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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
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).
albertporter's avatar
albertporter
4,949 posts
 
I can see it now Jeff_jones, the NEXT big thing from Audio Research.

ATTENTION AUDIOPHILES:

The new line of ARC REF products are now wired completely with aluminum, no more traditional low MHO per $ copper !

Buy now before the rush.
audiofankj OP
373 posts
 
Thanks to all whom have responded. It seems that it is more than widely accepted here in Georgia (not sure if this is a state or regional thing) that the drop from the breaker panel to the meter, as well as from the meter is usually aluminum. I have spoken to two different builders working for the company I am buying from as well as another from a different company. All have been using aluminum from the breaker to the meter. One had been in the industry 9 years, the other 15, forgot to ask the other. As for the drop from the meter to the street, that is done from the electrical company, but am also being told it will be aluminum.

I still haven't heard back yet as to price of the copper form the breaker panel to the meter...
audiofankj OP
373 posts
 
Forgot and I meant to, that the builder building our home is supposedly a "very reputable" builder... Builder of the year last year, and they were selected by 'Better Homes & Gardens' magazine to build their annual "dream home" this year. So, it isn't like it is some shady builder. I have no doubt the wiring will work.

I am wondering if it will make a difference at all, if the drop from the street to the meter is aluminum, will there be much, if any effect from the meter to the breaker panel...
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