I get many calls from customers thinking we can just pig tail copper onto aluminum with the proper # 63 marrette. I have always thought it was best to replace the devices with c0/alr devices but i havent seen these in Decora.
Yes I have some on order through Westburn Ruddy, they are purple, chemically treated and allow for different expansion rates or so the sales promo tells me. I thought the was a marrett with a copper tail that was allowed for AL wired homes. I have seen a few homes with AL/CU mixed and was looking for the best way (penetrox and an 833 with a piece of CU takes up space)to help these people out.
Re: Pig Tailing AL to Copper
[Re: marsbar]
#178594 06/05/0811:57 PM06/05/0811:57 PM
Has anyone seen a Cu/AL pigtail (well-twisted and w/compound) go bad?
I'm curious because to me it seems like as good - or better - a connection than #12 AL wrapped on the screw terminal. Then you don't need to keep AL-rated devices in the truck.
Re: Pig Tailing AL to Copper
[Re: u2slow]
#178628 06/06/0810:53 PM06/06/0810:53 PM
Please correct me but isn't that the problem: 10-20 years of mixed metals causing corrosion and heat? I understand that Penetrox should be redone every 5 years (but they say the fixture should be replaced every 5 years)
Re: Pig Tailing AL to Copper
[Re: twh]
#178736 06/10/0803:55 PM06/10/0803:55 PM
I know the OP and most of the other posters in this thread are from the great white north, but wanted to chime in anyway. Last year I switched to the connectors below after learning some unsavory info about those purple wirenuts. These are listed for CU and AL wires. The only thing is that you will need to buy and use a torque-limiting screwdriver to install them for UL/CSA listing compliance. They can also fill up a device box quickly if you have several splices to make. The company sent a free sample connector before I purchased in quantity.
I know the OP and most of the other posters in this thread are from the great white north, but wanted to chime in anyway. Last year I switched to the connectors below after learning some unsavory info about those purple wirenuts. These are listed for CU and AL wires. The only thing is that you will need to buy and use a torque-limiting screwdriver to install them for UL/CSA listing compliance. They can also fill up a device box quickly if you have several splices to make. The company sent a free sample connector before I purchased in quantity.
