Another Aluminum to Copper

[tuta]

All,

Set out to do what I thought was going to be a simple deal... I want to install a timer on my porch light. This timer replaces the switch to the fixture so I am thinking a quick change -- screw on the wires to the timer and boom!

Well, the timer has two wires out which are aluminum -- the wiring is copper. I have no twist thingies to connect the two with so I head back to Mecca (Home Depot). I spot some connectors but just to be sure I ask an Apron if what I have is good enough. He says not for copper to alum -- and hands me this squeeze tube of anti-oxidant paste or some such.

Is this paste step really necessary? It makes a big deal about not getting the goop on the wire insulation but once they both get in the twistee -- how would I know if it does or not...

Any tips or advice before I burn the house down?

Thanks!

tuta

[AJ the NEC Guru]

What makes you think its AL?

[zxcvbob]

What makes you think the wires are aluminum? (They are probably tinned copper)

Bob

[tuta]

Well, after a long and intense metallurgical study I concluded it is aluminum based upon its atomic mass of 26.98154 g.mol -1

and it is silver-y

tuta

[ARTEMUStheAHOLE]

Fools gold or silver in your case fool.

[tuta]

ok -- my apologies, AJ -- I will confirm this evening what the heck it is for sure -- tinned copper or aluminum.

tuta

[Chris Lewis]

According to tuta :

It's probably tinned copper. I find it hard to imagine that anybody would be selling devices like timers with Al wire these days.

[Joseph Meehan]

They often tin (cover the copper with solder) the leads. I would be very surprised to find it was al.