DIYorBust
Active Member
I need to update the wiring for an electrical panel in an apartment, and would like to decide if I should use aluminum wire to serve the panel.
The service should be 150amps. I'd estimate we need about 70 feet of cable back to the meter. The plan is to use MC cable. I can buy 100 feet of copper MC 1/0- 3 conductor cable plus bare copper ground for 890 at www.wireandcableyourway.com. Or I can buy 100 feet of aluminum MC 3/0-3 conductor cable plus ground for 371. Both appear to meet the ratings for 150 amp service. NM cable is not allowed due to code, and the electrician says it is more cost effective to use MC cable over EMT conduit. The branch circuits will all be copper and the installation will be done by a licensed pro.
Is there any reason not to save the 500 bucks and go with aluminum MC? Thank you!
The service should be 150amps. I'd estimate we need about 70 feet of cable back to the meter. The plan is to use MC cable. I can buy 100 feet of copper MC 1/0- 3 conductor cable plus bare copper ground for 890 at www.wireandcableyourway.com. Or I can buy 100 feet of aluminum MC 3/0-3 conductor cable plus ground for 371. Both appear to meet the ratings for 150 amp service. NM cable is not allowed due to code, and the electrician says it is more cost effective to use MC cable over EMT conduit. The branch circuits will all be copper and the installation will be done by a licensed pro.
Is there any reason not to save the 500 bucks and go with aluminum MC? Thank you!