Re: shop and home wiring advice?
 

I agree with turbine on this one.
If done correctly the aluminum will last just as long as copper.
Just make sure to use the paste on connections
and avoid moisture.
If I recall my electrical training, a copper to aluminum connection
without paste will break down in 25 to 50 years,
with paste, the connection is like a like metal connection.

Re: shop and home wiring advice?
 

Better check with your local building inspector. In SC power cannot be turned on without approval from inspectors office.

As a residential builder I can say we definately do not run Aluminun on the homeowners side of the meter.

Re: shop and home wiring advice?
 

I ended up getting #3 COPPER for my run. To get a price break through my buddy he had to get 1000' of wire, and he doesn't use ALUMINUM wire for any of his runs. So unless I wanted to keep about 300 feet of extra wire, COPPER was my choice. Now that I'm back from LOBSTER season, I can get started on it.