Aluminum wires

[John Wayne]

Hello

just looked at a job that needs a heavy up. They have some branch circuits that are aluminum.

Am I able to just use Oxgard on the wires and be done with it or should I be using aluminconn

connectors? Thank you

 

[kwired]

Hello

just looked at a job that needs a heavy up. They have some branch circuits that are aluminum.

Am I able to just use Oxgard on the wires and be done with it or should I be using aluminconn

connectors? Thank you

To terminate to your breakers? Need to look at whether or not the breaker is rated for aluminum conductor. Larger breakers that accept over 8 AWG usually are, smaller breakers - not really certain never really need to pay attention to that. Neutral bars are usually rated for aluminum.

 

[John Wayne]

To terminate to your breakers? Need to look at whether or not the breaker is rated for aluminum conductor. Larger breakers that accept over 8 AWG usually are, smaller breakers - not really certain never really need to pay attention to that. Neutral bars are usually rated for aluminum.

Ok - I will check with the manufacturer. Thank you

 

[kwired]

Ok - I will check with the manufacturer. Thank you

Should say AL/CU right on the breaker somewhere.

 

[petersonra]

Hello

just looked at a job that needs a heavy up. They have some branch circuits that are aluminum.

Am I able to just use Oxgard on the wires and be done with it or should I be using aluminconn

connectors? Thank you

If it is of relatively recent vintage the breaker terminals are probably listed for copper and aluminum and marked that way. Having said that, I have used some terminals within the last few years on 1600 Amp breakers that were only listed for copper. Best bet is to just look at the markings on the terminals.


I am not sure you "need" an antioxidant just because you are using aluminum wire.

 

[JFletcher]

if you are rewiring receptacles and switches, you have a few options. One is the purple Ideal wire nuts, one is using alumiconns, another is using the Copalum cold pressed method, the last is using devices that are rated for aluminum wire.