On Wed, 06 Nov 2013 12:42:14 -0600, bud-- wrote:
On 11/4/2013 12:22 PM, wrote:
On Mon, 4 Nov 2013 10:06:10 -0500, "Ralph Mowery"
wrote:
Probably several code violations. The 14 wire on the 50A breaker for one.
Slipping and mixing the copper and aluminum wire is probably another one.
When dealing with the aluminum wire it is difficult enough to keep from
burning down a house. I lived in a house that had the aluminum wiring and I
did tighten the wires at the fuse box several times. A house down the
street that was built at the same time (aound 1965) did burn down and the
cause was stated to be wiring in and around the fuse box.
Copper and aluminum isn't a problem as long as listed CU-AL
connections are used between.
Extensive testing of aluminum connections for the CPSC found that the
only listed wirenut for aluminum (Ideal 65) can fail even if installed
using the manufacturer's instructions.
Aluminum caused all sorts of grief but
it was eventually sorted out. Some of the problems were labor quality
(AL is less forgiving) and others were metallurgy. AL us still widely
used for large appliances (clothes dryers and ranges) with very few
issues.
Yes, the problems were only for 15 and 20A branch circuits.
Interesting information/question.
What testing method is used by the CPSC? Who designed the test
procedure, and how was it derived? Was an electrical engineer
involved?
The answer, the test method does not adhere to any published or
approved testing method or specification, and no electrical engineer
is involved with the testing, according to all the information I have
been able to find. Kinda says something about their conclusions.
Not to say I have any faith in the Ideal Purple wire nuts - but no
less than the faith I have in the CPSC.
The UL and CSA testing labs test to a standard, which is determined by
electrical engi eers, and the methods are designed by and monitored by
qualified electrical engineers. Do they always get it right??? Nope.
But I think they have more than a fleeting chance of hitting the mark
- being they know what the mark is, what it means, etc etc etc.