Quote:
Originally Posted by PrIeSt
Normally aluminium is pulled from homes because when you mix it with new copper they hear st different temps and cam cause twist and screws to loosen. Causing opens and fires.
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Aluminum is only renovated out to prevent future problems. There is nothing wrong with mixing aluminum and copper as long as it is done properly, using special marrettes meant for this joint and an antioxidant compound. Also, care must be taken not to maniulate the wire too much. I have dozens of pictures on my work phone of aluminum joints gone bad.
The issue of aluminum with mechanical connections is called cold flow. Basically, what happens is that when you tighten down the aluminum, you have to apply extreme torque. If you don't, the resonating cable at 60hz heats the wire slightly, and over time, it thins out inside the connection. It doesn't melt (hence the "cold") but it reduces its area, and the connection becomes loose, then the heat starts and finishes the destruction.
The connector does not lossen, the wire changes, same effect though.