I agree with the study about aluminum conductors being a better conductor pound for pound and for medium voltage applications I wouldn't hesitate using it. However, I have seen too many aluminum connection failures on systems 600VAC and below to allow or specify aluminum conductors on any project. I am assuming conductor failure is a direct result of improper training on how to terminate aluminim conductors.

I have observed whole building electrical feeder systems fail becuase of improper terminations or wiring methods when aluminum conductor is used. A client Brought me into one of his buildings becuase some equipment was unusually hot. Unusually hot was not the right word as the equipment glowed in the dark, literally. Every panel, gutter or electrical equipment with aluminum conductors were failing and the ends weer crystalizing, a problem not as apparent with copper when it over heats. Had I specified aluminum feeders on this project I would have been looking at a major law suite. There has been other cases perhaps not as bad.

I'm presently working with a strip mall client that allowed aluminum service entrance conductors to serve a meter center and every splice in the gutter is failing. The strip mall will need to shut down the building to fix the problem, if the aluminum conductors are salvagable.

Personally, I don't want to deal with the potential of a problem unless I know who is making the splices and the terminations.