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It is my understanding that outlets can have wires connected on both sides. Example from another DIY.SE question here . If I have aluminum wiring. I want to add another downstream outlet. I will use an appropriate CO/ALR outlet. I will verify that the circuit can handle the additional load.

Can I have aluminum wiring on one side of a socket and copper on the other?

I am specifically asking if this AL to CU junction can be handled by the two sides of an outlet as opposed to an AlumiConn or Tyco connector.

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  • There is also CU-AL wire (aluminum core with copper shell) which - as far as I know - does not have the same requirements (e.g., can be treated more like normal copper). I assume that this is not what you have. – DaveInCaz Jul 23 '16 at 2:56
  • @DaveInCaz - I wish I had CU-AL! I have regular AL wiring and I have the early form of it. In later years different alloys were used which reduce the risks. – Freiheit Jul 25 '16 at 15:41
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The manufacturer of the receptacle should make this detail clear in their documentation. It might even be printed on the case of the receptacle, though perhaps in very abbreviated / "hieroglyphic" form.

That said...

My understanding is that aluminum wiring must be used ONLY with approved mechanical connectors specifically designed for aluminum, and of course must be installed correctly. So I do not see, offhand, why a separate copper connection on the same device would be a problem.

[Note - I am not an electrician. Aluminum wire done incorrectly is a huge fire hazard, which the OP obviously knows since s/he is obviously intending to do this right.]

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