Connecting 6 gauge aluminum wiring to 10 gauge copper with AlumiConn












4















I am replacing a 20 year old wall oven. When I opened the electrical box I noticed very large gauge aluminum wiring (6 gauge?). I purchased a box of AlumiConns (3 port style) to connect the aluminum wiring to the 10 gauge copper wire in my new oven.



Can I simply untwist a couple aluminum strands from the larger bundle? I plan to insert two aluminum strands into two ports on my AlumiConn and the 3rd port will go to the oven's copper wire.



Note in the 2nd photo below that there was no anti-corrosive paste inside the wire nuts. I was a little surprised how well this 20 year old connection stood the test of time, the wire nuts showed no sign of getting hot and the old copper and aluminum wire looked fresh. I'd still like to update the connection to current code and not have to worry about a future electrical fire decades from now.



Aluminum wire bundleOld oven connection aluminum bundle to oven's copper wire










share|improve this question

























  • While this isn't a dismissal of the risks, I've seen the same thing in joining aluminum and copper without paste and no evidence of corrosion (knock on wood). The real danger of such connections is that if they get warm the wires work loose and can cause an arcing situation.

    – Machavity
    Jan 30 at 3:51













  • Your right about arcing. I specifically looked to see if this 20 y/o connection showed signs of arcing but after unwrapping the electrical tape and untwisting all 3 nuts, I was surprised how fresh everything looked. I wonder if this was to code back in 1999/2000 (other than the missing nut to hold the armored cable from pulling out).

    – Julius Seizure
    Jan 31 at 19:10
















4















I am replacing a 20 year old wall oven. When I opened the electrical box I noticed very large gauge aluminum wiring (6 gauge?). I purchased a box of AlumiConns (3 port style) to connect the aluminum wiring to the 10 gauge copper wire in my new oven.



Can I simply untwist a couple aluminum strands from the larger bundle? I plan to insert two aluminum strands into two ports on my AlumiConn and the 3rd port will go to the oven's copper wire.



Note in the 2nd photo below that there was no anti-corrosive paste inside the wire nuts. I was a little surprised how well this 20 year old connection stood the test of time, the wire nuts showed no sign of getting hot and the old copper and aluminum wire looked fresh. I'd still like to update the connection to current code and not have to worry about a future electrical fire decades from now.



Aluminum wire bundleOld oven connection aluminum bundle to oven's copper wire










share|improve this question

























  • While this isn't a dismissal of the risks, I've seen the same thing in joining aluminum and copper without paste and no evidence of corrosion (knock on wood). The real danger of such connections is that if they get warm the wires work loose and can cause an arcing situation.

    – Machavity
    Jan 30 at 3:51













  • Your right about arcing. I specifically looked to see if this 20 y/o connection showed signs of arcing but after unwrapping the electrical tape and untwisting all 3 nuts, I was surprised how fresh everything looked. I wonder if this was to code back in 1999/2000 (other than the missing nut to hold the armored cable from pulling out).

    – Julius Seizure
    Jan 31 at 19:10














4












4








4


1






I am replacing a 20 year old wall oven. When I opened the electrical box I noticed very large gauge aluminum wiring (6 gauge?). I purchased a box of AlumiConns (3 port style) to connect the aluminum wiring to the 10 gauge copper wire in my new oven.



Can I simply untwist a couple aluminum strands from the larger bundle? I plan to insert two aluminum strands into two ports on my AlumiConn and the 3rd port will go to the oven's copper wire.



Note in the 2nd photo below that there was no anti-corrosive paste inside the wire nuts. I was a little surprised how well this 20 year old connection stood the test of time, the wire nuts showed no sign of getting hot and the old copper and aluminum wire looked fresh. I'd still like to update the connection to current code and not have to worry about a future electrical fire decades from now.



Aluminum wire bundleOld oven connection aluminum bundle to oven's copper wire










share|improve this question
















I am replacing a 20 year old wall oven. When I opened the electrical box I noticed very large gauge aluminum wiring (6 gauge?). I purchased a box of AlumiConns (3 port style) to connect the aluminum wiring to the 10 gauge copper wire in my new oven.



Can I simply untwist a couple aluminum strands from the larger bundle? I plan to insert two aluminum strands into two ports on my AlumiConn and the 3rd port will go to the oven's copper wire.



Note in the 2nd photo below that there was no anti-corrosive paste inside the wire nuts. I was a little surprised how well this 20 year old connection stood the test of time, the wire nuts showed no sign of getting hot and the old copper and aluminum wire looked fresh. I'd still like to update the connection to current code and not have to worry about a future electrical fire decades from now.



Aluminum wire bundleOld oven connection aluminum bundle to oven's copper wire







electrical aluminum-wiring splicing






share|improve this question















share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited Jan 30 at 4:02









Machavity

8,13621940




8,13621940










asked Jan 29 at 23:30









Julius SeizureJulius Seizure

235




235













  • While this isn't a dismissal of the risks, I've seen the same thing in joining aluminum and copper without paste and no evidence of corrosion (knock on wood). The real danger of such connections is that if they get warm the wires work loose and can cause an arcing situation.

    – Machavity
    Jan 30 at 3:51













  • Your right about arcing. I specifically looked to see if this 20 y/o connection showed signs of arcing but after unwrapping the electrical tape and untwisting all 3 nuts, I was surprised how fresh everything looked. I wonder if this was to code back in 1999/2000 (other than the missing nut to hold the armored cable from pulling out).

    – Julius Seizure
    Jan 31 at 19:10



















  • While this isn't a dismissal of the risks, I've seen the same thing in joining aluminum and copper without paste and no evidence of corrosion (knock on wood). The real danger of such connections is that if they get warm the wires work loose and can cause an arcing situation.

    – Machavity
    Jan 30 at 3:51













  • Your right about arcing. I specifically looked to see if this 20 y/o connection showed signs of arcing but after unwrapping the electrical tape and untwisting all 3 nuts, I was surprised how fresh everything looked. I wonder if this was to code back in 1999/2000 (other than the missing nut to hold the armored cable from pulling out).

    – Julius Seizure
    Jan 31 at 19:10

















While this isn't a dismissal of the risks, I've seen the same thing in joining aluminum and copper without paste and no evidence of corrosion (knock on wood). The real danger of such connections is that if they get warm the wires work loose and can cause an arcing situation.

– Machavity
Jan 30 at 3:51







While this isn't a dismissal of the risks, I've seen the same thing in joining aluminum and copper without paste and no evidence of corrosion (knock on wood). The real danger of such connections is that if they get warm the wires work loose and can cause an arcing situation.

– Machavity
Jan 30 at 3:51















Your right about arcing. I specifically looked to see if this 20 y/o connection showed signs of arcing but after unwrapping the electrical tape and untwisting all 3 nuts, I was surprised how fresh everything looked. I wonder if this was to code back in 1999/2000 (other than the missing nut to hold the armored cable from pulling out).

– Julius Seizure
Jan 31 at 19:10





Your right about arcing. I specifically looked to see if this 20 y/o connection showed signs of arcing but after unwrapping the electrical tape and untwisting all 3 nuts, I was surprised how fresh everything looked. I wonder if this was to code back in 1999/2000 (other than the missing nut to hold the armored cable from pulling out).

– Julius Seizure
Jan 31 at 19:10










3 Answers
3






active

oldest

votes


















6














Use a mechanical lug connector ("Polaris" or equivalent)



AlumiConns are only rated for a maximum of 10AWG wire. For fatter work, you'll want their bigger brothers, mechanical lug connectors (sometimes called "Polaris connectors" after a common brand name) -- the smallest size of them is generally rated for wires anywhere from 14AWG to 4AWG, and as a rule, they are dual-rated for aluminum and copper wire.



You will also likely need a box extension ring or two, as mechanical lug connectors are quite chunky compared to wirenuts or Alumiconns, and you definitely need an appropriate connector to attach the flexible conduit to the box, as right now, it's violating several Code sections by flapping around in the breeze like that. If the extension rings aren't enough, then you'll have to replace the box with a small (6" by 6" by 4" should be ample) NEMA 1 (indoor) pull box -- these are what is used instead of a junction box when splicing large wires, and are available through electrical supply houses.






share|improve this answer


























  • Your right that stuffing 3 Polaris connectors won't fit. What type of box would work, assuming no restrictions. The empty space both behind and to the side of the new oven is absolutely huge.

    – Julius Seizure
    Jan 31 at 19:15






  • 1





    @JuliusSeizure -- if you need to replace the box, use a 6x6x4 NEMA 1 pull box -- they're what's typically used when splicing larger wires.

    – ThreePhaseEel
    Jan 31 at 23:53



















4














No, it's illegal to split wires like that. Aside from failing on 110.12 neat and workmanlike, it is also paralleling (not allowed without special appartus) and 110.3b using a product inconsistent with it labeling/instructions.



You need a lug connector rated for #6. Loks like an Alumiconn but is rated for #6. This is readily available at any proper electrical supply, Home Depot won't have it of course.






share|improve this answer



















  • 2





    Ironically (per ThreePhase's answer) Home Depot does sell lug connectors, just not in-store

    – Machavity
    Jan 30 at 4:00



















2














Alumicons are rated for




Aluminum Wire Range: Min #12 / Max #10



Copper Wire Range: Min #18 / Max #10




So your #6 Al wire is way over, not even close. One way to go would be Al-Cu split bolts, but making these up properly takes some skill. You may need a box extension for that box, too.



The flexible metallic conduit is not connected to the box properly. You need a connector fitting.






share|improve this answer
























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    3 Answers
    3






    active

    oldest

    votes








    3 Answers
    3






    active

    oldest

    votes









    active

    oldest

    votes






    active

    oldest

    votes









    6














    Use a mechanical lug connector ("Polaris" or equivalent)



    AlumiConns are only rated for a maximum of 10AWG wire. For fatter work, you'll want their bigger brothers, mechanical lug connectors (sometimes called "Polaris connectors" after a common brand name) -- the smallest size of them is generally rated for wires anywhere from 14AWG to 4AWG, and as a rule, they are dual-rated for aluminum and copper wire.



    You will also likely need a box extension ring or two, as mechanical lug connectors are quite chunky compared to wirenuts or Alumiconns, and you definitely need an appropriate connector to attach the flexible conduit to the box, as right now, it's violating several Code sections by flapping around in the breeze like that. If the extension rings aren't enough, then you'll have to replace the box with a small (6" by 6" by 4" should be ample) NEMA 1 (indoor) pull box -- these are what is used instead of a junction box when splicing large wires, and are available through electrical supply houses.






    share|improve this answer


























    • Your right that stuffing 3 Polaris connectors won't fit. What type of box would work, assuming no restrictions. The empty space both behind and to the side of the new oven is absolutely huge.

      – Julius Seizure
      Jan 31 at 19:15






    • 1





      @JuliusSeizure -- if you need to replace the box, use a 6x6x4 NEMA 1 pull box -- they're what's typically used when splicing larger wires.

      – ThreePhaseEel
      Jan 31 at 23:53
















    6














    Use a mechanical lug connector ("Polaris" or equivalent)



    AlumiConns are only rated for a maximum of 10AWG wire. For fatter work, you'll want their bigger brothers, mechanical lug connectors (sometimes called "Polaris connectors" after a common brand name) -- the smallest size of them is generally rated for wires anywhere from 14AWG to 4AWG, and as a rule, they are dual-rated for aluminum and copper wire.



    You will also likely need a box extension ring or two, as mechanical lug connectors are quite chunky compared to wirenuts or Alumiconns, and you definitely need an appropriate connector to attach the flexible conduit to the box, as right now, it's violating several Code sections by flapping around in the breeze like that. If the extension rings aren't enough, then you'll have to replace the box with a small (6" by 6" by 4" should be ample) NEMA 1 (indoor) pull box -- these are what is used instead of a junction box when splicing large wires, and are available through electrical supply houses.






    share|improve this answer


























    • Your right that stuffing 3 Polaris connectors won't fit. What type of box would work, assuming no restrictions. The empty space both behind and to the side of the new oven is absolutely huge.

      – Julius Seizure
      Jan 31 at 19:15






    • 1





      @JuliusSeizure -- if you need to replace the box, use a 6x6x4 NEMA 1 pull box -- they're what's typically used when splicing larger wires.

      – ThreePhaseEel
      Jan 31 at 23:53














    6












    6








    6







    Use a mechanical lug connector ("Polaris" or equivalent)



    AlumiConns are only rated for a maximum of 10AWG wire. For fatter work, you'll want their bigger brothers, mechanical lug connectors (sometimes called "Polaris connectors" after a common brand name) -- the smallest size of them is generally rated for wires anywhere from 14AWG to 4AWG, and as a rule, they are dual-rated for aluminum and copper wire.



    You will also likely need a box extension ring or two, as mechanical lug connectors are quite chunky compared to wirenuts or Alumiconns, and you definitely need an appropriate connector to attach the flexible conduit to the box, as right now, it's violating several Code sections by flapping around in the breeze like that. If the extension rings aren't enough, then you'll have to replace the box with a small (6" by 6" by 4" should be ample) NEMA 1 (indoor) pull box -- these are what is used instead of a junction box when splicing large wires, and are available through electrical supply houses.






    share|improve this answer















    Use a mechanical lug connector ("Polaris" or equivalent)



    AlumiConns are only rated for a maximum of 10AWG wire. For fatter work, you'll want their bigger brothers, mechanical lug connectors (sometimes called "Polaris connectors" after a common brand name) -- the smallest size of them is generally rated for wires anywhere from 14AWG to 4AWG, and as a rule, they are dual-rated for aluminum and copper wire.



    You will also likely need a box extension ring or two, as mechanical lug connectors are quite chunky compared to wirenuts or Alumiconns, and you definitely need an appropriate connector to attach the flexible conduit to the box, as right now, it's violating several Code sections by flapping around in the breeze like that. If the extension rings aren't enough, then you'll have to replace the box with a small (6" by 6" by 4" should be ample) NEMA 1 (indoor) pull box -- these are what is used instead of a junction box when splicing large wires, and are available through electrical supply houses.







    share|improve this answer














    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer








    edited Feb 1 at 1:58

























    answered Jan 30 at 0:25









    ThreePhaseEelThreePhaseEel

    32.8k115198




    32.8k115198













    • Your right that stuffing 3 Polaris connectors won't fit. What type of box would work, assuming no restrictions. The empty space both behind and to the side of the new oven is absolutely huge.

      – Julius Seizure
      Jan 31 at 19:15






    • 1





      @JuliusSeizure -- if you need to replace the box, use a 6x6x4 NEMA 1 pull box -- they're what's typically used when splicing larger wires.

      – ThreePhaseEel
      Jan 31 at 23:53



















    • Your right that stuffing 3 Polaris connectors won't fit. What type of box would work, assuming no restrictions. The empty space both behind and to the side of the new oven is absolutely huge.

      – Julius Seizure
      Jan 31 at 19:15






    • 1





      @JuliusSeizure -- if you need to replace the box, use a 6x6x4 NEMA 1 pull box -- they're what's typically used when splicing larger wires.

      – ThreePhaseEel
      Jan 31 at 23:53

















    Your right that stuffing 3 Polaris connectors won't fit. What type of box would work, assuming no restrictions. The empty space both behind and to the side of the new oven is absolutely huge.

    – Julius Seizure
    Jan 31 at 19:15





    Your right that stuffing 3 Polaris connectors won't fit. What type of box would work, assuming no restrictions. The empty space both behind and to the side of the new oven is absolutely huge.

    – Julius Seizure
    Jan 31 at 19:15




    1




    1





    @JuliusSeizure -- if you need to replace the box, use a 6x6x4 NEMA 1 pull box -- they're what's typically used when splicing larger wires.

    – ThreePhaseEel
    Jan 31 at 23:53





    @JuliusSeizure -- if you need to replace the box, use a 6x6x4 NEMA 1 pull box -- they're what's typically used when splicing larger wires.

    – ThreePhaseEel
    Jan 31 at 23:53













    4














    No, it's illegal to split wires like that. Aside from failing on 110.12 neat and workmanlike, it is also paralleling (not allowed without special appartus) and 110.3b using a product inconsistent with it labeling/instructions.



    You need a lug connector rated for #6. Loks like an Alumiconn but is rated for #6. This is readily available at any proper electrical supply, Home Depot won't have it of course.






    share|improve this answer



















    • 2





      Ironically (per ThreePhase's answer) Home Depot does sell lug connectors, just not in-store

      – Machavity
      Jan 30 at 4:00
















    4














    No, it's illegal to split wires like that. Aside from failing on 110.12 neat and workmanlike, it is also paralleling (not allowed without special appartus) and 110.3b using a product inconsistent with it labeling/instructions.



    You need a lug connector rated for #6. Loks like an Alumiconn but is rated for #6. This is readily available at any proper electrical supply, Home Depot won't have it of course.






    share|improve this answer



















    • 2





      Ironically (per ThreePhase's answer) Home Depot does sell lug connectors, just not in-store

      – Machavity
      Jan 30 at 4:00














    4












    4








    4







    No, it's illegal to split wires like that. Aside from failing on 110.12 neat and workmanlike, it is also paralleling (not allowed without special appartus) and 110.3b using a product inconsistent with it labeling/instructions.



    You need a lug connector rated for #6. Loks like an Alumiconn but is rated for #6. This is readily available at any proper electrical supply, Home Depot won't have it of course.






    share|improve this answer













    No, it's illegal to split wires like that. Aside from failing on 110.12 neat and workmanlike, it is also paralleling (not allowed without special appartus) and 110.3b using a product inconsistent with it labeling/instructions.



    You need a lug connector rated for #6. Loks like an Alumiconn but is rated for #6. This is readily available at any proper electrical supply, Home Depot won't have it of course.







    share|improve this answer












    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer










    answered Jan 29 at 23:53









    HarperHarper

    75.3k449150




    75.3k449150








    • 2





      Ironically (per ThreePhase's answer) Home Depot does sell lug connectors, just not in-store

      – Machavity
      Jan 30 at 4:00














    • 2





      Ironically (per ThreePhase's answer) Home Depot does sell lug connectors, just not in-store

      – Machavity
      Jan 30 at 4:00








    2




    2





    Ironically (per ThreePhase's answer) Home Depot does sell lug connectors, just not in-store

    – Machavity
    Jan 30 at 4:00





    Ironically (per ThreePhase's answer) Home Depot does sell lug connectors, just not in-store

    – Machavity
    Jan 30 at 4:00











    2














    Alumicons are rated for




    Aluminum Wire Range: Min #12 / Max #10



    Copper Wire Range: Min #18 / Max #10




    So your #6 Al wire is way over, not even close. One way to go would be Al-Cu split bolts, but making these up properly takes some skill. You may need a box extension for that box, too.



    The flexible metallic conduit is not connected to the box properly. You need a connector fitting.






    share|improve this answer




























      2














      Alumicons are rated for




      Aluminum Wire Range: Min #12 / Max #10



      Copper Wire Range: Min #18 / Max #10




      So your #6 Al wire is way over, not even close. One way to go would be Al-Cu split bolts, but making these up properly takes some skill. You may need a box extension for that box, too.



      The flexible metallic conduit is not connected to the box properly. You need a connector fitting.






      share|improve this answer


























        2












        2








        2







        Alumicons are rated for




        Aluminum Wire Range: Min #12 / Max #10



        Copper Wire Range: Min #18 / Max #10




        So your #6 Al wire is way over, not even close. One way to go would be Al-Cu split bolts, but making these up properly takes some skill. You may need a box extension for that box, too.



        The flexible metallic conduit is not connected to the box properly. You need a connector fitting.






        share|improve this answer













        Alumicons are rated for




        Aluminum Wire Range: Min #12 / Max #10



        Copper Wire Range: Min #18 / Max #10




        So your #6 Al wire is way over, not even close. One way to go would be Al-Cu split bolts, but making these up properly takes some skill. You may need a box extension for that box, too.



        The flexible metallic conduit is not connected to the box properly. You need a connector fitting.







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered Jan 29 at 23:42









        batsplatstersonbatsplatsterson

        13.7k11742




        13.7k11742






























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