Aluminum Wire Receptacle Installation

Aluminum wiring itself is safe if proper connections and terminations are made without damaging the wire and devices approved for use with aluminum wire are employed.

Aluminum wire receptacle installation. This process is often referred to as pigtailing. Installation of co alr receptacles may be quite simple but the cost of these devices is quite a bit higher than regular ones so upgrading an entire home may be a moderately priced expense. The copalum and the alumiconn methods consist of connecting copper wire to the end of the aluminum wire using a special copalum crimp connector or an alumiconn wire lug connector. Since the standard lug is dual rated it is plated with tin to prevent galvanic corrosion between the copper conductor and the alumi num connector.

The instructions for tightening the screws on the alumiconn connectors are to use a torque screwdriver 10 in lb for 12 al and 15 in lb for 10 al and for 14 and 12 cu. But an electrician can make the connections safe by adding a short section of copper wire to the end of each aluminum wire. Completely rewiring your home isn t practical in most situations it means tearing into walls and ceilings. That way copper rather than aluminum will be connected to each switch outlet or other device.

Aluminum building wire installation and terminations ul 486b allows aluminum connectors to be manufac tured without this plating but only for connectors rated for aluminum conductors only. Anti corrosion ointment for aluminum wire. When installing or replacing 120 volt 15 amp or 20 amp switches and outlet receptacles where aluminum wiring has been installed the aluminum wires should be spliced together and a copper wire pigtail should be added. Pull the wire stripper toward the end of the wire to cut off the insulation.

Strip 1 2 in 1 3 cm of insulation off the ends of each wire. Ul lists these devices especially for use with aluminum wire although they can be used with copper or copper clad wire. The ontario electrical safety code permits the installation of aluminum wiring. Work on 1 wire at a time or else you won t remove the insulation as well.

It has been determined that co alr devices perform better with aluminum wire when installed carefully and according to best electrical practices than do the types of switches and outlets usually used in the original installations of aluminum branch circuit wiring.