Uses for 4AWG AL from OH drop?

[bczygan]

I have some lengths of 4AWG Aluminum (6strand) from an overhead service drop. Some of it bare and some with black unmarked sheath.
Can I run this in PVC for an accessory building or for a welder or other branch circuit? It has been bent into a bundle and not coiled, but bends are not sharp, maybe 3" radius.

 

[pattenp]

You can use it but the problem is you can't identify the proper use without having any identifying markings on the sheathing/insulation. If there are no markings it may be wire that was stripped out of a cable assembly in which case would make it against code to use.

 

[bczygan]

One wire is solid. And I know it was overhead service because it has the drip loop attached. I don't care if it's code, just safe. Is the sheathing from OH drop OK?

 

[billsr4]

sounds like #4 triplex ,used by the power co. for service drop .

 

[bczygan]

sounds like #4 triplex ,used by the power co. for service drop .

It is.

What load capacity has it got?
Can I use for serving accessory building or branch circuit like welder? Or should I just scrap it?

 

[Aceman]

Or should I just scrap it?

Scrap it, it's not the right stuff for what you want to use it for.

 

[Norcal]

Triplex is not designed or intended for use in conduit, use it for a overhead feed or scrap it, know of a house in Arkansas where the doofus used triplex in steel studs as-is.

 

[bczygan]

Scrap it is!
Thanks for the info guys!

 

[fergus]

OH gee...wonder where this wire came from...? Hahaha. I read that other thread.

 

[G_P]

OH gee...wonder where this wire came from...? Hahaha. I read that other thread.

Seriously.

Hope you have some proof of ownership for that wire.

Hauling in that kind of stuff to the scrapyards here will get you a visit from the police.

Guy in my town got hauled off for trying to scrap a bunch of phone cable that he was picking up after Hurricane Irene.