Copper vs aluminum / power and 24volt controls

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Danny89

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Is there a code reference in terms of running industrial power and controls.

To my experience copper wires Thhn is what I've always pulled in industrial environments.

I usually do the same for 24v control systems.

I have only seen alluminum in service drop to residential.

Is there a code requirement saying don't use alluminum in industrial environments where dust, moisture, damp or coorosive areas?

Power I'm talking about running is 480v 4 wire.

And

24v control systems for solenoids/switches, and contactor auxuillars.

Is alluminum cheaper than copper?

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Danny89 said:
Is there a code reference in terms of running industrial power and controls.

To my experience copper wires Thhn is what I've always pulled in industrial environments.

I usually do the same for 24v control systems.

I have only seen alluminum in service drop to residential.

Is there a code requirement saying don't use alluminum in industrial environments where dust, moisture, damp or coorosive areas?

Power I'm talking about running is 480v 4 wire.

And

24v control systems for solenoids/switches, and contactor auxuillars.

Is alluminum cheaper than copper?

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk
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Aluminum wiring is much cheaper than copper, even considering that it has to be larger to get the same ampacity. I don't know of any specific constraints on using it in the NEC, but it doesn't come in the smallest AWG gauges.
 
Many controls I deal with in the HVAC world are clearly labeled to be used with copper conductors only, even if aluminum might be available. I'll bet that's pretty common.

As mentioned, availability is usually dictated by size, as the greater savings will really show in the larger conductors and some of those items that use the larger conductors will have terminations designed to properly secure aluminum wire, which has more considerations.
 
MAC702 said:
Many controls I deal with in the HVAC world are clearly labeled to be used with copper conductors only, even if aluminum might be available. I'll bet that's pretty common.

As mentioned, availability is usually dictated by size, as the greater savings will really show in the larger conductors and some of those items that use the larger conductors will have terminations designed to properly secure aluminum wire, which has more considerations.
Click to expand...

From a cursory look at a couple of catalogs it looks like AWG #8 may be the smallest aluminum conductors available.
 
ggunn said:
From a cursory look at a couple of catalogs it looks like AWG #8 may be the smallest aluminum conductors available.
Click to expand...

I suspect that the combination of easy bending, work hardening leading to cracking, and small diameter make aluminum impractical in smaller sizes, even given the lower material cost.
In addition, I would question whether typical screw terminals for control wires (half of the thread topic) are rated for Cu/Al.
 
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