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Joined: Mar 2004
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I have always used copper for my service entrance conductors. Lately I have been thinking about using Al. I wanted to ask what other guys use and why they prefer one or the other.
Thanks, Brian (not a new member, just had to re-register)
[This message has been edited by BigB (edited 04-01-2004).]
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,143
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Copper in, copper out (as far as we go).
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,374
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Depends on the size. If I were pulling anything bigger than 350Kcmil, I would use aluminum for ease of installation.
Ryan Jackson,
Salt Lake City
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,336 Likes: 7
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Bottom line is "what is the spec". EE/PE specs cu, then it's Cu. If spec is al, then that's it.
Our design/build jobs are cu, unless the client has a tight budget.
The above is for large services, anything else is cu.
With the market prices for a lot of metals heading for the roof, cu & al are up also.
(Seen prices for metal studs lately) Conduit & steel poles are heading up also.
We have pulled long runs of 600Cu, 750al, & Ryan's theory of ease with al is on the money, but you do what you have to.
The few resi jobs that we do are pipe & cu for 200 amp service.
John
John
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,044
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Whatever the customer is willing to pay for. Most single family dwelling services i do with aluminum and almost all commercial/industrial are installed with copper.
For my own service entrance, aluminum.
Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example.
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 171
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I usually use aluminum if it is underground service entrance. Then I use URD cable. If it is overhead then I go with copper where I can. Copper is must easier if limitations allow.
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 840
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Around here, 99% are aluminum.
Peter
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 200
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Will be using Aluminum for my 200A service. Copper only gets used around here if its spec'ed.
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 642
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We use copper unless AL is spec'd. Have had to repair too many places that had AL service, feeders, and even branch wiring.
ed
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 444
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AL for all resi applications. CU for all commercial industrial apps.
How about Transformers? I always use aluminum wound XFMRs. in all applications.
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Posts: 8,432
Joined: July 2002
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