Can a service wire be aluminum?
Can a service wire be aluminum?
Yes. In most cases, you must use an AA-8000 series aluminum alloy building wire as required in NEC 310.14. There are some exceptions, notably underground service entrance conductors that terminate outside a building. Aluminum conductors are larger in size than equal ampacity copper conductors.
Why is aluminum wire used for service entrance?
Aluminum provides a better conductivity to weight ratio than copper, and therefore is also used for wiring power grids, including overhead power transmission lines and local power distribution lines, as well as for power wiring of some airplanes. It has cost and weight advantages over copper wires.
What size aluminum wire do I need for 200 amp service?
Wiring 200 amp service requires either #2/0 copper wiring or #4/0 aluminum or aluminum clad wiring. Which wire used is determined by the voltage drop and length of the wiring. Many electrical contractors opt to use #4/0 aluminum or copper-clad wire.
What is SER aluminum cable?
Aluminum SER cable is primarily used as panel feeder in multiple unit dwellings and for branch circuits. Maximum operating temperature is not to exceed 90°C in wet or dry locations. Voltage rating is 600 volts. CONDUCTORS: • 8000 series aluminum alloy, solid or compact stranded.
Can you connect aluminum wire to copper?
The only way considered safe to connect copper and aluminum is through a splice connector. Specifically, you have to connect the wires individually so they are not prone to corrosion.
Can you mix copper and aluminum service wire?
What is the ampacity of #2 aluminum?
Allowable Ampacities of Insulated Aluminum or CopperClad Aluminum Conductors
| Conductor Size (AWG/KCMIL) | 60°C/140°F TW, UF | 90°C/194°F TBS, SA, SIS, FEP, FEPB, MI, RHH, RHW-2, THHN, THHW, THW-2, THWN-2, XHH, XHHW, XHHW-2, USE-2, ZW |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 65 | 85 |
| 2 | 75 | 100 |
| 1 | 85 | 115 |
| 1/0 | 100 | 135 |
What is SER cable for?
SER cable is known as aluminum service entrance cable which is a type SE (service entrance), Style R (reinforcement tape) cable that is commonly used to deliver power from the service drop down to the meter base, and then from the meter base to the distribution panel board.
What size aluminum wire is rated for 60 amps?
| Ground wire, service entrance, circuit, breaker wire size chart rating | ||
|---|---|---|
| Service or Feeder Rating | Aluminum conductor | Copper conductor |
| 40 amp | #6 AWG | #8 AWG |
| 50 amp | #4 AWG | #6 AWG |
| 60 amp | #3 AWG | #4 AWG |
What kind of service entrance cable is aluminum?
Aluminum Service Entrance Cable Product Selection (SEU Cable) SEU is a type SE (service entrance), Unarmored (U) cable. Aluminum SEU cable is primarily used as panel feeder in multiple unit dwellings and for branch circuits. Service Entrance Cable Properties
Is it safe to use aluminum service cables?
Aluminum electrical service entry cables (SECs): This article summarizes possible safety and functional concerns with the use of aluminum wiring for service entry cables or electrical panel components in buildings, and provides a link to the aluminum wiring information website.
What kind of wire do you use for a service entrance?
Wire & Cable Your Way offers SER and SEU Aluminum Building Wire at the best prices you’ll find anywhere, and it’s all available by the foot with no cut charges. The cable is rated at 600 volts and 90ºC for use in wet and dry locations.
What kind of cable is a ser cable?
SER is a type SE (service entrance), Style R (reinforcement tape) cable, used as an above ground service entrance cable, a panel feeder and in branch circuits. It is most often used to deliver power from the service drop down to the meter base, and from the meter base to the distribution panel board.