Issue:
Can we use aluminum wire for main power to chiller?
Resolution:
This is not acceptable and warranty could be jeopardized.
Aluminum wire expands and contracts to such a degree that maintaining good connections would be impractical. When connections become loose due to heat expansion and contraction, it will eventually cause damage to terminals, lugs, disconnects and other associated components.
Notes:
The following verbiage is a "Notice" in the Electrical Installation section of the IOM of each respective product offering:
Use Copper Conductors Only! Failure to use copper conductors could result in equipment damage as unit terminals are not designed to accept other types of conductors.
- If aluminum conductors have already been installed at the jobsite, a junction box can be installed next to the chiller. The aluminum conductors can be secured inside the box and copper wires can exit the box into the chiller control cabinet.
Often times the field will ask if adapters can be used if aluminum wiring is used at the job site. An example (pdf) of such is attached below for reference.
If the customer is insistent on running aluminum conductors, we will suggest the Burndy compression connections. The caveat is that the customer is responsible for the bi-metal connection and making sure the connection is made per Burndy’s specifications. If anything were to happen to the chiller, like a thermal event due to the aluminum conductors/poor Burndy connection, the claim will be reviewed manually and possibly overturned.
Consequently, anything outside the recommendations in our documentation we cannot comment due to liability and warranty concerns.
Changes:
Other Question/Problem/Cause Statements:
- Can we use aluminum wire for main power to chiller?
- Can we use aluminum power wiring instead of copper?
- Do we require copper conductors on the chiller?
Facts:
- Air-Cooled Chiller - Intellipak (CGAF)
- Air-Cooled Chiller (CGA, 10-15 Ton)
- Air-Cooled Chiller (Pueblo) (RTAA 130-400 Ton)
- Air-Cooled Chiller (Pueblo) (RTAA 70-125 Ton)
- Air-Cooled Chiller (Pueblo) (RTAC)
- Air-Cooled Condenser (Pueblo) (RTCA)
- CenTraVac - Air-Cooled (La Crosse) (CVAA, CVAB, CVAC)
- Compressor Chiller (Pueblo) (RTUA)
- Water-Cooled Chiller (Pueblo) (CGWF)
- Water-Cooled Chiller (Pueblo) (RTHB)
- Water-Cooled Chiller (Pueblo) (RTHC)
- Water-Cooled Chiller (Pueblo) (RTHD)
- Water-Cooled Chiller (Pueblo) (RTWA)
- Water-Cooled Condensing Unit (RWUA, RWUB)
- Air-Cooled Chiller (Pueblo) (CGAM 20-130 Ton)
- Compressor Chiller (Pueblo) (RTUD 70-200 Ton)
- Water-Cooled Chiller (Pueblo) (RTWD)
- Air-Cooled Chiller (Pueblo) (RTAE)
- Air-Cooled Chiller (Pueblo (RTAF)
- Air-Cooled Chiller (Pueblo (ACR)
- Air-Cooled Chiller (Pueblo (ACS)
- Air-Cooled Chiller (Pueblo (ACX)
Document Identifier: DOC-80790
WARNING:
Information in this article is intended for use by individuals possessing adequate backgrounds of electrical and mechanical experience and who comply with all federal, state, and local laws, rules, orders, or regulations related to the installation, service, or repair of a heating or central air conditioning product. Any attempt to install, service, or repair a heating or central air conditioning product may result in personal injury and/or property damage. The manufacturer or seller cannot be responsible for the interpretation of the information contained herein, nor can it assume any liability in connection with its use.