[chuckr97]

Is it code compliant to compression splice aluminum feeder to copper feeder

[donf]

There is a compression process called COPALUM.

However, you need a special license from the manufacturer of the tool to use it.

[tkrussell]

I never heard of COPALM, and cannot find any info on the internet, so I cannot comment.

There are barrel butt spice crimp connectors, similar to the PDF files I provided.

Need to find connectors rated CU/AL , both copper and aluminum, and find a crimp tool.

Any electrical distributor sells the crimps, and many rent the crimping tool.

We never need a license from any manufacturer, either 3M, Burndy, NSI, T&B.

[donf]

TK,

COPALUM is a compression fitting process that, as I understand it compresses the two conductors so that they are effectively one wire in a gas proof connector. Then the fitting is covered with heat shrink insulation.

I apologise for misspelling COPALUM in my first response.

[tkrussell]

Interesting concept.

Only available from TYCO. Bend over when comes time to pay.

But only if crimping is needed. If a home has AL wiring, the best method would be to replace all devices with Al/CU rated devices, get all new devices and eliminate the two crimp connections, which could be at least three per device.

Silly to pull out an old device, and add 6 more wire connections, and try to cramp in the pigtail wires into the existing box.

Not sure why they only recognize that method, we been using the connectors I provided for years. As far as I am concerned, as long as a part is UL listed, it get used.

[stanfortyman]

COPALUM's are crazy expensive, but from what I hear from other professionals they are the way to go as far as AL/CU splices for BRANCH CIRCUITS.

The OP is talking about a feeder. I would assume he is talking about bigger than #10 solid.

[tkrussell]

Stan, are you familiar with this connector? I never heard of it.

What confuses me is the statement I found:

Warning: Not approved for reconnection of residential aluminnum branch circuit wiring.

I found at:

COPALUM Splices Product Line Information - TE

And I cannot find any mention of certification at Tyco.

Something does not add up.

And why would I add a minimum of six crimp connections to each device and cramp pigtails in an existing outlet box?

I found the "not for residential wiring" statement several times again in Tyco's official datasheet I attached.

Before this product is used in any home, I need to caution that it be confirmed with the local inspector.

[stanfortyman]

No, I have not used them, but I have many times read how they are one of the only safe and approved methods of terminating copper pigtails to AL wire for using regular devices.

What you found goes against all that. Maybe there is another product in their line? I'm not sure. I'm just going by what I have heard/read.

[stanfortyman]

OK, I found what you saw and noticed it says refer to catalog 82205.
I then found this: COPALUM (Residential Aluminum Wiring Program) - TE

It seems there is a whole program dedicated to residential retrofit work.

[tkrussell]

Thanks, that Tyco site sucks. I clicked every link I could find, not coming up with what you found. Your very persistent. Never tell a New Yorker it can't be done.

I wonder what the system costs for parts alone, I bet a new tamper resistant receptacle is cheaper. Certainly a resi grade switch would be.

Plus no need for the extra connections and space in the box.

What a racket.

That's what was confusing me, since the CPSC Consumer Protection Safety Commission mandated this system over "standard" connectors.

http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/516.pdf

Notice on page 9 of their brochure that they also recommend replacing the devices.

Oh by the way for any reader, the CPSC does not have jurisdiction over electrical parts to be used in a home, they can only RECOMMEND.

[donf]

I read somewhere that the guesstimate charges are in the range of $10K for the entire home.

After you are finished, you still have Aluminium wiring, but you can use copper devices and conductors.

As to this post, I have some concerns as to why the OP is moving anything. Or that the OP is operating under the mistaken premises that tapping a 1 AWG copper conductor to the end of a #1 AWG Al conductor might allow for the increasing the Service Delivery amperage.

Also, if the service disconnect is being moved and the transformer feeders are now to short, where is the meter. If it is part of the outdoor service disconnect, then I wasn't aware you could move a meter without the permission of the POCO.

And I know that (here in Virginia Beach) if you move the main disconnect, you must notify the fire department. (Probably a local ordinance.)

I also am not sure that unlicensed (guessing that the OP does not have an electrical license) persons are allowed to touch the POCO feeders. However, I cannot find out if this is true until Monday.

T.K. do any of my concerns apply to what the OP is trying to do? I know they are beyond the scope of the initial question, but are they valid, nonetheless?

[stanfortyman]

Well, it's been two days and Chuck hasn't checked back in with this thread. Hopefully he will shed some light on things.

[tkrussell]

Don, honestly, I can come up with all kinds of issues, sure what you mention may be valid, however, I chose to answer the question ,and not concern myself with possibilities.

You may if you like. I do this trade daily, 24/7 for work. I don't have the time or brain power to think of the unknown.

10K to install these connectors in a typical home, yea right. There are people that need new services that would cost 2K and they can't afford it. And like you say, still stuck with the AL wire.

[chuckr97]

Thanks for your input.

[stanfortyman]

Can you tell us more about this splice?
Wire sizes?
Enclosures?
Indoor/outdoor?

Or does it not matter any more?

[donf]

Stan,

If you are asking me, all I can tell you is what I vaguely remember reading. The dollar amount that I gave earlier priced it right out of my ability.

Remember, I'm still trying to come up with an affordable method to rid the house of AL wiring.

I read through this COPALUM method and discarded it because it still left the AL wiring in the home.

I'm leaning towards abandoning the AL wiring in the walls and then running new copper, but I haven't figured out how to pull the horizontal cabling in each of the rooms without tearing out the drywall.

But again, I abandoned that process for several reasons.

Price, requirements (you had to be a Master and have a license from the manufacturer and the equipment). The press is not something that can just be rented and used.

But, I have different problems right now.

Potential (very small), for cancerous nodules on my Thyroid.

Front bedroom ceiling cracking and getting ready to become the floor.

I really need to up-grade the service to the home.

Getting rid of the AL cabling and about 100 other things, not the least of which is the government playing around with SS funds.

If we don't get our payments, we don't eat or pay any bills.

Yet the morons running this country and all of their staffs will get paid while we starve.

Brings to mind Nero and his fiddle playing while a bonfire devoured Rome!

Wow, that felt good.