Garage Gazette

General Category => GENERAL DISCUSSION TO INCLUDE OFF TOPIC => Topic started by: ron350 on January 16, 2023, 07:50:56 PM

Title: CU/AL duplex outlet difference?
Post by: ron350 on January 16, 2023, 07:50:56 PM: What is the difference between a 120-V home outlet that says copper wire only and one that says copper/aluminum compatible?
Title: Re: CU/AL duplex outlet difference?
Post by: muddy on January 17, 2023, 09:30:25 PM: Interesting. I thought aluminum was outlawed years ago?

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Title: Re: CU/AL duplex outlet difference?
Post by: ron350 on January 18, 2023, 11:05:44 AM: I am asking because my neighbors house built in 1967 has aluminum wireing. The other day a duplex outlet in the kitchen became too loose to work and i replace it with a commercial grade Pass & Seymour.
When i returned home i noticed that the Pass & Seymour box says only for copper wire and not aluminum.
Title: Re: CU/AL duplex outlet difference?
Post by: wantedabiggergarage on January 18, 2023, 06:07:44 PM: Quote from: muddy on January 17, 2023, 09:30:25 PM
Interesting. I thought aluminum was outlawed years ago?

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It was, internally. My parents old house had that wiring and you were supposed to use those special outlets along with some kind of anti-corrosion gel. I thought the difference is the type of metal or its coating, so the aluminum wire doesn't corrode. The gel is to help stop the oxygen/oxidation.

They still use aluminum for the box drops to the best of my knowledge.
Title: Re: CU/AL duplex outlet difference?
Post by: slip knot on January 18, 2023, 06:31:23 PM: The cu/al has a different alloy on the connectors. The No-ox gel is good to have around too but the aluminum wire will still corrode in the wrong fixture. Ali wire is ok when used properly. We had a generator installed in one of our facilities and they used aluminum wire for it. kinda odd to see someone pick up 25ft of 500MCM wire with one hand. :lol_hitting:

There is some copper clad aluminum wiring on the market now but I haven't had to deal with that just yet.
Title: Re: CU/AL duplex outlet difference?
Post by: ron350 on January 18, 2023, 07:14:44 PM: Thanks for the help.

It looks like i will be going to Lowe's and Home Depot and find a good aluminum rated duplex.
Title: Re: CU/AL duplex outlet difference?
Post by: fatfillup on January 19, 2023, 07:48:38 AM: Good on ya for helping the neighbor and plus getting the right fixture
Title: Re: CU/AL duplex outlet difference?
Post by: ron350 on January 20, 2023, 04:59:01 PM: Well i tried my best to find a commercial grade duplex outlet that was compatible with aluminum wire but had no luck.

Sad but all i can find is a cheap $4 Leviton duplex #H51-12650 at Home Depot. At least it has white metal screws and contacts on both hot and neutral.