I have a rather long run from my Main Switchboard to a Chiller Unit. The run is approximately 600'. The engineer has approved the size of the Aluminum conductors that I am running, but insist that since the breaker at the chiller only allows copper conductors, the whole run has to be in copper. The Aluminum run was to save the owner some money. I was going to make a Aluminum to Copper splice at a NEMA 4 Junction Box at the chiller with a rated connector. The engineer says this is not allowed by the code. Is this correct.
AL to CU Chiller feeder connection
- Thread starter LeeCT1
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Welcome to the Forum
Provided the conductors are properly sized, the box is properly sized and the connectors are rated for Al to Cu, I know of nothing in the Code that prohibits what you describe. I have seen the same arrangement often.
Ask Mr. Engineer what Code section makes it a violation.
Provided the conductors are properly sized, the box is properly sized and the connectors are rated for Al to Cu, I know of nothing in the Code that prohibits what you describe. I have seen the same arrangement often.
Ask Mr. Engineer what Code section makes it a violation.
mcclary's electrical
Senior Member
- Location
- VA
I thought the goal was to save money
There is no code against doing what he wishes to do
And Welcome to the forum
masterinbama
Senior Member
- Location
- Huntsville Alabama
Why not use al to copper pin adapters.
ptonsparky
Tom
- Occupation
- EC - retired
Best solution if you have or can borrow the crimp tool.
i came across a similar situation like this once when feeding an xray machine 100 amp single phase 240 volt. i ran aluminum to my d/c outside the room and ran copper from d/c to machine. x ray installer would not install machine because i ran aluminum to d/c told the chiropractor (client ive known for 12 years at the time) that the machine specs for copper conductors only so i needed to change it i did it wrong. first i asked for his electrical license, which no surprise he didnt have, then i asked him what made him qualified to open the d/c which got no reply then i informed them both that A the panel has an aluminum se cable from the meter the meter has aluminum conductors going up the riser and that the utility co. fed the o/h drop with aluminum service drop, then B how much it would be to replace everything to copper including putting a copper bussed panel in they called inspector. inspector asked x ray guy same questions i did (license and qualifications) approved installation per manufacturer specs and went on his merry way. he ended up changing wiring from breaker himself (have not talked to client since)
point is your installation planned is acceptable all the way around.
point is your installation planned is acceptable all the way around.
Apparently not to the installer. But we don't care about him.
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