I have been in IT for 20 years and so I am more than a bit rusty regarding the NEC. A friend of mine lost her apt on 1/1/2012 to fire and upon investigation, I see both copper and aluminum branch circuits terminating in the panel. I know that there are inherent cautions regarding aluminum wiring in residential units and I believe there are specific restrictions outlined in the NEC. Can anyone cite a specific reference for me? Thanks very much for your help.
Mixing Copper and Aluminum in Residential
- Thread starter bones55
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- Status
- Location
- New Jersey
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- Journeyman Electrician
What are you looking for specifically? I don't think that you'll find much in the NEC regardin aluminum branch circuits with the exception of 110.14. Is this question due to possible or pending litigation? If so, unfortunetly we cannot help you.
Not a Litagation Issue
Not a Litagation Issue
More of a question of peace of mind in so far as there was nothing the occupant could have done to prevent the situation short of having the knowledge to recognize and correct the deficiencies in the panel. Do you know the NEC reference for pigtailing aluminum branch wiring at copper outlets? 110.14 was a big help and the last piece of this puzzle is the definitive of the outlet wiring. Thanks!
Not a Litagation Issue
More of a question of peace of mind in so far as there was nothing the occupant could have done to prevent the situation short of having the knowledge to recognize and correct the deficiencies in the panel. Do you know the NEC reference for pigtailing aluminum branch wiring at copper outlets? 110.14 was a big help and the last piece of this puzzle is the definitive of the outlet wiring. Thanks!
It is quite normal to see a mix of circuits at the panel. The larger ones (range, dryer, water heater, feeders to subpanels) are very commonly aluminum because it is less expensive. Many of the larger 30A and 50A receptacles are AL-CU rated. In places built in the 60's through late 70's, branch circuits could also have been aluminum. These are much more problematic, as finding CU-ALR switches and receptacles is getting harder. Some people don't know you can't use a regular 69 cent receptacle on an aluminum circuit. So uninformed past tenants changing things that "broke" on their own could be a problem. On the 15 and 20 amp circuits, they generally need to have copper pigtails installed. The Ideal "purple" wirenut is listed as a cu-al pressure connector. Some people say they still fail, but it is listed for that use.
One other thing to note with aluminum is that it has less ampacity than copper in a given size. A 15A branch circuit would need to be #14 copper or #12 aluminum.
One other thing to note with aluminum is that it has less ampacity than copper in a given size. A 15A branch circuit would need to be #14 copper or #12 aluminum.
kwired
Electron manager
- Location
- NE Nebraska
- Occupation
- EC
Has anyone made a statement that places the blame on the wiring in the building, as the sourse of the fire?
Let alone aluminum wire being a cause. I have never seen a failure of aluminum that would not have also failed in copper.
Let alone aluminum wire being a cause. I have never seen a failure of aluminum that would not have also failed in copper.
No Statements Made
No Statements Made
No one has made such a statement as of yet. There have been considerations made by the local fire authority, but no determinent cause has been identified. The issue is in the hands of insurance adjusters at this point. I have been doing homework on behalf of my friend should the issue move in that direction. I wanted her to be as prepared as possible if it becomes an issue of building codes, inspections, etc. Many thanks to all for your concerns and assistance.
No Statements Made
No one has made such a statement as of yet. There have been considerations made by the local fire authority, but no determinent cause has been identified. The issue is in the hands of insurance adjusters at this point. I have been doing homework on behalf of my friend should the issue move in that direction. I wanted her to be as prepared as possible if it becomes an issue of building codes, inspections, etc. Many thanks to all for your concerns and assistance.
hurk27
Senior Member
- Location
- Portage, Indiana NEC: 2008
There is nothing in the NEC that prohibits Aluminum conductors, even at branch circuit levels, there are requirements that we have to follow as to the installation of such, and these requirements have changed over the code cycles, so much would depend upon what code cycle was in effect at the time the building was built, but if it was built back in the 70's it might be hard to even know what was required as in many areas your local code requirements could have differed from the NEC.
I have run into a few insurance companies who would not insure a dwelling with aluminum branch circuit wiring, although they can be treading on thin grounds if the wiring was installed to the letter of the code, but they have this choice, just like many will not insure a house with fuses.
But I think your going to run into allot of dead ends, trying to find what was required back then, and what was grandfathered in, and any changes that was done over the years, and or who done what or ok'ed what.
I have run into a few insurance companies who would not insure a dwelling with aluminum branch circuit wiring, although they can be treading on thin grounds if the wiring was installed to the letter of the code, but they have this choice, just like many will not insure a house with fuses.
But I think your going to run into allot of dead ends, trying to find what was required back then, and what was grandfathered in, and any changes that was done over the years, and or who done what or ok'ed what.
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