Question about aluminum from the field

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Joe,

I am told short of rewiring a house with aluminum wire, the connections should be changed. I am also told that at one time there were outlets and switches that could be changed that were designed to accept aluminum wire but that these are no longer made.

The other two fixes would be the copalum crimp which is the only way the CPSC believes is acceptable or the Ideal #65 wire nut, which is supposedly UL listed but the CPSC still does think it is satisfactory.

Does the national electric code make a statement as to which one is acceptable, or does it depend on the individual city or town codes?

Thanks so much if you could answer this for me.

Tom Tussing

Tom: Probably up to the city or town inspectors. The devices are identified as CO/ALR and I have heard that they are not too easy to find.

Others will have some suggestions for you here as well.

[This message has been edited by Joe Tedesco (edited 06-28-2004).]

Beleive it or not, the CO/ALR receptacles are easy to your hands on. In fact, they sell them at Lowe's. They are about 10 times the price of a typical receptacle though...literaly.

Just remember that the CO/ALR devices were designed for use with the newer aluminum alloy that came on the market in early 1974. There are still problems with the older aluminum conductors at the termination points even when CO/ALR devices are used.
Don