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Connectors & Heat Shrink Tubing (COPALUM) Product Line Information

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COPALUM Connectors and Heat Shrink Tubing System

Features and Benefits

  • Avoids the expense of completely replacing old technology aluminum branch wiring circuits.
  • Provides an approved splice for permanent reconnections.
  • The only "repair method" considered acceptable by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
  • COPALUM Connectors have copper body construction with a perforated copper alloy liner for solid 12, 14 AWG CU: and for solid 10, 12 AWG Al wire.
  • COPALUM Connectors provide a good aluminum-to-copper termination for reconnecting branch wiring circuits.
  • LISTED File No. E13288 Tested to Spec. # 486C
  • Certified File No. LR 7189

For Reconnecting Old Technology Aluminum Branch Circuit Wiring Systems

Between 1965 and 1973, one and one-half million homes were wired with old technology aluminum branch circuit wiring. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) had research conducted which shows that homes wired with aluminum wire manufactured before 1972 ("old technology" aluminum wire) are 55 times more likely to have one or more connections reach "Fire Hazard Conditions"* than is a home wired with copper. The CPSC-sponsored research, laboratory testing, and demonstration projects identified only one method of "repairing" existing aluminum wire circuits which meets their criteria... the AMP COPALUM Connector. By Use of the COPALUM Connector, old technology aluminum wire is permanently connected to a short length of copper wire. The copper wire is then terminated to outlets, fixtures and appliances by use of approved methods.

The application procedure is fast and efficient. The COPALUM Connector uses a perforated copper alloy liner for optimum mechanical and electrical performance. Using AMP tooling, the relatively soft, old technology aluminum conductor is forced into the perforated liner, allowing oxide-free aluminum to be brought into solid contact with the connector. AMP heat shrink tubing insulates the connection to complete the termination. More information about the AMP COPALUM tooling can be found here.

*The survey conducted by the Franklin Research Institute defined "Fire Hazard Condition" to occur when receptacle coverplate mounting screw reached 149°C (300°F) or sparks were emitted from the receptacles, or materials around the receptacle were charred.

Reference Document:

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Booklet, entitled "Repairing Aluminum Wiring."

© Copyright 1980, 1981, 1988, and 1990 by AMP Incorporated. All Rights Reserved

AMP and COPALUM are trademarks.

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