I am adding a bath fan to a house with aluminum wiring. I have seen the CPSC’s site about the AMP connector and antioxidation grease – which I understand is an expensive technique for a one time job.
I was wondering if there are other safe techniques for connecting copper leads to existing aluminum wiring.
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Replies
Your best bet is to run new copper wire back to a new circuit breaker at the main box. Make the circuit 20Amp with 12-2 wire so you can bring the entire bathroom up to current code.
...that's not a mistake, it's rustic
I agree rewiring makes a lot of sense. Getting as much of the aluminum branch wiring out of the house is a good idea.
'Ideal' makes a special blue wirenut packed with compound for making AL/AL or AL/CU connections. At about a buck a piece they are not cheap but they are approved for this use and a lot less expensive than rewiring.
just get the right wire nuts and make sure the circuit is rated for the fan.
tight and inside a box ... I'd sleep ok.
It's all the other connections I'd worry about!
Jeff
Buck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry