Where your home\u2019s wiring is concerned, you always want to ensure that you don\u2019t violate any of the NEC codes set out by the National Fire Protection Association<\/a>. In the following sections, we\u2019ll break down everything you need to know about splicing<\/a> copper and aluminum wire together without violating any codes!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note<\/strong>: Remember that your top priority, particularly when you are working with electrical equipment, has to be safety. While efforts have been made to fact-check this article for accuracy, every electrical installation is different. If you are in any doubt about what electrical work or modifications are required, you should seek advice from a qualified electrician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a brief overview of both copper and aluminum wires!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Copper wire, which has a reddish color, is one of the best wires for electrical conductivity. For this reason, it\u2019s commonly used in many household cables. From your HVAC system<\/a> to your HD flat-screen TV, copper wires are used in many household appliances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Copper is a non-corrosive material, making it the ideal wiring material. However, copper is generally more expensive than other wiring options. It is also heavier than other types of wires. However, copper is a fantastic thermal conductor. Many modern homes are now switching to copper wiring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aluminum wires are widely used for cables. Ultimately, the popularity of aluminum cables comes down to their unique properties. Aluminum wires are known for their lightweight nature and recyclable nature. Aluminum is a non-magnetic metal and is one of the best conductors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Due to these properties, aluminum wires have been commonly used in homes. However, modern homes are now switching to copper wire. That is because the CPSC (the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission) revealed that homes with aluminum wires were more than 50 times likely to be at risk of a fire hazard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before we take a look at whether or not it\u2019s possible to splice <\/a>copper and aluminum wires together, let\u2019s take a closer look at these wires and how they differ from each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The properties of copper and aluminum differ greatly. Due to their varying properties, copper has a higher conductivity than aluminum. In fact, aluminum wiring has 40% less conductivity<\/a> than copper wiring. This makes copper wire an ideal choice for wiring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Compared to copper wires, aluminum wires are more lightweight. Due to this, aluminum wires are also cheaper to purchase. Copper wire, on the other hand, is heavier and more expensive. These factors are closely linked to their molecular properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In high temperatures, aluminum wires have the tendency to expand. In low temperatures, those same aluminum wires will contract. Copper wire, however, is able to resist the effects of temperature changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the drawbacks of aluminum wires is their corrosive nature<\/a>. This is linked to the safety dangers the CPSC discussed regarding aluminum wires and the risk of a fire hazard. Copper wire, however, is non-corrosive. Ultimately, this makes copper wire the safer wiring choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the 2020 National Electrical Code, conductors are discussed in Article 110, Requirements for Electrical Installations. In Section 110.5, it is stipulated that conductors that are used in your home to carry current must be made of copper, aluminum, or copper-clad aluminum materials<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From the above, it is clear that you can legally use copper or aluminum wire in your home. As discussed earlier, there are safety benefits to opting for copper wires over aluminum wires. However, can you splice or connect copper wire to aluminum wire together?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Firstly, let\u2019s take a look at whether or not the National Electrical Code allows this. In Section 110.4, Electrical Connections, the NEC discussed splicing or connecting conductors of different metals. In this section, it is stated that differing wires \u2013 such as copper and aluminum wires \u2013 cannot be spliced where physical contact occurs between them \u2013 unless the device is rated for use like that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Essentially, this means that you can splice or connect copper and aluminum wire together when using the correct device. This means that the wire connector you choose<\/a> needs to be approved for joining AL\/CU<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning<\/strong>: Many people would advise against splicing copper and aluminum wires. That is because the combination of these wires is known to corrode quickly when there is any moisture present. Equally you will need to consider any heat built-up<\/a> from the current flowing through the wires and wire connector. It might not be safe to just think “right, I’ve connected these two cables together – job done<\/em>“. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For these reasons, many electricians would recommend sticking to one type of wiring in your home and rewiring where necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, as per the National Electric Code, it is possible to splice these different wires when the device is rated for that usage. Keep reading as we look at tips for connecting copper and aluminum wires!<\/p>\n\n\n\n As discussed earlier, it is possible to splice aluminum and copper wire together despite their differing properties. When doing this, however, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. With these tips, you\u2019ll be able to safely splice or connect copper and aluminum wire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When splicing copper and aluminum wire together, you\u2019ll need to use an appropriately rated connector. By doing this, you\u2019ll avoid violating any NEC codes. Luckily, there\u2019s the perfect product for you to use to safely splice these different wires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When connecting aluminum and copper wire together, you can use IDEAL Twister\u2019s AL\/CU connector<\/a>. This twist-on wire connector is designed to both prevent corrosion between these different wires and ensure a secure connection<\/strong>. This connector complies with NEC Section 110.14, which we discussed earlier. This connector is also UL-listed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you decide to use a connector different from the one discussed above, you\u2019ll need to ensure that you use the correct connector size<\/strong>. This will help ensure a secure connection, increasing the safety of your connection between these wires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Earlier, we discussed the nature of copper and aluminum wires to corrode in the presence of one another. The IDEAL Twister connector discussed above prevents this. However, you can take additional precautions by using an antioxidant corrosion-inhibitor paste.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAn Overview of Copper and Aluminum Wires<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"Romex](\"https:\/\/cohesivehomes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Installing-a-Romex-wire.jpg\")
What is Copper Wire?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What is Aluminum Wire?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Differences Between Copper and Aluminum Wires <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
#1: Copper Has Higher Conductivity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#2: Aluminum Wires Are Lighter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#3: Copper Wires Resist Thermal Effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#4: Aluminum Wires Are Corrosive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can You Splice\/Connect Copper and Aluminum Wire Together?<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"Various](\"https:\/\/cohesivehomes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Various-shrink-tube-connectors-and-some-wire-1024x682.jpg\")
Tips for Splicing Copper and Aluminum Wire Together<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"One](\"https:\/\/cohesivehomes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/One-type-of-wire-nut-connector-258x300.jpg\")
#1: Only Use AL\/CU Rated Connectors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#2: Use The Correct Connector Size<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#3: Use Corrosion Inhibitor Paste<\/h3>\n\n\n\n