Aluminum/Copper connector

[mnahrgang]

Anyone seen these new copper/aluminum connectors out there? Know anything about them? I have a friend who is doing some re-modeling in his home and he wants to make sure his connections are safe. He is asking me about them, but I've not seen them before.

http://www.alcopstore.com/

[Greg Fretwell]

There have been several discussions here about these. It is probably as good a solution as there is if you have the room in the box for them. They are as good as the heavily hyped Copalum

[mnahrgang]

Originally Posted by Greg Fretwell

There have been several discussions here about these. It is probably as good a solution as there is if you have the room in the box for them. They are as good as the heavily hyped Copalum

I did a thread search, but didn't see any references. Got any links?

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

I agree with Greg. These are a good alternative to the Copalum crimps, and don't require any special training or "certifications."

The only down-sides (if you will) is that these aren't an "irreversible" connection and they require that the installer provide proper torque, which requires the proper tool. Homeowners or other unqualified personnel may be inclined to disregard the torque requirements rather than purchase a torque-driver.

[Marc D. Shunk]

I got a baggie of these for free from a salesman, but I keep forgetting that I have them. I'll have to give them a whirl one day. They are bigger than they look on an internet picture, so they'll fill the box up pretty quick. As with any aluminium termination, the use of a torque screwdriver is an absolute must. Furthermore, if an electrical contractor is installing these, his torque screwdriver had best have recent verifiable calibration as a simple CYA move. The calibration date of the torque screwdriver should be recorded on the invoice and any other paperwork associated with the aluminium job.

[tdietrich1]

There is an alternative approved torquing method. Which doesn't require a torque wrench.

Just follow the directions.

tom

P.S. The only way to make solid branch wire 100% safe is to remove it, so there is a risk associated with everything. Including crossing a street or eating, or even sleeping.

[Marc D. Shunk]

Originally Posted by tdietrich1

There is an alternative approved torquing method. Which doesn't require a torque wrench.

Just follow the directions.

Huh? The directions clearly specify a torque value for each gauge size. You really have no choice but to use a torque screwdriver, unless you happen to have a calibrated wrist.

http://www.kinginnovation.com/pdfs/5...-AlumiConn.pdf

[tdietrich1]

Originally Posted by Marc D. Shunk

unless you happen to have a calibrated wrist.

Don't have a calibrated wrist, but I do have the ability to read the whole page. Check out section labeled "Manufacturer Approved Alternative Torque Method" Now it's only for solid wire, but that's the only aluminum wire I'm VERY concerned about.

tom

[Michael R. Boyett]

3A) Manufacturer-Approved Alternate Torque Method for Use on Solid Wire Only
Using a screwdriver, tighten set screw until it comes into contact with the solid conductor. Note location of screwdriver slot and continue tightening the set screw as indicated below. Note: This method is not associated with the UL listing.

What does that last sentence mean? Does it mean the device looses UL approval if that method is used?

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

The listing is given based on use of the proper tool. That sentence pretty much says it all - it's not a listed connector unless it has been properly torqued.

[Marc D. Shunk]

Originally Posted by jpope

The listing is given based on use of the proper tool. That sentence pretty much says it all - it's not a listed connector unless it has been properly torqued.

You got it. Plus, the NEC, 110.3(B) requires electricians to install equipment in accordance with its listing and labeling. In a nutshell, it is to be installed exactly the way the UL evaluated it, or the product is basicly being misused. The manufacturer can approve a given method, but unless the UL evaluated that alternate method, it's a non-UL compliant use of the product.

You could use a radiator hose clamp to hook a ground wire to a pipe and it might do a fine job, but the UL never evaluated radiator hose clamps for grounding use. This is just a parallel example.

[jtedesco1]

Question: Are CO/ALR devices avaiable, or are they hard too find?

[Marc D. Shunk]

Originally Posted by jtedesco1

Question: Are CO/ALR devices available, or are they hard too find?

They seem to be more available in areas where aluminium branch circuit wiring was commonly installed in the day, and less available where aluminium wiring was not ever commonly installed. The ready availability concerns me some, since the mis-application of a co/alr device or fitting can create more of a hazard than leaving the device alone in the first place.

[tdietrich1]

Originally Posted by jtedesco1

Question: Are CO/ALR devices avaiable, or are they hard too find?

Lowes

[Marc D. Shunk]

Originally Posted by tdietrich1

Lowes

That's about the only place I can find them in my area as well. I very rarely need a co/alr switch or receptacle, since there is little aluminium wiring in our area. Not much point in the regular electrical suppliers stocking them. Anything can be ordered off the 'net for delivery in a couple days, so it's really no big deal.