I WAS RECENTLY ASKED AN INTERESTING QUESTION involving parallel copper, aluminum and copper-clad aluminum conductors installed in parallel. The question was about 310.10(G), and whether cables installed in parallel must be the same for each set of phase conductors for alternating current, for each polarity for direct current, for each set of neutral conductors or for each set of grounded conductors. Initially, the question was seemingly easy to answer: yes. Then I started thinking about the various applications that could occur in new installations, as well as replacements for existing conductors when one or more of these conductors fail and must subsequently be replaced. What are the ramifications, and are there issues with matching the other conductors within the set? Does the cable manufacturer need to be the same, and does the type of aluminum become an issue? Are there other similar questions that need to be explored and reasonably answered?
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