Aluminium is a good wiring method as long as it is installed properly. That is the problem if it is not it can be recipe for disaster.

Over the years I have investigated many fires where not aluminium wire was the cause, but how it was installed.

There are devices such as receptacles approved for AL, but many times the home owner will replace it with one bought at k-mart which is not approved for AL. Since the expansion rate of Al is greater than CU the wire will become loose on the receptacle terminal and start to heat,this can cause a fire.

Another issue if you nick one of the conductors while putting them in the ground it is usually just a matter of time before it will need to be replaced. If it happens to be in your service lateral and you lose one phase which creates a low voltage back fed, motors beware, you could lose your freezer and frig.

Al is a good alternative and will save money, especially with the price now of copper, but it requires a more secure method of installation.

Jim Yancey-NCDOI Engineering Consultant