Cost of Copper

[hillbilly]

I was going to add...
I've never seen a lineman for the POCO (around here) use a torque wrench when connecting a service. It's always aluminum conductors.
steve

 

[JJWalecka]

I bought a few Audio CD's from Tom Henry that I listen to during my long comutes to work.


The following is my interpretation of a statement by Tom Henry. I have tried to quote him to the best of my ability. I hope I do not disrespect him in that regard.


Closed book exam with Tom Henry. Audio CD Disc Three 1996. About eight minutes into it.

"Your Aluminum wire it is used in the larger conductors...generally but because of cost...There is nothing wrong with Aluminum wire...I mean...we have problems with it in the 12 to 14 size...sure it is too small..you bend it...you nick it...it breaks...ah...but aluminum used in larger conductors like...ah...When I worked at Disney World Epcot Center the Aluminum Association Washington DC even done a feature...like Epcot Center uses all aluminum feeders...sure and there maintained...that's the key word maintaining...like re torque...re tightening...periodically...inspected...nothing wrong with aluminum."


As always I want to learn.


Justin J. Walecka

 

[izak]

can someone explain to me the proper procedure for Checking Torque?

the only way i can think of is to set the torque wrench to what torque is supposed to be, and apply pressure until it clicks.

 

[dlhoule]

can someone explain to me the proper procedure for Checking Torque?

I would really like a good answer for that one also.

the only way i can think of is to set the torque wrench to what torque is supposed to be, and apply pressure until it clicks.

And just how would that check for overtorquing? I'll grant you that when something has been overtorqued to the point of breaking bolt or stripping threads, you will probably catch it only because you won't get any click.

 

[hardworkingstiff]

I decided to "bite the bullet" and buy copper.

 

[wireman3736]

I don't know of any electricians in my area that use copper for residential services, and most will use #6 AL ser for 50 amp range circuits also, If I was feeding a j-box for a stove top or wall oven then I would run copper. I never have and I would be very surprised if any re tighten there connections after the initial installation. I do use a torque wrench for #2 and larger.