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HELP - Electrical / Wiring with new build of home

Hello and thank you for reading this.

As some of you know, I am in the process of building a new home, with a dedicated audio room, 5 dedicated 20A circuits, etc., and other features to hopefully help the system sound its best for many years to come.

While walking the house this evening, I noticed the large "umbilical" coming from the breaker box, running through the basement rafters out to the garage (I assume to be connected to the meter outside) appeared to be aluminum. The electrical drop must have been a good 2" or perhaps even 3" in diameter, with 4 distinct stranded wires inside. Again- all appeared to be aluminum.

I have done some forum searches, and didn't find much, but am quite sure I have been told to make sure it is all copper and NO aluminum. I have already shot off an email to the builder, but I will need help and/or "ammunition" as to why the aluminum is "unacceptable" and why it needs to be copper.

Please correct me if I am incorrect and the aluminum is fine. Please also give me all the info I need to get the copper if the aluminum is not good.

Thank you for all the help in advance!
audiofankj
stehno
1,453 posts
 
Audiofankj, it should not be an issue (since everybody else would probably have the same config).

However, it certainly cannot hurt to have it upgraded (assuming there's no side affects such as moisture, the elements, etc.).

Additionally, have you considered an industrial grade service panel?

-IMO
walkelin
52 posts
 
Gentleman,

If I may jump in Copper is clearly better. So with that said you can't control what the ultility pulls to the house but from the meter into your house you can control. If you are paying a builder I'm sure a reasonable amount of $$$$$ you should be able to specify particularly considering the safty issues mentioned what kind of cable is used. The question I would like to see anwsered since I am upgrading from 100 to 200 amps is what recommendation do you guys have for internal surge protection. My electrician will be using square D. Also has anyone who has used these products detected a negative change in sonics? I don't want to side track this thread but I'm sure this should be a consideration for anyone with a new home or new service. Thanks in advance.
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
.....and one other thing that bears mentioning I think. Aluminum is not as good a conductor as copper, and presents a larger voltage drop per a given length than copper. If it's over 40 feet +/_ of wire run from your breaker panel to your system, even with copper, it's a good idea IMO to go up a wire size. From 10AWG to 8AWG for 20A circuits.
nrchy's avatar
nrchy
2,125 posts
 
It's probably too late now, but your service line should have been run underground. It is much better shielded that way, less susceptable to RF, and various anomolies...

If weight is an issue, there's another reason to run it underground. I know that service lines can be done in copper. The cables are still being made, they are just not used with the same rate of frequency as in the past.

You're only going to do this once (theoretically) so make sure it's done right. It will be more expensive and harder to do down the road.
jeff_jones
418 posts
 
Walkelin - Why do you think copper is better? If you are worried about impedance you can get more mho per $ with aluminum. If you are concerned about safety, that is not a concerned shared by the electrical construction industry (assuming proper terminating devices and relatively heavy gauge wire).
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