Aluminum wire got its bad name during the era when it was use in 15
and 20 amp circuits, with #12 and #10 wire. That stuff is a
nightmare. As an electrician that has cleaned up some of the messes,
I can supply ample horror stories.
#2 and larger sizes of AL work fine. It is important to use
antioxidant on the connections. Separate copper wire from aluminum
using a listed splicing device.
Aluminum wire will turn to white powder in an underground cable where
the insulation has been breached. This is true for DC or AC.
At 05:51 PM 7/26/2010, you wrote:
I have used AL wire in DC circuits for 30 years and have never had a
problem. If you carefully follow the protocols for working with AL
you should have the same experience. As pointed out the cost
difference can be staggering. I'm designing an o-t-g 3kW PV system
now that has this array 1300' from the batteries, AL is the only
reasonable answer.
From the Solar, Wind and Hydro powered office of Jeff
Oldham/Regenerative SOLutions
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