GFCI Outlets and Aluminum Wire
How to Safely Wire GFCI Outlets: Creating a Copper Pig Tail with Aluminum Wire, Working with Aluminum Wire, Splicing Aluminum Wire, Anti-Corrosion Ointment for Aluminum Wire, Attaching Aluminum Wire, AL/CU Rated Outlets and Switches.
- I’m changing all the plugs and switches in a house and need to pass a electrical inspection.
This home electrical wiring question came from: Ed, in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Ed.
How to Safely Wire GFCI Outlets
Application: Wiring or Replacing a GFCI Outlet.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and the number of outlets that will be replaced.
Precaution: Identify the GFCI outlet circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Creating a Copper Pig Tail with Aluminum Wire
- Working with Aluminum Wire
- Special methods must be applied when working with aluminum electrical wiring in order to prevent corrosion and loose connections which can be caused by heat as a result of the amperage load which is placed on electrical circuit wiring and components.
- Splicing Aluminum Wire
- When installing or replacing 120 volt 15 amp or 20 amp switches and outlet receptacles where aluminum wiring has been installed, the aluminum wires should be spliced together and a copper wire pigtail should be added.
- Anti-Corrosion Ointment for Aluminum Wire
- The splice must be coated with approved AL/CU anti-corrosion ointment and approved AL/CU wire connectors of the appropriate size must be used.
- Attaching Aluminum Wire
The copper pig tail will then be attached to the outlet or light switch terminal depending on the device or the application.
- AL/CU Rated Outlets and Switches
In locations where it is allowed, aluminum wire may be attached directly to outlets and switches that are identified and labeled with the approved AL/CU wire type designation.