Do you use copper SEC or Aluminum when you do a service change?

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zappy

Senior Member
Location
CA.
I always use copper service entrance conductors, when I do a service change. To make my bids more competitive, I was thinking about using aluminum conductors. What do you guys use? Maybe the savings is offset by needing bigger conduit?
 

tkb

Senior Member
Location
MA
I would use aluminum for all residential services.

The POCO uses aluminum for the distribution and the service drop.
The meter socket has aluminum lugs and buss.
The panel has aluminum buss and lugs.

So what is the advantage of copper for 10' or 20' in the system?

Don't waste the money on copper for a residential service.
 

jaylectricity

Senior Member
Location
Massachusetts
Occupation
licensed journeyman electrician
Do you use copper SEC or Aluminum when you install a new service?

Do you use copper SEC or Aluminum when you install a new service?

Do you use copper SEC or Aluminum when you install a new service?

:grin:
 

jaylectricity

Senior Member
Location
Massachusetts
Occupation
licensed journeyman electrician
Jay, I now understand what you did,,,,but it would have confused everybody

It was a joke. 480 asked about new services and iwire jokingly mentioned that we should run our questions by 480. So then I submitted the question to satisfy 480's curiosity.

And now I've explained the joke...oh well. :cool::):grin:
 

sameguy

Senior Member
Location
New York
Occupation
Master Elec./JW retired
I have used all alu. for the new service 3 phase and all the subs from the mdp. compact conductors no problems.
 

sameguy

Senior Member
Location
New York
Occupation
Master Elec./JW retired
Aluminum feeders to the main switch gear.
Aluminum feeder to the MDP (main distribution panel).
Aluminum feeder from the MDP to the (8) subpanels.
Aluminum compact conductors ( the strands are octagons and stay together better and are smaller diameter..
 

GUNNING

Senior Member
Cu Reliable

Cu Reliable

I only use Cu. I dont like aluminum's bulk, inefficiency quotient, or having to goop the ends. I like the THHN jacket on Cu for resisting UV and holding up generally in all types of weather and conditions. I find Copper more reliable.
 
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