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donf · Oct 30, 2013, 05:54 AM

There is no ban on the use of AL. conductors, at least within the NEC.

So how can the statement, "Now I don't think you can use AL. anywhere?" be true?

Stratmando · Oct 30, 2013, 07:11 AM

We had a Supplement to the NEC, NOT allowing it, we are surrounded by Saltwater, The Mainland Florida you could use Aluminum, then it wasn't allowed, Then they started bring in Trailer/Motor Homes from other states that used it, But then changed, and now can't bring in from other states.
Our Electrical supply houses does't even carry it. If they did, Still wouldn't use it, even if code allowed, I am Talking about inside wiring, Not Service Conductors, in which case, our Coop uses it.
I have NEVER installed Aluminum wiring inside of a house?

donf · Oct 30, 2013, 07:32 AM

We have a similar problem here in Virginia Beach, however the powers that be didn't catch on that Al wiring and the proximity to salt water are a problem.

AL is still heavily in use here particularly for POCO feeders. In the mid 60's through most of the 70's AL was all that was used.

Stratmando · Oct 31, 2013, 05:46 AM

Donf, are you also saying you use #12 aluminum for inside wiring?
I Never even seen a roll of #12 Aluminum, sure got to be lighter.

donf · Oct 31, 2013, 08:34 AM

I have a house full of #12 Al, but don't blame me. The home was built with this crap. Personally, I never use AL, however that does not mean that AL is forbidden by code. If installed and maintained properly the stuff is fine. Its when folks that don't know what they are working with "fix" things that you have problems!

I just finished rewiring the garage because of crap DYI work and burnt insulation on AL conductors. Not to mention over-stuffed ceiling boxes. One small round box had five cables, 4 Al #12 and 1 Copper #14. Just wire-nutted together. No anti-oxidant had been put on the conductors that I could see. The Hot AL conductors had melted insulation for about 1.5 inches. The wire nut had the core burnt out and separated from the burnt cap. A handy box was put on the side of a joist and hung on one loose screw from the joist. A "Copper Only" recep had been put in the ungrounded metal box. The knockouts had been hammered back into the box and left there. One #14 Copper fed the box and one #12 AL came out of the box and went into the attic (somewhere). The neutral on the AL cable was burnt black for about 2 inches.

I used #14 Copper NMB for the lighting portion of the circuit and split the receps off that the circuit. I ran #12 Copper NMB for the receps and put them on a new 20 amp circuit. I just need to finish the run by getting the cable outside so I can get some receps out there.

I took pictures of the crap work and burnt insulation if you would like to see them.

Stratmando · Nov 1, 2013, 05:19 AM

Donf "I took pictures of the crap work and burnt insulation if you would like to see them."
I've seen many times, thanks.
It may be code elsewhere, Still not down here for at least 30 years(It was a Supplement to the NEC).
Still would not use, even if code allowed.

stanfortyman · Nov 1, 2013, 03:07 PM

Still would not use, even if code allowed.

I just wonder why?
Stock issues?

Stratmando · Nov 5, 2013, 05:42 AM

Stanforty "Still would not use, even if code allowed."

Living in the Florida Keys with the salt air, corrosion, oxidation and problems it creates.
I Fix Problems for a living, don't want to introduce any?
I'm sure it is also cheaper?

stanfortyman · Nov 5, 2013, 04:03 PM

Living in the Florida Keys with the salt air, corrosion, oxidation and problems it creates.

I'm not sure what the wire gauge has to do with this.

Stratmando · Nov 6, 2013, 06:34 AM

As far as wire gauge, Can't say it enough, seem like when extending or need 20 Amps it's there.
I would only use #14 on lighting, if allowed down here.