Splicing #6 Al wiring

[kschitoskey]

Long time lurker, first time poster.

I've learned a lot from this forum and now I have a question. I'm installing a sub panel in my attached garage. I'm using a 50A breaker off the main panel, using #6 AWG XHHW Aluminum wiring. I ran the sheathed 6/4 wiring in the wall to a junction box, then 1" conduit to the surface mount panel approx. 25' away.

My question is this: I have to splice the #6 Al wires in the junction box (where I ran the wire in the wall to transition to surface mount conduit). What do I use? I know there are Al specific wire nuts but I'm hesitant for this size of wire.

Any help will be appreciated. I'm pulling a homeowner permit and it will be inspected.

 

[matt151617]

Split blocks work best. Put some antioxidant on the wires, tighten down the block bolts, shrink wrap the blocks, then wrap everything up with a lot of 33+ electrical tape. There's other options such as Polaris connectors but they're expensive.

 

[kd3pc]

You might ask the AHJ what they require, as most wirenuts are not listed for AL to AL connections at all, and certainly not for two #6. Split blocks and a torque wrench with the best insulating tape/shrink you can get, if they allow it.

AHJ may tell you to pull it out and use copper, as using AL as you have may not be to code.

 

[rockwithjason]

you can't use split bolts on aluminum unless the split bolt is rated for it. use insulated splice blocks instead. there is nothing wrong with the wire.

 

[kschitoskey]

I found Al split blocks at local commercial electric supplier, along with some heavy shrink tubing. Thanks for your help.