copperweld wire......yes or no?

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joecalvin

joecalvin

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Austin Tx
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Guys, we have been contemplating using copperweld wire in lieu of 4 & 6 SEU & SER aluminum wire. I am not very familiar with this product and am researching it but I wanted to get other professionals opinions on it. Does it work well? Are there any NEC code restrictions to its use?

Let me know what you think.

Thanks
Joe
 
Since it's still sized as aluminum, what's the advantage?

Using it instead of copper, I can at least see the point.
 
joecalvin said:
Guys, we have been contemplating using copperweld wire in lieu of 4 & 6 SEU & SER aluminum wire. I am not very familiar with this product and am researching it but I wanted to get other professionals opinions on it. Does it work well? Are there any NEC code restrictions to its use?

Let me know what you think.

Thanks
Joe
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WHY?

The AL SE cable will be less expensive.

Pretty much anything you are terminating larger wires to is rated for AL wire.

You will also need to use a larger cable for many installations. Maximum termination temp for NM is 60c vs SE can be used at 75c for most modern equipment.
 
LarryFine said:
Since it's still sized as aluminum, what's the advantage?

Using it instead of copper, I can at least see the point.
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ok, to elaborate on this, aluminum is becoming hard to get and the only alternative right now is copper wire. This will only be an alternative to copper when the aluminum is not available.
 
joecalvin said:
ok, to elaborate on this, aluminum is becoming hard to get and the only alternative right now is copper wire. This will only be an alternative to copper when the aluminum is not available.
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Hmmm. If they can't get aluminum to make SE or SER, how will they get it to make copper-clad aluminum? :unsure:

The logic escapes me: "Copper is too expensive! Aluminum is too scarce! The solution? Copper-clad aluminum!"

Added: Or are you talking about copper-clad steel?
 
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OK, excuse me being the ignorant Brit again but what is copperweld ?
 
I had a couple post about using Copper clad Aluminum instead of copper. The Form members talked me out of using just for the headache and liability.
Since you using Aluminum already there is no advantage.

Alot of people don't know about that company and getting in contact with them is a pain. So only reason I can see them having product when every one else is running low, is because not that many people buy from them.

Still debating on using the Copper clad THHN
 
LarryFine said:
Originally, it was copper-clad steel, useful as antenna wire.

Now, it's a company that makes copper-clad aluminum.
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Thank you sir! I have seen it a few times. We almost always used copper. The exception was when we used aluminium busbars on the anodising plants.
 
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