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Is It Safe To Install Aluminum Wire?

I have heard people say bad things aluminum wire, is it safe to use? Safe Practices When Installing Aluminum Electrical Wiring.


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Aluminum Wire
Electrical Wiring Question: I have a few questions concerning moving my service and increasing the load center size.
The service will come into the garage where the main load center will be. From there a 100 to 125 amp sub-panel in the house will be fed. There will also be a 100amp sub-panel in the shop fed from the main load center. From the main load center I want to have circuits for the garage, pool equipment, and a sump pump. The existing service is pretty piece-milled together and currently overhead; it will be changed to underground.
What size and type wire do I need coming into the meter for a 200amp load center?
Also, what size non-metallic conduit do I need? If I need more than a 200amp main panel, could I have a 200amp and say a 100amp side-by-side coming off one meter can?

I have heard people say bad things aluminum wire,  is it safe to use?

Thanks,
Mark

Additional Comments: Awesome!
Background: Mark, a Homeowner from Spring, Texas

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your Electrical Wiring Question Mark.

Installing Copper verses Aluminum Electrical Wire

Copper Wire is my first choice, however I do install Aluminum Wire as well.

Safe Practices When Installing Aluminum Electrical Wiring
Aluminum wire is safe when the materials and methods of installation are correct as described in this list:

Interesting Note:
Most all high voltage electrical utility services are aluminum wire or an aluminum alloy wire because it would be cost prohibited to install copper.

Applications Where Aluminum Wire Is Not Allowed

Please note that there are some restrictions that prohibit the use of aluminum wire.
For example: mobile homes, air conditioners and in some locations or other applications.
Check with your local building department or jurisdiction.

More about Electrical Wiring

Home Electrical Sub-Panels
electrical-panel-wiring

Sub-Panel Electrical Wiring for the Home

Electrical sub-panel wiring considerations for the home complete with pictures. Careful planning for your Sub-Panel with immediate and future load considerations will help you understand how to size your Sub-Panel. This information will help as you consider a Sub-Panel and its size.

Basic House Wiring Circuits
home-electrical-circuits

House Wiring Circuits and Circuit Breakers

This article looks at common 120 volt and 240 volt house wiring circuits and the circuit breakers that are installed identifying the types and amperage sizes used in most homes.

Home Electrical Circuits
home-electrical-circuits

Electric Circuit Listing

The size of the home electrical service panel is designed by calculating the square footage of the home and factoring in the code requirements for the electrical circuits that are required.

Guide to Home Electrical Wire
electrical-wire

Electrical Wire for the Home

Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.

How to Install Garage Electrical Wiring
garage-electrical-wiring

Garage Electrical Wiring

Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Garage Electrical Wiring with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects.

Using Electrical Testers and Voltage Meters
digital-tester

Understanding Digital Volt Meters

When working on home electrical wiring using voltage meter can play an important part in electrical safety. Electrical testers and voltage meters enable you to identify electrical circuits and help prevent the possibility of accidental electrical shock.

Information about GFCI Wiring, which you might find useful:

GFCI Wiring
GFCI Wiring

GFCI Wiring

This list of articles will help you learn about the features and benefits provided by GFI and GFCI Receptacles and how they are wired.


The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my Online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example


Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


More articles about Aluminum Wire, Electrical Training, Electrical Wiring and Home Electrical Wiring:
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