Getting ready to start a kitchen remodel. The house has aluminum wiring (1965). I would like to eliminate all of the aluminum wiring for the kitchen and run new copper from breaker box to kitchen. The walls will be open so not a big deal. Is copper and aluminum in the same breaker box allowable? Can I use the same breakers for copper wire or do I need to swap them out.
litefoot
Replies
As far as I know, there are no breakers or other branch circuit components rated for AL only. But if there is such a restriction it will be printed on the breaker. Pull one of the breakers and check, just to be sure.
They make switches and recepticles tha are rated for aluminum. Expensive little buggers but they are out there.
Wop bop a loo bop a lop bam boom!
Yeah, but they're rated CU/AL (or rather CU/ALR, to indicate the "improved" version).
If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy. --James Madison
The breaker you are connecting to probably has copper on the lugs. Anytime you make a connection from aluminum to copper coat the wire in anti oxidation grease. (De ox)
That's really the easiest way to explain it, rememeber that rule and you'll be alright.
Wop bop a loo bop a lop bam boom!
Edited 4/10/2006 8:54 pm ET by Gunner
Arn't breakers cheap? Wire is too.
Make it all new. Just my point of view.
TRIGGER
Aluminum wire expands and contracts.
Causes bad connections.
TRIGGER
Most breakers are rated for both Al and Cu, pull one out and check the label.
To All
Thank you for the replies. You answered all my questions. My original plan was to replace all wire and breakers as needed. I just needed some sound advice to verify my game plan. Thanks again.
Mark