Copper clad aluminum/Romex Ampacity

[little george]

Based on the NEC, Table 310.15(B)(16), If I have #12 Copper Clad Aluminum in an existing kitchen on the small appliance circuits, I should be able to change the service and re-connect the branch circuit(s) to a 20a. breaker with terminations rated 75˚. Right??

 

[jumper]

Nope.

Small breaker rule 240.4(D)(4)12 AWG Aluminum and Copper-Clad Aluminum.
15 amperes

Edit to add:Also 334.80 limits you to 60C for final ampacity for NM cables.

 

[Sierrasparky]

Always been #12 AL or CU clad 15 amps and #10 20 amps.
At least in Calif

 

[JFletcher]

Always been #12 AL or CU clad 15 amps and #10 20 amps.
At least in Calif

Same here in VA.

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George, If it's a kitchen remodel, might as well gut all the existing CCA wiring and rewire it. If just a panel change, put em back on 15A breakers.

If you have to do any pigtailing to CU for switches or receptacles, Alumiconns are much better than purple wire nuts imo.

 

[wwhitney]

If you have to do any pigtailing to CU for switches or receptacles, Alumiconns are much better than purple wire nuts imo.

Is pigtailing required for copper clad aluminum? I thought that was the advantage of copper clad aluminum, for connection purposes it works like copper.

Cheers, Wayne

 

[jumper]

Is pigtailing required for copper clad aluminum? I thought that was the advantage of copper clad aluminum, for connection purposes it works like copper.

Cheers, Wayne

No.

 

[little george]

Thanks Jumper, I was wrong and glad you helped me.

 

[jumper]

Thanks Jumper, I was wrong and glad you helped me.

Happy to help.

Note that if this had been say a motor, which is listed in 240.4(G), and maybe THHN conductors and conduit, not NM. and 75C terminals at both ends, the #12 AL wires could have been on a 20A breaker.