Do you use copper or aluminum in residential?

[paul32]

Some places I think use only copper. Around here services are almost always aluminum (underground at least). I don't see aluminum used for the range circuit very much for new construction though. I'm curious what others do and why. Is cost the main reason for using aluminum, or weight?

I could have had choices instead:
1. Aluminum is just as good as copper but cheaper, so use it when I can.
2. Copper is better than aluminum, but cost more, so I use AL for larger wires.
3. Copper is better than aluminum, and I won't use AL.

 

[jeff43222]

I never install aluminum. I don't want to have to worry about oxidation, nor do I want to think about it working its way loose from expansion/contraction. Another nice feature is that copper is smaller, so it's easier to deal with. I'd sure hate to install a 200A service with aluminum. 2/0 copper is about as big as I want to deal with.

As a one-man show, my jobs don't tend to be that large, so there's not a big cost difference between aluminum and copper.

 

[infinity]

As a one-man show, my jobs don't tend to be that large, so there's not a big cost difference between aluminum and copper.

Last time I checked there was a huge difference in price between copper and aluminum. But again if you're only using small quantities then the savings won't be very significant.

 

[peter d]

With modern technology, I don't see why they couldn't reintroduce aluminum NM. But that would be a nightmare so it will never happen.

 

[JohnE]

I use copper for everything but services. Out of curiosity, I did recently check price difference between 8/3 copper and 6/3 aluminum and it was about $.40/ per foot. That is substantial.

FWIW, I have a notice from an aluminum manufacturer offering $100.00 for anyone providing a "good" reason to use copper instead of aluminum. I forget the exact wording, and I think it was for over a certain size conductor, but I'll try to find flyer later.

 

[gndrod]

14 to 8 AWG was available in solid conductor. I would not use solid because of the single conductor stress breakage compared to a stranded configuration that allows good oxide coating and termination that is listed to accept stranded Al conductors. Most residential large loads for sub or HVAC disconnected feeders usually use (for economics) SEU or SER type aluminum cable that has inherent stability. Ditto for Al conductors (qualified) to run in rigid conduit. Flex conduited solid Al is generally asking for conductor vibration fatigue failure at most termination point conditions.
rbj, Seattle

 

[jes25]

I did a remodel a while ago where I had to feed a existing disconnect rated for cu only. I had to make several calls to even find the cu SEU.