Aluminum to copper

[K13]

Hey guys this is slightly OT but still pertains to wiring so here it goes.

My mother has a light fixture in the basement that is wired with aluminum wire and the light socket broke on it. I have been unable to locate a socket designed for Aluminum wire around here (everything is for copper). Is there a way to pigtail the aluminum wire to copper wire so I can use a regular socket designed for copper wire?

thanks

 

[BigJohn20]

You can pigtail, but you have to use a compound called Noalox along with something like the Ideal Twister Al/Cu wire nut. The Al/Cu Twisters actually have the compound in the nut.

If you have the room, I would highly recommend using the AlumiConn connectors. To not violate the UL listing, you do have to use a torque screwdriver. And on something as dangerous as improperly installed Cu/AL connections, I would absolutely spring for one if you don't already have it.

Some information on the AlumiConn:

http://www.alcopstore.com/
http://www.alcopstore.com/support/product-information/
http://www.alcopstore.com/support/installation-instructions/