Aluminum wiring to cooktop

Oven/Range/Cooktop Repair
1

I just took out my circa 1987 Jenn Air downdraft cooktop to replace with a new GE. Though the house was built in '87, the wiring looks to be aluminum. The old cooktop was just connected with wire nuts (copper to aluminum).

Is it okay to leave this aluminum wire in place? If so, how best to connect to the copper?

Also, the existing wire and flexible metal conduit are too short to reach the new cooktop. If there’s no slack available on the wire, I may need to put in a junction box either inside the cabinet or in the crawlspace below.

Advice appreciated…

-KB

2

I would suggest you replace the aluminum wire with copper.
Best to check your local electrical code.
Code may now specify a four wire hookup. Check the install directions for the unit, a ground strap has to be connected or disconnected in the stove depending on number of wires.
Check out these pages
New Page 1
Aluminum Wiring Twist-on Connector Debate about the Ideal 65 “Twister” for Aluminum Wiring Repair

If you do decide to put in a junction box, make sure you:

  1. Use certified Al/Cu connectors
  2. Cut back the aluminum wire to make sure you have clean wire
  3. Use Alumilox goop available under a number of different names but it prevents oxidation of the Al wire
  4. Use a metal junction box
  5. Make sure you have some slack in the wire in case you have to re-splice in the future