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Understand Commercial Electrical Wiring Code for Wire Types

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Master Electrician Dad Quizzes Sons about Aluminum+Copper Wires in a Commercial Building, Thoughts?

What happens here

The video presents an electrician discussing a failed inspection for using 4/0 aluminum (AL) wire for a 200-amp service in a home conversion to an office, which is considered a commercial application. The central point is that 4/0 aluminum wire is not permitted for commercial services. The electrician explains that aluminum wire is typically only acceptable for residential wiring. For commercial projects, copper wire is mandated by code, and he gives an example of using 350 MCM copper for a 300-amp service.

Goal: Learn the distinction between residential and commercial electrical wiring requirements, specifically regarding aluminum versus copper wire usage.

Tools and materials

  • National Electrical Code — Serving as the primary reference for electrical wiring regulations and standards

What they say

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Okay, can we use four alt aluminum for a 200 amp service at this church? >> No. Correct, we cannot. [music] Why? Why can't we use four alt aluminum? Cuz it's commercial rated. It's commercial rated, right. So, we got to make sure we don't use that exception. So, that's why we ran 300s, actually 350s for a 300 amp service, right? We don't use that aluminum rule in commercial. Did you know that? I'm sure you did.

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