National Electric Code does not allow for use of the "old style" aluminum conductors inside any habitable building.
The aluminum conductors used today start at size #1 and go up as high as you can find. It is not the old style. It is called "Stabaloy" and has been in use since the early 1980's with success. It is a composite material and not strictly aluminum. It is more temperature stable than copper, lots lighter and cheaper. Size for size it does not have the same current carrying abilities. A larger size is required, which means a larger sized conduit. It is up to the engineer or contractor (who ever gets to make the decision) as to which to use. It is a simple math problem to figure cost between smaller copper and pipe or larger aluminum and pipe.
Aluminum is all most utilities use for over head or in ground installations in the USA.
I was an Electrical Engineer and a contractor for more than 40 years and used miles and miles of aluminum building wire with zero problems. Proper installation and treating of the terminations are key.
Bill
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If you are afraid to speak the truth out of fear of what others may think, it says a lot about who you are and what you will settle for.
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