Aluminum Wire in Service Masts

[Wes G]

Have any of you ever encountered problems with aluminum wire in service masts? If so, what type of problems were noted?

 

[480sparky]

The only problems I have seen are when they're not installed properly. Usually, the lugs are not torqued correctly.

 

[al hildenbrand]

Or when the anti-oxidant is inadequate.

 

[Wes G]

Thanks for the replies. This has been my experience, but wanted feedback from others in the field

 

[infinity]

We use Al SE cable all of the time and have yet to have a problem. I would assume that a mast service would be the same. As mentioned it needs to be installed correctly in the first place.

 

[Wes G]

Thanks. Anybody out there with other experience? Any experience with burn outs at back of meter socket? Any differance in comparison between copper and aluminum for this application?

 

[readydave8]

I've only seen problems where water or moisture gets in, for example leaking roof flashing or cracked weatherhead, didn't have anything to do with the fact that the conductors were AL.

 

[LarryFine]

Any experience with burn outs at back of meter socket?

Mine has been with illegal service upgrades, where the line-side conductors were never upsized, and a line-conductor lug burned open from the current.

Again, not just because it was aluminum.

 

[norcal]

There is nothing wrong with properly installed aluminum conductors.Copper is still the conductor of choice but AL is a legitimate method of cutting costs.

 

[ceb58]

I have seen trees pull it down when they fell. But it will do the same with copper.

 

[chris kennedy]

Any differance in comparison between copper and aluminum for this application?

Sure, Al is less expensive in most cases. As far as I know torque specs are the same for both. Anti-oxidant is only required as per manufactures specs.