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My home has aluminum wiring. We’re planning on renovating the bathroom. Can I use copper wire even though
everything else is aluminum?
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Yes. Actually, you
don’t have any other choice since aluminum wiring is no longer allowed in residential branch circuit wiring due to the
hazards it poses. When renovating a house with aluminum wiring, there are two important rules to remember: 1. aluminum wire and copper wire should never
come in contact with each other, as this will cause a chemical reaction between the dissimilar metals that will affect the
wiring, and; 2. any devices you install (i.e. switches, receptacles,
circuit breakers) that will be connected to aluminum wiring must be listed for that application. The way to tell is there
will be a marking somewhere on the device that says something like CU/AL or ALR. Also, it will be about 5 times more expensive
than a similar copper-wiring-only device!
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Now, during a renovation you might find that it is necessary to junction
aluminum and copper wiring together at some point. The important thing to remember is not to use a basic wire nut or wire
connector. You have to use a connector that is designed for connection of these two cables. They do make a wire nut that is
rated for use with a copper and aluminum wire twisted together. They are purple in color and usually run about $5 each! This
is the only instance (that we’re aware of) where you can actually connect copper and aluminum wiring together.
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Lastly, any wiring installed during your renovation must conform to
the latest edition of the Code where you live. Existing wiring, only if left untouched, is grandfathered in and does not need
to be updated.
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Licensed electricians serving Orange
county, Sullivan county, and Ulster county in New York (845) 888-8000
_________________________________________________________________________________________________ All information contained within this site ©2004-2016, Wurtsboro Electric Service, Inc. All rights
reserved.
Reproducing or duplicating any information contained herein is prohibited by law.
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