Benifits of using aluminum over copper and vice-versa?

[zappy]

I always use copper for service enterance conductors just better quality IMO.Plus the scrap is worth more:wink:

[ItsHot]

I always use copper for service enterance conductors just better quality IMO.Plus the scrap is worth more:wink: Even in all residential installs?:-?

[Dennis Alwon]

I have a feeling, a funny feeling this thread won't last long. There have discussions on this in the past. I am a copper however as many or more prefer aluminum and are happy using it. :)

[frizbeedog]

I have a feeling, a funny feeling this thread won't last long. :)

...what thread?

[zappy]

:grin: Even in all residential installs?:-?Dont forget all that scrap wire:smile:

[Dennis Alwon]

...what thread?don't make me post frizbeedog with all them eyes again.

[electricmanscott]

If you tell your customers that copper is better you are lying to them.

If you have so much scrap wire you need to measure better.

[mdshunk]

There's a time and place for everything. When evaluating large pulls for the possible use of the cheaper aluminum conductors, one needs to also evaluate the possible added cost of potentially larger conduits. There's a time and place for everything, and sometimes using AL makes perfect financial sense.

[SEO]

Ask the copper industries the question and ask the aluminum industries the same question you will probably get strong statements. It's a matter of choice properly installed AL has performed well for many years and likewise for copper. Both have their advantages.

[zappy]

If you tell your customers that copper is better you are lying to them.

If you have so much scrap wire you need to measure better.Better too long than too short.Hey isn't that a rapper:D

[mdshunk]

Better too long than too short.Hey isn't that a rapper:DI don't know. I saw a service entrance done the other week by another contractor, and there was a set of 500's or 600's hanging from the weatherhead that touched the ground. I hope, for the sake of that company, that these were just scraps someone was using up, rather than someone having bought big copper 20 feet too long.

[zappy]

Everybody know's if it costs more it must be better right???

[LarryFine]

I don't know. I saw a service entrance done the other week by another contractor, and there was a set of 500's or 600's hanging from the weatherhead that touched the ground. I hope, for the sake of that company, that these were just scraps someone was using up, rather than someone having bought big copper 20 feet too long. . . . on purpose. :roll:

I'm kinda suprised they're still there.

[tkb]

So what makes aluminum better?

The utility company will bring the service in AL.
The lugs in the service equipment are AL.
The buss in the service equipment is AL.

Why use copper for the short piece between the AL utility and the AL service equipment.
What about this makes CU better on a service?

[220/221]

What's your price of 3/0 AL compared to 2/0 CU?

Per foot x 30' = ???


I never use AL but for the right price????

I'd be hesitant to pull them underground because of the water factor. A tiny nick in the insulation will turn into a failure quickly.

[electricmanscott]

Everybody know's if it costs more it must be better right???


Hey good point! :grin:

[SEO]

Copper has some advantages over AL. Art 250 and Art 680 in particular.

[growler]

I always use copper for service enterance conductors just better quality IMO.Plus the scrap is worth more:wink:

I used copper for service conductors years ago but with the price of copper now days it hard to justify. I haven't done a copper service for residential in about 15 years and get no complaints. I don't think anyone ever asked what materials are used.

Once you start to use AL. cables you will notice that they are no so heavy and that's a good thing. :grin:

As a side note I plan to go back and change out those copper services to support my retirement. I just wish I could remember where they are all at. :confused:

[iaov]

I used to use only copper for service entrances but discussions with members of this forum changed my opinion. In particular for residential. I use AL almost exclusively now. Much cheaper and seems to work just fine.

[walkerj]

I have always used aluminum for anything larger than #6 in residential. It's lighter and cheaper and easier to install. I have copper in my house.

[peter d]

The utility company will bring the service in AL.
The lugs in the service equipment are AL.
The buss in the service equipment is AL.

Why use copper for the short piece between the AL utility and the AL service equipment.
What about this makes CU better on a service?

Uh oh...there's that darned common sense again. :grin:

[quogueelectric]

I don't know. I saw a service entrance done the other week by another contractor, and there was a set of 500's or 600's hanging from the weatherhead that touched the ground. I hope, for the sake of that company, that these were just scraps someone was using up, rather than someone having bought big copper 20 feet too long.
That was intentional for xformer jumpers of course.:wink::smile:

[jrannis]

I used to use only copper for service entrances but discussions with members of this forum changed my opinion. In particular for residential. I use AL almost exclusively now. Much cheaper and seems to work just fine.

I agree. Aluminum is better for large feeders and Copper is best for scrap!