Can you use aluminum wire instead of copper to save cost?

• Wire
• Cable
• NNC

• 

  Garrie Nassau

  6/12/25, 6:16 PM

  You can use aluminum wire instead of copper, but there are certain limitations to consider. Aluminum is more affordable and lighter, making it a cost-effective choice for specific applications. However, it has higher electrical resistance, so a larger gauge is required to carry the same current as copper. It also requires special care at connection points to prevent oxidation and ensure safety.
  

  
  Aluminum Wire Uses & Applications

  • Service entrance conductors
  • Feeder circuits
  • Large branch circuits (e.g., ranges, dryers, HVAC units)
  • Overhead power distribution

   

  Copper Wire Uses & Applications

  • General branch circuits (e.g., outlets, lighting)
  • High-reliability applications
  • Areas with space constraints due to their smaller size for the same ampacity

   

  

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