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

[zappy]

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?

 

[jumper]

I use whichever one the boss tells me to use.

Seriously, I have no problem or preference of one over the other.

 

[macmikeman]

I have used Aluminum SER for only about 35 years or so give or take. Waiting for that problem.

 

[mcclary's electrical]

I use AL on res. and CU on com for SE conductors

 

[satcom]

I have used Aluminum SER for only about 35 years or so give or take. Waiting for that problem.

Same here!

 

[tkb]

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]

I've always used copper because that's what I was taught to use. I've used aluminum once, and it wasn't so bad.

 

[480sparky]

Why is this about just service changes? Why not new services as well? What's the difference?

 

[iwire]

Why is this about just service changes? Why not new services as well? What's the difference?

Attention members please make sure to run all future posts by 480 before posting so he can decide if you are asking the right questions.:grin:

 

[jaylectricity]

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:

 

[infinity]

Aluminum SE is all that they sell around here so that's what we use.

 

[mcclary's electrical]

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

:grin:

have you read the forum lately?

 

[Cow]

Why is this about just service changes? Why not new services as well? What's the difference?

A service change is a new service, at least how I do "em.

 

[mcclary's electrical]

have you read the forum lately?

Jay, I now understand what you did,,,,but it would have confused everybody

 

[480sparky]

A service change is a new service, at least how I do "em.

That's my point. How is a service change different from a new service? (Other than it's not the first one the building has had)

 

[jaylectricity]

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. :grin:

 

[sameguy]

I have used all alu. for the new service 3 phase and all the subs from the mdp. compact conductors no problems.

 

[mcclary's electrical]

:-?

i have used all alu. For the new service 3 phase and all the subs from the mdp. Compact conductors no problems.

:-?:-?

 

[sameguy]

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]

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.