Originally Posted By: anatol polillo This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Fellow Inspectors,
Inspected a townhouse today. 5 years old. The service panel was fine, except for the dryer circuit, AL with no anit-oxidant at breaker. Square D, so that might not be a problem. The ground to the copper water supply was AL. It had the paste in the box, but not where it was attached to the copper main water supply. I did not write it up, but it seems that if it has it in the box, it should have it at the other end of the connection. Am I out of my mind???
Originally Posted By: rbracklow This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Anatol,
I have seen many wiring jobs that use AL for grounds and also the service drop Neutral wiring. AL is legal to use in some areas as long as it is sized correctly, usually two wire sizes larger due to the increased resistance, and to be as short and direct wired as possible to insure that no voltage drop exists.
Have fun!! 
Originally Posted By: Bob Badger This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Quote:
250.62 Grounding Electrode Conductor Material.
The grounding electrode conductor shall be of copper, aluminum, or copper-clad aluminum. The material selected shall be resistant to any corrosive condition existing at the installation or shall be suitably protected against corrosion. The conductor shall be solid or stranded, insulated, covered, or bare.
The use of anti-oxidation paste is good practice but not required.
I will add that aluminum wire is still installed every day with no problems.
Originally Posted By: jtedesco This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
It should also be noted that:
Quote:
250.64(A) Aluminum or Copper-Clad Aluminum Conductors.
Bare aluminum or copper-clad aluminum grounding conductors shall not be used where in direct contact with masonry or the earth or where subject to corrosive conditions.
Where used outside, aluminum or copper-clad aluminum grounding conductors shall not be terminated within 450 mm (18 in.) of the earth.