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  1. #1
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    Dec 2008
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    Erwin, TN
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    Default Copper core with aluminum clad ??

    Wiring in electrical panel in a 1950's home, copper core with aluminum clad. Is this type wire the same as solid aluminum (the bad stuff) ??

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
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    Default Re: Copper core with aluminum clad ??

    That isn't aluminum clad copper, that is "tinned copper".

    The copper reacted with the rubber insulation, so the copper wiring was "tinned" to keep the copper separate from the rubber.

    Tinned copper was a great conductor, the issue now (meaning 'nowadays') is that the rubber insulation has likely dried out and is hard, brittle, cracked, and not much good anymore.

    I would recommend that an electrical contractor verify the condition of the rubber insulation to make sure the insulation is still good.

    http://www.ecmweb.com/test-amp-measu...stance-testing

    http://www.chauvin-arnoux.com/sites/...s/D00VEC36.PDF

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

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Maryland
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    1,970

    Default Re: Copper core with aluminum clad ??

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
    That isn't aluminum clad copper, that is "tinned copper".

    The copper reacted with the rubber insulation, so the copper wiring was "tinned" to keep the copper separate from the rubber.

    Tinned copper was a great conductor, the issue now (meaning 'nowadays') is that the rubber insulation has likely dried out and is hard, brittle, cracked, and not much good anymore.

    I would recommend that an electrical contractor verify the condition of the rubber insulation to make sure the insulation is still good.

    http://www.ecmweb.com/test-amp-measu...stance-testing

    http://www.chauvin-arnoux.com/sites/...s/D00VEC36.PDF
    Agree, tinned copper.

    There was a copper clad aluminum, but this pre-dates that.

    All answers based on unamended National Electrical codes.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    New Mexico
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    1,352

    Default Re: Copper core with aluminum clad ??

    What era was the copper clad aluminum? I don't think I've come across that one yet.

    Jim Robinson
    New Mexico, USA

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Santa Rosa, CA
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    3,154

    Default Re: Copper core with aluminum clad ??

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Robinson View Post
    What era was the copper clad aluminum? I don't think I've come across that one yet.
    Hi Jim,

    I believe it is concurrent with the aluminum from the lat 1960s-early 1970s. I have never seen it either, but a local colleague saw it once (or claims to).

    Department of Redundancy Department
    Supreme Emperor of Hyperbole
    http://www.FullCircleInspect.com/

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Chico,Ca
    Posts
    454

    Default Re: Copper core with aluminum clad ??

    Quote Originally Posted by Gunnar Alquist View Post
    Hi Jim,

    I believe it is concurrent with the aluminum from the lat 1960s-early 1970s. I have never seen it either, but a local colleague saw it once (or claims to).
    My guess it was a later attempt at keeping market share, had the "economy" of Aluminum, and the ease of terminating like copper since CO/ALR rated devices would not be required. Some wiring devices are marked "copper or copper clad wire only".


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