12 G aluminum / copper wire nut

[Jon mackay]

Last I heard, there was only 1 type of wire nut that could be used to connect aluminum to copper and it was purple.

Have there been any updates to this that would allow otherwise?

[Mark Logan]

It is true that there are the purple wire nuts that need to be used with and antioxidant paste. These have been known to fail and burn. The best way to pigtail copper to aluminum is using Copalum crimp connectors. Take a look here Aluminum Wiring Repair Connectors: the COPALUM Wire Connector Availability & Supply Source (http://www.inspectapedia.com/aluminum/CPSC03120.htm)

[Roger Frazee]

Last I heard, there was only 1 type of wire nut that could be used to connect aluminum to copper and it was purple.

Have there been any updates to this that would allow otherwise?

To my knowledge that would be correct. Last I remember they ( purple #65 by ideal)) are still UL approved for al/cu connections. Your photo shows yellow connectors which would not be approved for al/cu connections.

Not sure about the latest updates.

[Jon mackay]

Thank you.

Also, I was curious about wiring that enters the panel but is not connected (see the photo).

This was wiring to an old dryer outlet (I assume) that was cut above the suspended ceiling and left in place.
The wire then enters the main panel where the hot wires were removed from the breaker and capped but the neutral is still connected in the panel.

Are these abandoned wires required to be removed?

[ken horak]

the correct way to deal with that old dryer feed is to either remove it completely from the panel, or place the other end in a properly installed box. You can not just cut it off above the ceiling and cap the other end in the panel.

[Jim Robinson]

There is another connector called Alumiconn that is more recent.

AlumiConn Aluminum to Copper Electrical Connectors (http://www.alcopstore.com/)