Is this aluminum wire ?
#1
10-12-14, 04:42 PM
Is this aluminum wire ?
This is in a distribution panel and I think was the original main panel for the house (now replaced with a separate Siemens 200A).
All the other wire seems to be copper coloured...
If so, should it be replaced?
The big white wire central:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwS...ew?usp=sharing
All the other wire seems to be copper coloured...
If so, should it be replaced?
The big white wire central:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwS...ew?usp=sharing
Last edited by qwertyjjj; 10-12-14 at 05:04 PM.
#2
10-12-14, 04:55 PM
Yes, the service entrance is probably aluminum and should have an adequate amount of NoAlox on it. What is the panel being used for? I know you said a "distribution" panel, but that definition is vague. If it is in place, properly protected from corrosion and serves a purpose, leave it.
#6
10-12-14, 07:20 PM
Yes, the service entrance is probably aluminum and should have an adequate amount of NoAlox on it. What is the panel being used for? I know you said a "distribution" panel, but that definition is vague. If it is in place, properly protected from corrosion and serves a purpose, leave it.
Red wire on the neutral buss????
However, it connects to a 15A single pole breaker. It powers the cooker extract fan.
I can only think someone has just used whatever wire they had left and that red is actually a neutral?
Why would you think it needs to be replaced?
Although in this case, that alu wire connects to a 50A 2 pole breaker on the main panel.
#7
10-12-14, 07:36 PM
Cables don't "come from" but rather service items. If it was 12-2 there would not have been a red wire in the cable. Hack job at best. No the aluminum does not need replacing.
#8
10-12-14, 07:41 PM
Group Moderator
Larry.... in Canada they have dedicated wiring for 240v use. It has a red jacket and a red and black wire inside. It's mostly used with electric heaters.
In theory the red wire should have been taped white. Our code doesn't allow it. I don't know how it's handled in the CEC.
In theory the red wire should have been taped white. Our code doesn't allow it. I don't know how it's handled in the CEC.
#11
10-12-14, 09:30 PM
Member
I find that picture kind of funny, nobody (in my city) uses red loomex because they don't want to buy separate rolls or lengths of wire. And now a few of qwerty's pictures show it and its not installed right. 
To make it kosher, just tape the red wires with white tape, or even better buy some white shrink tape.
And aluminum feeders are nothing to worry about. We use them all the time because it is cheaper than copper. But it doesn't look like you have a healthy amount, if any at all, noalox. It might be worthwhile to have somebody come apply NoAlox on your wires.
http://www.homedepot.ca/product/noal...-in-cap/934874
To make it kosher, just tape the red wires with white tape, or even better buy some white shrink tape.
And aluminum feeders are nothing to worry about. We use them all the time because it is cheaper than copper. But it doesn't look like you have a healthy amount, if any at all, noalox. It might be worthwhile to have somebody come apply NoAlox on your wires.
http://www.homedepot.ca/product/noal...-in-cap/934874
#13
10-12-14, 11:54 PM
Join Date: Mar 2006
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I agree with Justin. Since it is a rubber insulated conductor it is most likely tinned copper. Nothing to be overly concerned about. Tinned copper was used with rubber insulation because bare copper has a tendency to corrode when in contact with natural rubber.
#14
10-13-14, 07:04 AM
Forum Topic Moderator
The use of No-Alox is not required for aluminum conductors. Its' use is considered a good trade practice.
