Pigtailing aluminum

[aftershock]

I dont know how many areas have houses that were wired in aluminum. Here in Memphis, TN we have quite a few houses that were wired in aluminum. Even before my 9+ years at doing electrical I could almost tell before going to a job weather it would be aluminum wiring or not just by checking the map page.

My question(s).
What all do you pigtail?
If it were my decision, I would only pigtail the receps and leave the rest alone.
My boss has bid jobs which have us pigtailing everything including the wires in the panel.
In my opinion, leave well enough alone and touch only that which has proven to be the source of your toublecalls when it comes to aluminum, the receptacles.

 

[B4T]

I only pigtail devices with screw terminals. I check all fixture boxes and change wirenuts to purple ones rated for AL/CU wire. I check circuit breakers and neutral bar for loose wires. I don't pigtail in the panel.

 

[aftershock]

The only time light fixtures are a problem is when the HO or tennant exceeds the maximum wattage that the fixture allows. I have been on trouble calls where it was both aluminum or copper wire. HO or tennant has 100 watt bulbs in the fixture(rated for 60 watt max)and over time the heat compromised the integrety of the wire in the light box above the fixture.

 

[Kdog76]

I only pigtail devices with screw terminals. I check all fixture boxes and change wirenuts to purple ones rated for AL/CU wire. I check circuit breakers and neutral bar for loose wires. I don't pigtail in the panel.

Question here about those purples, do you have to use anti-oxidant on those when joining AL to CU ?

 

[electricguy61]

Question here about those purples, do you have to use anti-oxidant on those when joining AL to CU ?

It's in the wirenut. That's why they cost $2.50 each

 

[220/221]

Question here about those purples, do you have to use anti-oxidant on those when joining AL to CU ?

Purple wirenut=scam.

Occaisionally we will pigtail all devices in a house. Never the breakers as they are rated for Al wire.


If all the devices are stock there is no reason to pigtail them. Rarely are all the devices stock though.