[ScottR]

I figured I'd start a new thread rather than hijacking the one from the other day..

I bought a fluorescent light fixture that has Al wiring internally. I connected it to my Cu wiring using some random wire nut I had in my parts box.

The other thread got me thinking: Why is that OK? Or is it? I'm assuming that b/c the fixture has such a low, fixed load (25W-ish), the connection is "never" going to overheat.

I bought 2 of the same fixture. One had Cu, the other Al. Go figure.

 

[wirenut1110]

Are you sure it's aluminum and not tinned coated copper?

 

[ScottR]

Are you sure it's aluminum and not tinned coated copper?

Yep.. I had cut and re-stripped the connection so I know it wasn't just the ends that were tinned, and I looked at the cross section.. Seemed to be solid Al. Plus it bent like Al.. stiffer, I guess.

 

[J. V.]

Are you sure it's aluminum and not tinned coated copper?

I wonder if UL can list a fixture with AL conductors? I have personally NEVER seen a fixture with AL wires, none.
Take a picture of the rating. I for one would love to see that. Thanks John

 

[Gigs]

It's probably tinned copper that is tinned all the way through the wire.

 

[ScottR]

Why do I get the feeling that I'm going to be coming back on here later tonight to say "never mind" after I give that wire a second look? :whistling2:

BTW - The fixture is UL listed, + other approvals.

 

[Chemist1961]

Scott, I'm no authority on fixtures but I agree with the above. I have installed a number of fixtures with the silver wire but I don't think it's aluminium or it would cause a nightmare for the code people. If it is a UL certified item you could check their standards.

 

[220/221]

Wait for it..................
























wait for it........





























nevermind.....right?

 

[ScottR]

Jeez, at least gimme a chance to get home... :surrender:

 

[ScottR]

OK, so I just got home and checked the wire... and, um, where's the button to delete threads on this thing??? :jester:

(In my defense the lighting was kinda poor last night as I was, you know, in the process of connecting the fixture... plus other excuses I'm trying to come up with).

So... delete button???

 

[ScottR]

Hey, in other news, why do they tin solid wire in this case? The other fixture in my garage is same mfr/model and does not have tinned wires..

 

[Plumbvoltage]

Hey, in other news, why do they tin solid wire in this case? The other fixture in my garage is same mfr/model and does not have tinned wires..

Could be different brand ballasts in the lights. They may have been manufactured at different times.

 

[220/221]

It's how they get rid of toxic waste in China. They sell it back to us any way they can.

 

[ScottR]

It's how they get rid of toxic waste in China. They sell it back to us any way they can.

I was askin' about tinned wire, not toothpaste and toys... :laughing: