Quote:
Originally Posted by 66 Tradewind
This scenario tells me that the wire is 12 volt, right?
Shouldn’t it be 110?
Can anyone help me figure out how to tack this wire down?
Once I track this wire down, is it ok to convert it to 110?
Is it ok to hook up the new AC to this aluminum wire?
What are the precautions of aluminum wire?
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Bill,
I have worked with aluminum wire in both my house, and my Airstream. Yes, it sounds like someone has "converted" an aluminum wire from 120 vac to 12 vdc service. Wire gauge wise, I do not see an issue. How this aluminum wire is connected to the 12 vdc service
might be an issue if the wrong fittings were used.
To track it down, start at where your 12 vdc breakers and/or fuses are, and look for aluminum wire. Since I doubt it will be that easy, move on to your 120 vac breaker box. All of your 120 vac lines should come out of the wall somewhere around the box. Look for a wire that does not go into the box.
If those two approaches fail, you will have to start removing light fixtures & studying their wiring connections to find the aluminum wire. If you do find the wire, look around for
another aluminum wire. Their is a good chance that the previous "electrician" cut the aluminum wire in order to make the
12 volt connection.
The only precaution you need to keep in mind is to use connectors rated for service with aluminum wire. Instead of going into numbing detail at this point, go ahead and trace your wire. If the right way to re-connect the wiring eludes you, we can discuss a solution to your particular problem.
Good luck!
Tom