Copper or Aluminum feed for range?

[WSG]

I'm wondering why I would not use an aluminum cable for my range feeds!? Can you talk me out of it? I've almost exclusively used a 6/3 NM cable in the past when roughing-in a range feed. Now I'm leaning away from that past practice. Check out my latest costs for 125ft of the cables shown below. Tax not included.

• $153.48 -- SER 6-6-6-6 AWG Aluminum Round Service Entrance
• $192.89 -- SER 4-4-4-6 AWG Aluminum Round Service Entrance
• $618.49 -- NM-B-6/3-CU-WG-1R Copper with Ground

If using the Aluminum SE cable, I would use either a 50A 4-wire receptacle for appliances with a cord or I would use CuAl insulated lugs for hardwired situations.

At these prices, why use a copper feeder for any other residential work I do?

 

[AC\DC]

Aluminum all the way. I was on the same boat as you until about 3 weeks ago.

 

[Hv&Lv]

Aluminum for anything above 30 amps.
I used it for my own oven/ cooktop combo also, and have for 20+ years (when I did that). AC units are aluminum, etc..

 

[Dennis Alwon]

We always used copper but now the aluminum wire is made from a different alloy and it doesn't have the problems associated with the old aluminum wires. We use aluminum alot for larger cable runs

 

[wwhitney]

If using the Aluminum SE cable, I would use either a 50A 4-wire receptacle for appliances with a cord

Just make sure you get a receptacle labeled for aluminum and for 75C terminations. The latter lets you use #6 Al on a 50A breaker that is also labeled for 75C terminations. If you are limited to 60C terminations, then you need the #4 Al you mentioned for a 50A breaker.

Cheers, Wayne

 

[WSG]

It's interesting that NM-B is limited to 60C for ampacity while SE cable can be used at 75C ampacities. The SE cable must have a superior conductor insulation and outer jacket system.

 

[wwhitney]

It's interesting that NM-B is limited to 60C for ampacity while SE cable can be used at 75C ampacities. The SE cable must have a superior conductor insulation and outer jacket system.

I doubt that there is a technical justification for the difference in treatment in the NEC.

Cheers, Wayne

 

[electrofelon]

I agree AL is great. IVe pretty much always used 6 SER for range feeds my entire 20 year career. Large
NM is the worst: expensive, low termperature rating/ampacity, dry only, no free milkshake with purchase......

 

[Dennis Alwon]

It's interesting that NM-B is limited to 60C for ampacity while SE cable can be used at 75C ampacities. The SE cable must have a superior conductor insulation and outer jacket system.

Se cable went from 60C to 75C back to 60C and now it is 75C in most cases.

 

[ggunn]

We always used copper but now the aluminum wire is made from a different alloy and it doesn't have the problems associated with the old aluminum wires. We use aluminum alot for larger cable runs

Just be sure that if you install compression lugs on aluminum conductors they are rated for use on aluminum. A guy I know learned this lesson the hard way a few weeks ago. The project experienced multiple thermal events at many connection points, and a lot of wiring and equipment had to be replaced.

 

[WSG]

I use insulated lugs from Ilsco. Other mfgrs make similar products. These connections are dual rated (CuAL) and nice to work with.

In the case of a hardwired range I would use three or four of these lugs. Cost is around $20 each for a 2-port, 14-4AWG. That is an offset to the lower cost of Aluminum cables.

 

[WSG]

I agree AL is great. IVe pretty much always used 6 SER for range feeds my entire 20 year career. Large
NM is the worst: expensive, low termperature rating/ampacity, dry only, no free milkshake with purchase......

I'm on the AL train, bought a ticket!

 

[ptonsparky]

I’ve never used anything but cu for ranges and dryers. I also don’t do very many houses. Don’t want to.
looking at the price comparison, I can see why you would want to use al. Jeesh.