2. misc-audio
  3. 1121308583

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

Showing 6 responses by audiofankj

audiofankj OP
373 posts
 
Here is the reply from the builder this morning:

"all wiring in the home is copper except the feed from the panel to the breaker box which is aluminum I personally have never done a copper service line because of price I will get you a price for this a.s.a.p. aluminum is our standard included with the house. as for the feed from the street to the outside panel sawnee has a standard service cable which they run aluminum. I am not sure if they will up grade or not."

Please advise if this feed from the panel to the meter is acceptable in aluminum... also, will it affect sonics?

Thanks again
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...
audiofankj OP
373 posts
 
LoL - Tvad, you have just about hit the nail on the head! That is, with the look I got from the wife, while I was discussing this with my father on the phone tonight... if I don't let it go, I just may get the nail in my head!

That is really going to be the "straw on the camel's back" ... if this continues to aggrevate the "better half" I just may have to take my lumps... hate to neglect what may help, but also have to have a pulse to listen and see if the aluminum did affect it, eh?
audiofankj OP
373 posts
 
Hmm... perhaps I need to buy a few of those bulk tape erasers, and fabricate a contraption to "sweep" over my aluminum feed to the breaker box prior to listening sessions. Damn, Tvad! Perhaps this will work out alright!
audiofankj OP
373 posts
 
Thank you all for the continued information. Much appreciated.
More to discover