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 1 response by walkelin

Gentleman,

If I may jump in Copper is clearly better. So with that said you can't control what the ultility pulls to the house but from the meter into your house you can control. If you are paying a builder I'm sure a reasonable amount of $$$$$ you should be able to specify particularly considering the safty issues mentioned what kind of cable is used. The question I would like to see anwsered since I am upgrading from 100 to 200 amps is what recommendation do you guys have for internal surge protection. My electrician will be using square D. Also has anyone who has used these products detected a negative change in sonics? I don't want to side track this thread but I'm sure this should be a consideration for anyone with a new home or new service. Thanks in advance.