Thread: Aluminum Wiring
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Old 02-03-2007, 03:36 PM
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Straight aluminum wiring has been an issue ever since they came out with it. Copper clad aluminum is lesser an issue but the core is still aluminum. the old style receptacles weren't aluminum rated and half the guys that put them in didn't torque the connections, so they would heat up. Personally I wouldn't use it except for the service entrance and sub panel feeders. Aluminum oxidizes as soon as you strip the insulation and if you don't use an anti-oxidant can be hazardous. Aluminum wire doesn't spring back as does copper. It squishes down and stays there, copper offers some resiliency. As long as your receptacles and lights aren't disturbed i.e. changing them out, and the connections are tight and anti-oxident was used I wouldn't worry. but if you change a fixture I'd replace the wire.
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