Aluminum vs copper

[Slimgene]

I'm almost at the point where I will run the main feed into my shop 100 amp panel from the meter. The distance is about 80 ft. Does anyone have an opinion on using aluminum wire versus copper? What are the pros and cons of aluminum? I hear it costs less.

 

[coolreed]

There is another thread on this being discussed and you can make your choice of AL or CU. Many have strong opinions on this subject including yours truly.

I always use copper.

 

[FluxCore]

If you are powering a shop subpanel from house main panel thru proper 2 pole breaker located in house main, and if you use properly sized(for alum) conductors, and if you terminate those conductors properly, and if the main house panel breakers and subpanel are designed for use with alum feeds, then go for it.....

Read up on how to properly feed a subpanel. Pay close attention to how bares and neutrals must be configured/bonded in the subpanel and house main. You will need to pull 4 whatever size alum or copper conductors from house panel to subpanel...2 will be insulated 120V hots, one will be insulated neutral, the 4th will be bare.

All must be sized accordingly considering alum or copper and length of run and amp capacity, and all connections must be made properly considering the type connection, the materials used for conductors and lugs, and the expected amp load.