Results 1 to 7 of 7
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Nampa, Idaho
    Posts
    601

    Post Single strand aluminum wiring

    I am familiar with the problems and hazards associated with single strand branch circuit aluminum wiring. Today's inspection had 2 circuits on single strand aluminum. Both circuits 230 volt on 30 amp breakers. One was for the water heater and one was for the electric furnace. All connections look good and these are single item circuits. I know that they allow stranded aluminum wire to be used for high voltage single item circuits, but I am not sure about this.

    Similar Threads:
    Crawl Space Creeper

  2. #2
    Richard Moore's Avatar
    Richard Moore Guest

    Default Re: Single strand aluminum wiring

    What size were the conductors? I ask because they would need to be #8 and I don't believe that's very common (could be wrong there). Are you sure it wasn't tinned copper? Got photos, especially close-ups of the wires at the panel?


  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Nampa, Idaho
    Posts
    601

    Default Re: Single strand aluminum wiring

    Yes they were #8 gauge wire and no they were not tin dipped. I see tin dipped wire on a regular basis. This was a 1979 built home.


  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Southern Vancouver Island
    Posts
    4,607

    Default Re: Single strand aluminum wiring

    They should have, I think, antioxidant paste on panel connections. I would call for a checkup by a qualified electrician. There's potential for a hot spot for sure with 30 amps!


  5. #5
    Richard Moore's Avatar
    Richard Moore Guest

    Default Re: Single strand aluminum wiring

    OK. In that case, I've got nothing. 1979 should be one of the "newer" alloys but I really don't know if it would be OK or not. Sorry.


  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
    Posts
    28,032

    Default Re: Single strand aluminum wiring

    Quote Originally Posted by Trent Tarter View Post
    Yes they were #8 gauge wire and no they were not tin dipped. I see tin dipped wire on a regular basis. This was a 1979 built home.

    From the 1996 NEC (as far back as I have on my computer, I could go back further in books). (underlining is mine)
    - 310-3. Stranded Conductors.
    - - Where installed in raceways, conductors of size No. 8 and larger shall be stranded.
    - - - Exception: As permitted or required elsewhere in this Code.

    Are those in a raceway?

    - 310-14. Aluminum Conductor Material.
    - - Solid aluminum conductors No. 8, 10, and 12 shall be made of an AA-8000 series electrical grade aluminum alloy conductor material. Stranded aluminum conductors No. 8 through 1000 kcmil marked as Type XHHW, THW, THHW, THWN, THHN, service-entrance Type SE Style U and SE Style R shall be made of an AA-8000 series electrical grade aluminum alloy conductor material.

    Both solid and stranded were allowed for #8 AWG.

    To my knowledge, anti-oxidant paste was never "required" just always "good practice".

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

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fuquay Varina, NC
    Posts
    1,074

    Default Re: Single strand aluminum wiring

    I believe that question was asked before on this board. Point being I think it was allowed for the type of installation you are talking about because it's a "home run". One being at the breaker and one at the appliance, nothing between. At least that's how I remembered it.

    Mike Schulz License 393
    Affordable Home Inspections
    www.houseinspections.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
  •