Can I run AL thru wall/slab to panel inside?

[BadeMillsap]

Getting ready to wire up the service from pole mounted meter/breaker that is at the street (this is on my own pole/riser fed from the transformer across the street to the top of my riser by the POCO) underground in PVC conduit to a main breaker panel INSIDE the wall in my new shop (steel bldg if it matters).

I know that all of the "inside" wiring from the breaker panel to the outlets, lights, etc have to be on copper but I wanted to confirm that it is "OK" (meets code) for the service to the inside panel that runs up thru the slab be the AL wire running from the pole (it's about 180' from the pole to the building and that run will be AL 4/0 4/0 2/0).

Just fretting about that AL going up thru the slab on the inside to the panel (in PVC conduit of course).

 

[matt151617]

Aluminum is used all the time. Most larger wires, and 99% of feeder wires are aluminum. It isn't used for regular 15/20 amp circuits anymore.

 

[Wastedwagesracing]

Oh god don't do it you will never keep those connections tight.. Okay now that that is out on the table. You will be fine. I just ran 200' of 4/0 4/0 2/0 #6 for my shop and had the power company power it up this week. I'm sleeping fine. But you do have to make sure you have the right rating on your wire to have it enter the building. I can't remember the specifics but trust me someone will be along at post it.

 

[bjcouche]

OK, I'll bite. Since your meter is on a pole by the street, I'm assuming the cable from the meter to your garage and to the main panel is your responsibility for buying. That being said, and since you are using conduit up into your main panel, I would recommend USE-2 cable that is DUAL RATED RHW. That way you are allowed to both direct bury it and run it inside your building in conduit. Sometimes that stuff is commonly called mobile home feeder. Most but not all "mobile home" cable is dual rated now a days but you still have to check. The power company's cable that they use might only be rated USE or USE-2 because they buy what's cheapest and don't run wire inside a building. If the power company is supplying the cable, make sure it is also rated RHW.

If you have a continuous conduit from the pole to your panel and are not "direct burying" the cable but placing it in conduit, then you can use THWN, or THWN-2. Also note that some wire is also dual rated THHN / THWN... The key is the W for Wet (yes conduit underground is considered wet)

Also, all the above I'm speaking of aluminum wire.

Also, you might have to use Schedule 80 PVC (thicker wall) instead of Schedule 40 PVC in areas where the conduit is "subject to damage" like where the conduit extends out of the slab and enters the main panel. Some inspectors have different definitions of "subject to damage".

Brian

 

[KenC]

That question is best answered by your local inspector. In my city, it is not allowed. But, since the increase in copper prices, the powers that be are considering relaxing the rule.

Which really is confusing to me: if it's not safe to use it's not safe to use. the fact that it is x dollars cheaper doesn't affect the safety.

Anyway, check with your local guy. If by chance you are not required to be inspected, just use it along with a liberal application of corrosion inhibitor.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Getting ready to wire up the service from pole mounted meter/breaker that is at the street (this is on my own pole/riser fed from the transformer across the street to the top of my riser by the POCO) underground in PVC conduit to a main breaker panel INSIDE the wall in my new shop (steel bldg if it matters).

I know that all of the "inside" wiring from the breaker panel to the outlets, lights, etc have to be on copper but I wanted to confirm that it is "OK" (meets code) for the service to the inside panel that runs up thru the slab be the AL wire running from the pole (it's about 180' from the pole to the building and that run will be AL 4/0 4/0 2/0).

Just fretting about that AL going up thru the slab on the inside to the panel (in PVC conduit of course).

Aluminum feeders are used all the time! They're easier to bend and like mentioned, cheaper! What u have to make sure of is that the terminals in your panels are rated for aluminum, that u use plenty of no-ox, and that u torque them down properly! Also, aluminum Romex is still manufactured and allowed but I wouldn't recommend it for outlets, lights, etc.!

I noticed u mentioned distance and what gauge u are gonna use but u didn't say what your service size is. This would help to determine correct gauge, insulation, etc. based on factors such as voltage drop!