I am connecting 6 awg aluminum wires and 10 awg copper wires with a Polaris connector for my new cooktop. What are the correct torque settings?
Wiring – Correct torque settings for Polaris connectors
aluminum-wiring
Related Solutions
Sometimes with stranded wire, they will tin the ends with solder. I would guess this is the case here since you're right that aluminum is not usually used. I think the only reason they do this is to keep the ends from fraying and keep it neat.
You can check for sure by stripping new ends.
I have never seen stranded aluminum, or anything less than 12awg used (most house wire is 14awg copper, which is a bit smaller). You can see in this picture the aluminum is slightly bigger:
I would also be very surprised to see aluminum wire since it requires special wire nuts (co/alr rated) and an anti-oxidant paste (eg, Noalox) to connect.
If it's just tinned copper, you can twist and wire nut to a regular standed wire, just treat it like a normal copper wire.
Modern switches with leads will sometimes have normal copper wires that have been tinned with solder.
Nip a tiny amount off the end of the wire, and you should see copper if this is the case. (Thanks to @Dan D for this tip.)
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Best Answer
The torque range will be based on the wire and the connector size, I have the chart printed out so my guys use the right value. #4 connector with #6 wire = 35 in lbs, #10 wire= 15 in lbs. Connector 1/0 #6 wire= 55 in lbs , #10 wire =25 in lbs. If you have a different size connector it may not be rated for the wire sizes you have. I printed the chart out several years back but torque values don’t change.