Results 1 to 6 of 6

Thread: Jeff Eastman

  1. #1
    Jeff Eastman's Avatar
    Jeff Eastman Guest

    Default A/C disconnect box wiring

    ////////////////

    Similar Threads:
    Last edited by Jeff Eastman; 12-19-2007 at 04:29 PM. Reason: correct subject line
    Member Benefits1

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Corpus Christi, TX
    Posts
    615

    Default Re: Jeff Eastman

    Jeff,
    Do you have other pictures of the panel?

    The only reason some people get lost in thought is because it's unfamiliar territory.
    - Paul Fix

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
    Posts
    28,032

    Default Re: Jeff Eastman

    It's wrong (unless that wire nut is rated for both copper and aluminum).

    But not any more wrong than that low voltage in there (which I'm sure you wrote up).

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Columbus GA
    Posts
    3,747

    Default Re: Jeff Eastman

    Low voltage wires/cables are not permitted to be in the same box, conduit or raceway as house wiring.
    First of all it's a safety issue, next the low voltage lines can, will and do pick up induction interference from the higher voltage ac lines, causing a lot of problems with low voltage equipment.

    ' correct a wise man and you gain a friend... correct a fool and he'll bloody your nose'.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Plano, Texas
    Posts
    4,245

    Default Re: Jeff Eastman

    Jeff, the low voltage cables could become energized by the high voltage cables, kind of like water and electricity, they are best kept separated.

    Aluminum and copper connections are not allowed since the two dissimilar metals react and corrode which causes poor connections and overheating. The two metals must be connected through an approved method which keeps them apart. A twisted connection with a wire nut of any kind is not acceptable.

    Jim Luttrall
    www.MrInspector.net
    Plano, Texas

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Colorado Springs, CO
    Posts
    1,217

    Default Re: Jeff Eastman

    Aluminum has a higher coefficient of expansion than copper. When an aluminum wire is heated (e.g., by current flowing through the wire) it will expand more than the same sized copper wire. When aluminum and copper wires are connected together this difference in expansion can cause the connection to become loose. A loose connection can cause arcing. Arcing can cause a fire.

    Common wire nuts are not designed to accomodate the different expansion rates of aluminum and copper. Special wire nuts and connectors are available for aluminum-copper connections and are usually purple in color.

    "Baseball is like church. Many attend but few understand." Leo Durocher
    Bruce Breedlove
    www.avaloninspection.com

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •