Where is aluminum wiring used in construction today?

In modern construction, aluminum wiring is primarily used at the service entrance. This is the point in a building where electrical service from the utility company enters the premises. Aluminum is favored in these applications because it is lightweight and has a good conductivity-to-weight ratio, which allows for easier handling and installation compared to copper. Additionally, when used at the service entrance, larger gauge aluminum wires can safely carry substantial electrical loads, making them suitable for the main distribution of electricity throughout a building.

While aluminum wiring can technically be used for other applications, including light fixtures or residential wall outlets, these uses are much less common today due to the risks of overheating and increased fire hazards associated with aluminum connections, especially in smaller gauge wiring. Ground wiring typically uses conductive materials like copper due to its superior conductivity and corrosion resistance. Thus, the use of aluminum wiring is mainly confined to the service entrance in contemporary electrical installations.