull and cut in aluminum before copper anyday.(especially if its cold) The only problem I've seen with aluminum is when it hasn't been installed properly. I've also come across it in many old houses and if the terminations were done right there hasn't been a problem. I'm not anti-copper either, but less $ and less labour puts more $ into our pockets.

Ask a Lineman if copper or aluminum is better. Aluminum has a place in the electrical industry, but IMHO it shouldn't be used for premises wiring (as a general rule, there are exceptions). Overhead service drops, high voltage transmition lines, any application where weight is an issue, etc, etc, knock yourself out. I believe the thing to keep in mind is that we wired houses in aluminum back in the 60's and 70's, and it turned out to be a big problem that we are still dealing with.
Which brings us back to Mr. Damon. Look at the application, and then get on the horn to your supplier. Tell him the situation, and discuss your options with him. Some parts of the project may call for wire nuts with "pooky" in them. Other parts of the job may call for CO/ALR devices. Remember the NEC:
110-3. Examination, Identification, Installation, and Use of Equipment
(a) Examination. In judging equipment, considerations such as the following shall be evaluated:
1. Suitability for installation and use in conformity with the provisions of this Code
FPN: Suitability of equipment use may be identified by a description marked on or provided with a product to identify the suitability of the product for a specific purpose, environment, or application. Suitability of equipment may be evidenced by listing or labeling.
2. Mechanical strength and durability, including, for parts designed to enclose and protect other equipment, the adequacy of the protection thus provided
3. Wire-bending and connection space
4. Electrical insulation
5. Heating effects under normal conditions of use and also under abnormal conditions likely to arise in service
6. Arcing effects
7. Classification by type, size, voltage, current capacity, and specific use
8. Other factors that contribute to the practical safeguarding of persons using or likely to come in contact with the equipment
(b) Installation and Use. Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling.

Aluminologically Yours,
Doc

daniel, that stuff we calling aluminum is scary stuff. quite a few hoses burnt because of aluminum. like someone else said aluminum its place bt not in home wiring.