aluminum or copper

[101010]

With the copper prices so high are you guys using more aluminum? I am bidding a 300 foot 100 amp subfeed to a work tralior. Tempory/Permanant type deal. If you are using aluminum would you still pull a copper ground?

 

[bphgravity]

I see a lot more AL being used specifically for services and large feeders and have also seen an increase in revised plans coming in specifying AL or CU wiring methods that previously specified CU only.

 

[charlie tuna]

yes-- i would figure a copper bond wire!!!

 

[hardworkingstiff]

yes-- i would figure a copper bond wire!!!

Why? Proper termination should insure a long life for the AL.

 

[charlie tuna]

i have no problem with the capabilities of aluminum -- if it is sized correctly and properly terminated it works fine --- i assumed the sub feed was underground --- 300 feet. with that in mind, and what i've seen happen to aluminum conductors in a wet locations -- and the statement temporary/"permanent" tells me this installation might be there for a long time? the bond in this case is the most important conductor in the sub feed -- the labor is the same --- i would go with a copper bond..............

 

[dlhoule]

[/QUOTE]and the statement temporary

We just removed a temporary H/U that was installed in 1978. I hate these temporary installations.

 

[George Stolz]

Just don't forget:

250.64(A) ...Where used outside, aluminum or copper-clad aluminum grounding conductors shall not be terminated within 450 mm (18 in.) of the earth.

We use AL for all services, feeders, and now dryers and ranges. 6/3 AL SE-R is almost half the price of the same thing in romex.