![]() While we attempt to ensure that all information is accurate and a fair depiction of real circumstances, it is to be used solely for information purposes. Please Note:The information found in this section is provided as a service to our web site visitors. If you suspect anything unusual, have a licensed electrician work on circuits with aluminum wiring.įor further information contact your local public utilities office or a licensed electrician. Aluminum wiring is not handyman-friendly.These receptacles are incompatible with aluminum wiring.Īs part of your preventive maintenance plan for the home, check switches and receptacles by removing the cover plates and visually inspecting the wiresįor any signs of scorching, looseness, heat and/or odor. Do not use receptacles stamped with AL and a line through it.Typically, receptacles that are approved for aluminum wiring will be stamped CO\.ALR, CU-AL or AL-CU indicating they can be used for both copper and aluminum. When purchasing replacement receptacles, switches or fixtures ensure that they are compatible for aluminum wiring.If you use twist-on connectors (wire-nuts or marrets) make sure they are approved for use with aluminum wiring. ![]() Copper and Aluminum should never be connected together except using special anti-oxidant paste and crimped with approved clamp connectors.Both are rated for 15 amps, so use only the t5 amp rated glass fuse, cartridge fuse or breaker for aluminum wiring stamped either 12/2 or 12/3. The AWG (American Wire Gauge) rating of #12 aluminum wiring is equivalent to #14 copper wiring. untraceable problems with plug-in lights and appliances.strange odors in the area of receptacles and switches.smoke or sparks coming from receptacles and switches.unusually warm or warped outlets and switch cover plates.To overcome the incompatibility, the aluminum wiring may have been "pigtailed" with copper using proper connectors, (Marrette-brown Ideal-purple) metals in the electrical system, improper connections may cause electrical resistance which in turn may cause overheating and fire. Given its incompatibility with fittings designed for other. because of its high thermal expansion, it has a tendency to change shape at the terminal screws and thus become loose or creep off.it is more malleable (softer) than copper and therefore easily nicked.it has a tendency to oxidize which increases the wire's resistance resulting in the wire overheating at the receptacle.There are basically three reasons why aluminum wiring may be of concern: Alcan makes both copper and aluminum wiring for residential purposes. Don't confuse the brand name ALCAN with solely aluminum wiring. This wiring can be identified by the letters AL or the word ALUMINUM stamped on the plastic covering or cable. Some houses built or remodeled between the early 1950s and late 1970s were wired with aluminum. Since copper is a better conductor than aluminum, the aluminum wire must be larger to safely carry the same current as copper. ![]() Copper is predominately used in residential construction with the exception of the service cable and single purpose high-amperage circuits such as sub-panels, electrical ranges or air conditioners. be sure you ground everything as required.Home Inspectors / FAQ's /Aluminium WiringĪluminium Wiring Information QUESTION "Should I be concerned about a home containing Aluminium Wiring?" ANSWER red would not be connected to the switch it would just be spliced with wire nuts and placed behind the switch in the box. the black will go to the switch and then to the GD's outlet (top gold screw with separation tab broken off on the hot side) The red wire would go to be in to the switch's box in the wall and just be spliced to the same going out to the bottom outlet's gold screw for the DW. I think you could just not break the tab on the side your white wires connect. since you are going to be splitting it so half is switched the neutral is shared and has to connect to both halves. normally neutral is not connected to a single pole switch which would control the GD it will continue on to the recptical. if you were using 12/3 and two breakers the neutral is shared by both circuits. putting both on separate breakers is overkill but can do no harm. Brickeyee is right thats how my last house was wired, dw and gd on a 20 amp together but mine were not cord plugged. ![]()
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