Silly question about Branch Circuit Requirements for Aluminum

[ul_1973_tested]

Hi all,

Long time lurker, first time poster.

I have what is probably a ridiculous question. In the 2023 (and previous) NECs, table 210.24 - Branch Circuit Requirements - Summary has an entry for aluminum and copper-clad aluminum wires.

Is it true that you can wire branch circuits with aluminum wire? Or is that part irrelevant because (a) you couldn't buy NM-B aluminum wire or (b) nobody will insure the house? I'm not planning on wiring a house with aluminum wire, I just didn't understand why it was still in the NEC table and was curious about if anyone ever uses aluminum wire for branch circuits.

Are there any houses that are built in the modern era that use aluminum-only NM-B wire for say a 20-amp branch circuit?

Thanks all!

 

[Dennis Alwon]

There is copper clad aluminum but I have not heard of aluminum in small sizes

 

[petersonra]

Why would they take it out?

There is nothing inherently wrong with aluminum conductors. The fact that it was installed improperly many years ago leading to a relative handful of fires is not the fault of the product but it has received the bulk of the blame.

 

[ul_1973_tested]

Why would they take it out?

There is nothing inherently wrong with aluminum conductors. The fact that it was installed improperly many years ago leading to a relative handful of fires is not the fault of the product but it has received the bulk of the blame.

That makes sense--if you use right connectors and right installation, it's still safe, so stays in the NEC.

I was just wondering if anyone actually uses it in modern homes and if, say, UL-tested 14-gauge NM-B cable is even manufactured.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

That makes sense--if you use right connectors and right installation, it's still safe, so stays in the NEC.

I was just wondering if anyone actually uses it in modern homes and if, say, UL-tested 14-gauge NM-B cable is even manufactured.

As far as I know there are no aluminum conductors smaller than 8 AWG on the market at this time. There was a small window in the mid 70s where you could get the new alloy aluminum in 10 and 12 AWG, but because of problems with the old aluminum, few wanted to buy it, and it was not profitable for the manufacture's to continue making it. There is no code or listing reason why it is not on the market.
There is 12 and 10 AWG copper-clad-aluminum on the market.