New 2023 build. Single stranded 14-gauge “silver” wiring leading into 2x 15 amp breakers labeled for the surge protector. Couldn’t see cut ends…
Are these tinned copper leads? No way they used single stranded aluminum for a new build… right? What am I missing here?
It’s fine, what comes with the surge protector.
Likely tinned copper.
Either way listed for the purpose and there is no installation error.
Just check that the replace LED is still lit
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Tinned copper or aluminum single-strand on a new build? I feel like Rip-Van Winckle and must have just woke up from a nap and missed something. The pics are hard to make out but that does look like aluminum. Splitting hairs but that’s on a 240V circuit and Oregon SOPs, which are generally based off ASHI, require calling out 120V single strand aluminun.
I’m still in disbelief that single/solid aluminum smaller gauge is being used again. I’m thinking maybe there is some lighter colored copper going around?
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It’s probably tinned copper but regardless of what it is it’s attached to a piece of listed electrical equipment so as long as it’s connected according to the instructions there is no issue to report.
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Robert, its for equipment, not a lighting circuit. Only thing unusual is I am use to seeing smaller awg solid AL and not larger awg and strand AL. Am I looking at this properly?
Either/or, I would refer for review by a licensed electrical contractor.
So why is the bonding conductor copper? I would call Schneider Electric USA. to check.
The visible copper wire is NOT from the device. All three device wires enter the knockout, per the installation manual.
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That’s correct, the bare copper conductor is for the intersystem bonding terminal.
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Does anyone else think the Solid wire conductor(s) is NOT for the Surge Protector?
Every SP of this design that I have ever seen utilized a multi-strand conductor(s).
Would like to see a photo of where the SP wiring enters the panel.
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Robert M. would be able to source NEC code best. A few considerations that come to mind:
- The solid strand aluminum wire in question that connects to that 2 pole appears to be 12/2 gauge
- Aluminum alloy single strand used in the 60’s & 70’s had a different composition than what we use today
- Even if single strand allowed per NEC code for a 15/20 amp, I’d be concerned with the rating for the termination points. Make sure the termination points or devices are rated for single strand aluminum 12/2.
- Just a personal perspective and nothing to do with a report, the workmanship looks sloppy. This can supplement the other concern we are talking about here.
We just performed a PCA on a large apartment complex built in 1974. The apartment units in the complex had aluminum wiring. We have several concerns that were apparent. It is a long story. I dont want to hijack this thread, so maybe I’ll try to post a pics and details in the member only section.
Anthony, not sure on all the details of this inspection, but in some capacity, this would likely make it into my report.
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Surprisingly, this one does come with solid wiring according to the spec sheet. But it is supposed to be 14awg, and the ones in the OP’s picture almost look like 12awg.
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So, that states the connection method, not what was supplied with the unit.
Were the conductors supplied with the unit or by the installer, and did the installer make a size change to compensate for the use of AL?
That could explain the possible difference in size and possible use of aluminum.
The pictures online show it pre-wired…
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We could end all of this speculation with a simple photo of the whole panel without the cover.
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So funny that you said that, because in another thread currently running, I pointed out that I inspected a new construction 3 years ago with all aluminum wiring. That does not mean your photo shows aluminum, but there is no rule or code preventing solid aluminum wiring.
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Cmon’ Robert. Speculation is what we excel at! Lol.
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