ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues annondized copper

Is annondized copper properties the same as copper?
I only ask because a friend pulled an additional set of parralell feeders before they realized that the existing sets of feeders were(they thouht alum at first)annondized copper. Since parralell runs are important to be exact(length,insulation,metal ect...)to insure current flows through each conductor evenly to avoid overheating on them.

thanks,
H20

Aluminum is anodized; copper is not. Aluminum wire is never anodized - that would be a high resistance connection, but it might be copper coated.

Copper wire MIGHT have tinned condustors; these will have a silvery appearance.

I would treat tinned copper the same as plain copper.

Anode (izing) is the electric fusion of aluminum oxide to aluminum to protect against uncontroled aluminum oxidization and because the anodizing is also harder than the underlying aluminum it also protects the part from wear too. It can be dyed too. Anodizing increases electrical resistance and is not used in wire.
The electrical process dips an aluminu part in an acid solution with suspended aluminum oxide in the solution. the part is connected as the anode and the tank as the cathode. and electricity causes the oxide to deposit on the aluminum. Electroplating is done in a similar manner.

If that feeder is really old, it could be tin plated copper. The tin plating was put on to prevent a reaction between the copper and the rubber insulation. Though usualy silver in appearance, sI've seen it look slightly yellow or gold.