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How to safely wire aluminum to copper wire
I am switching a non-programmable t-stat to a Honeywell 5-2day programmable one that is for baseboard, covectors and fan-forced heaters. The model number is RLV430A. I have a wall Cadet heater so it should be OK. Problem is when I opened the package the wiring on the t-stat is aluminum. Everything I have read tells me aluminum is quite dangerous, so is it okay and can anyone tell me how to connect the aluminum to the copper wiring safely?
Thank you, ladydiyer |
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You are certain it is aluminum? Not tinned copper? They can look almost alike. Read the instructions, they should tell you how to do it if it actually is aluminum. Otherwise you will have to go to an electrical supply house and get pressure connectors that are listed for AL to CU. They are available, just not commonly available. |
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No, I'm not sure if it is aluminum. The wires are silver and when reading the instructions, the second bulleted item states "Special CO/ALR soderless connectors must be used when connection with aluminum conductors". I suppose I assumed because it mentions it, that these wires are aluminum but I once I walked away for awhile I realized they may not be aluminum. I just want to make sure I don't cause a fire by switching out the proper device. The instructions go onto say:
This new t-stat cannot be used with the following *if resisitive load is under 2 A, *the resistive load is over 14.6 A, *systems driven by a contactor or relay(inductive load), * or central heating system No where on the package does it say the wires are aluminum. I suppose it would need to state that somewhere on the package if that were true. Thank you for your help, ladydiyer |
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By the wording in the instructions, it would lead me to think it is tinned copper. I can tell by handling if it is aluminum or not, but I can't explain to you how to do that on the internet. But to be safe, go to an electrical supply house and get AL/CU connectors. They will work even if there is no aluminum there. |
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You might also get a small tube of DE-OX or some other trade name. If the wire is aluminum it will help with oxidation problem caused by moisture etc.
Ilsco - Electrical connectors, compression, taps, splicers, grounding and more |
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