Aluminium wiring.

AirdrieHandyman

Have some plugs that have aluminum wires in them. I am trying to upgrade to deco style plugs (square style). Does anyone know if it would be bad to use the copper plugs.
J

joecaption

Do not do it. the connections will corrode and cause an arc.
Look for switches made just for aluminum wiring. There clearly marked in any home center or electrical supply house. There will be the letters AL on the side of them.

AirdrieHandyman

That's what I thought.

Would you happen to know where I can buy the square deco style plugs

joecaption

Your in Canada and I'm in the US no idea what's avalable in your area.

HARRY304E

Read this..

http://www.pelicanstate.net/Download...The%20Home.pdf

AirdrieHandyman

We have most of the same availability here where would you go for this.
J

jimmy21

Whatever you do, make sure to use an approved grease.

Speedy Petey

Can you explain a bit more about this?

__________________
Sometimes I feel like if I answer any more questions it is like someone trying to climb over a fence to jump off a bridge and me giving them a boost.

joecaption

http://www.selfhelpandmore.com/home-...iring-2002.php

Just Bill

I have never seen Decora fixtures for al wire, but they may exist. One way to use them would be to use a copper pigtail, and wirenut with al approved wirenuts and no-ox or similar grease.

As suggested in the link on one of the posts, the wire is not the problem, the fixtures that the wire connects to is the problem. Always look for AL compatible fixtures.

joecaption

http://www.westsidewholesale.com/ele...on-1755-w.html
Leviton makes side screws on there switches that can use copper or aluminum.

jimmy21

Aluminum oxidizes without any grease. Eventually making a poor connection. Most aluminum rated connectors come with grease in them, but if it doesnt, its easily over looked by a homeowner and imo its the most important precaution with aluminum

J. V.

You can pigtail a copper jumper to the aluminum wiring. Use the copper jumper on the devices. See the picture below.

We don't call anti oxidation compounds grease.
That is why he questioned you.

Attached Images

 

Speedy Petey

First off, it is NOT grease. it is anti-oxidant paste.
Second, it is not required by code, but it is a good idea for larger conductors.
Third, You MUST use the proper device or connection for small AL conductors.
Lastly, AL conductors never come with anti-ox already in/on them.

__________________
Sometimes I feel like if I answer any more questions it is like someone trying to climb over a fence to jump off a bridge and me giving them a boost.

AirdrieHandyman

If I do the copper pigtails to the plug using the aluminum to copper maretts should I do the same with the ground wire