Splicing #6 copper to #2 aluminum..

[BellyUpFish]

Splicing #6 copper to #2 aluminum URD.

Aside from skipping the splice and running aluminum the entire way (which I'm considering) what is the best method to splice these two together?

I'm running a feed to my detached garage and while the house was being built, the electrician ran a short run of #6 copper out for me to splice into for my shop run. I'd love to rip it out and install the #2 aluminum, but that stuff is so stiff, it may prove problematic to fish into the panel in the house. Basically 2 90* turns in a very short space, unless I drill a hole through the brick and go straight up into the panel..

So, while I contemplate that decision, if I splice, I need to figure out the best way to do that..

I know split bolts have been used since the ark was built, but being aluminum, I'm a little concerned with the expansion/contraction issue and having to tear into them yearly to check the secureness of the connection.

What is better than a split bolt for this operation?

 

[rockwithjason]

https://commerce.ilsco.com/e2wShopp...k=2100001183:3100012208:3100012233:3100012713

insulated mechanical connector. rated for copper and aluminum. split bolts aren't going to cut it here.

 

[aircommuter]

It sounds like you be splicing underground or? The connecter that the previous reply says is correct, but you should not splice underground or in a conduit if you can help it. Why switch to aluminum, copper prices are down right now and in the long term less problems. Utility companies like aluminum because it is cheap and they usually have an unlimited budget for maintenance and repairs that is passed on to consumers. I worked the largest one in my state.

 

[BellyUpFish]

https://commerce.ilsco.com/e2wShopp...k=2100001183:3100012208:3100012233:3100012713

insulated mechanical connector. rated for copper and aluminum. split bolts aren't going to cut it here.

I was looking at some "Polaris" brand splices.. I'll check these out..

Why switch to aluminum, copper prices are down right now and in the long term less problems..

Mainly cost..

I'll be splicing above ground in a junction box on the side of the house..

 

[Beemer533]

What size service are you planning on?

 

[BD1]

Skip the Alumium and go all copper.

 

[BellyUpFish]

What size service are you planning on?

Was planning on something like a 70A breaker on the main box.

I don't think I'll have anything that'd need more than that.

Skip the Alumium and go all copper.

Why?

 

[aircommuter]

That is high for #6.

 

[Beemer533]

I thought you had to use the 60c column, which limits #6 copper to 55A...

 

[Norcal]

I thought you had to use the 60c column, which limits #6 copper to 55A...

If NM cable yes, but if it's THWN and the load is under 65A then 70A is fine.

 

[BellyUpFish]

That is high for #6.

I can drop to a 60A, that'd be just fine as well.

 

[pattenp]

Use splice/reducers like this.....
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CIEI84A/?tag=atomicindus08-20

They are also sold at Home Depot if you have one near you.

 

[Beemer533]

If NM cable yes, but if it's THWN and the load is under 65A then 70A is fine.

Thanks for the clarification!

 

[BellyUpFish]

Use splice/reducers like this.....
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CIEI84A/?tag=atomicindus08-20

They are also sold at Home Depot if you have one near you.

That doesn't look like a bad option..

 

[theoldwizard1]

Use splice/reducers like this.....
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CIEI84A/?tag=atomicindus08-20

They are also sold at Home Depot if you have one near you.

If you go this way, buy some 1" to 1-1/2" DUAL-WALL heat shrink. Get 3:1 shrink ratio. You have to use a smaller diameter heat shrink tube on the copper side.

If you don't want to go with heat shrink use 3M 88 or 3M linerless tape. 2 layers.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

That doesn't look like a bad option..

Id trust a split bolt over those myself anyway.

 

[BellyUpFish]

Id trust a split bolt over those myself anyway.

Why is that? Everything I've read this far indicates these are superior to split bolts?

 

[rockwithjason]

they are just as good if they are installed correctly. the trouble is that you may have a harder time torqueing them. I generally hold them in channel locks and then tighten them to get good torque.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

Why is that? Everything I've read this far indicates these are superior to split bolts?

I can crank a split bolt down a lot tighter with a couple of cresent wrenches than you can crank than that can be tightened with a screw driver.
A split bolt would also take up less space than trying trying to bend a loop in the cable to go into the other end of that style of splice.
Just my experiance anyway.

 

[Beemer533]

It's probably a moot point anyway since he is splicing AL to CU ... I don't believe you can use a split bolt for that, can you?

 

[Norcal]

It's probably a moot point anyway since he is splicing AL to CU ... I don't believe you can use a split bolt for that, can you?

If they are listed for AL/CU conductors split bolts are fine.

 

[BellyUpFish]

It's probably a moot point anyway since he is splicing AL to CU ... I don't believe you can use a split bolt for that, can you?

Apparently there are split boots made for the purpose..

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

I've used split bolts to splice service drops on houses for years.