- 1). Look for the alignment of terminals on a switch made for use within a four-way system. There will be four terminals -- two marked "in" and two marked "out." The ins and outs may be horizontally, vertically or diagonally across from each other.
- 2). Look for the code "CO/ALR" on switches to indicate that they are made for use with aluminum wiring. Only switches and receptacles with this code stamped on the metal mounts are safe for aluminum wires. There are no switches made for both copper and aluminum wires.
- 3). Read the product insert for information on using antioxidant compounds on the connecting aluminum wiring. Some aluminum switch manufacturers recommend using these types of protective compounds, but others prefer they are not used on the connections. Buy an antioxidant compound to spread on the bare aluminum conductors before making connections on switches that call for its use.
- 4). Buy wire nuts made for aluminum conductor connections. Wire nuts that were installed on aluminum prior to 1980 should be replaced. Antioxidant compounds may be recommended for use with the wire nuts as well.
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