#4 Aluminum SER to #8 copper

[Bama_Electrical]

I went on a service call yesterday to look at an oven not working. Some oven service techs had already replaced the boards and told the homeowner that the breaker was blown and needed to be replaced (it was just tripped). After checking everything out, the oven still has a problem, but I noticed that #4 AL service wire was run for the ovens and just had tan wire nuts joining the #8 copper from the oven. First off the wire nut barely accomplished anything and definitely needs to be replaced. The wire is too big for Alumiconns, so my question is what is the best way to solve for this?

 

[infinity]

They make split-bolt connectors listed for copper to aluminum connections.

 

[tom baker]

Would a Polaris work?

 

[winnie]

The polaris connector catalog says they work for both Cu and Al. https://www.polarisconnectors.com/pdfs/NSi/IT_series.pdf

Only some split bolts are dual rated, but they exist and are also a solution.

But it sounds like a three wire (H,H, N) install done with SE cable which was than improperly extended. Complete replacement might be the 'proper' solution.

-Jon

 

[jimport]

Polaris connectors are the easiest solution and a time-saver too.

 

[Bama_Electrical]

Would a Polaris work?

That will work.

 

[kwired]

The polaris connector catalog says they work for both Cu and Al. https://www.polarisconnectors.com/pdfs/NSi/IT_series.pdf

Only some split bolts are dual rated, but they exist and are also a solution.

But it sounds like a three wire (H,H, N) install done with SE cable which was than improperly extended. Complete replacement might be the 'proper' solution.

-Jon

Only thing mentioned that is obviously not proper is the mixing of copper and aluminum. If the # 8 copper mentioned was the the factory whip included with the appliance this might been code compliant other than the connection method.

 

[Eddie702]

You have to use the split bolts with the spacer so the copper and aluminum don't touch