There is a general confusion surrounding aluminum wiring and I'll attempt to clarify everything here;
Myths
· Aluminum wiring was recalled because it is known to be a fire hazard.
· Aluminum wiring is no longer used for interior wiring systems.
Both of the above comments are False!
Aluminum wiring became popular in the 60’s/70’s when copper prices spiked. It was also used for its considerable weight advantages over copper.
Many people think Aluminum wiring is not used anymore – this is far from the truth. Aluminum wiring is the preferred method and currently installed by a majority of utility companies. It is used in commercial and industrial feeders as well as the supply service cable to residences - this is the line leading directly to your house!
So what is exactly wrong with aluminum wiring? As devices (outlets, switches) are designed for use with copper - aluminum has different expansion properties and connection failures can result. Aluminum also oxidizes very quickly which essentially leads to the same issue.
Generally, there is nothing wrong with aluminum wiring however there should be certain precautions taken when considering a purchase of a home built in the 60-70's (but certainly not limited to those decades). This is just 1 more reason to seriously consider a home inspection. Additionally, if you currently live in a home which has aluminum wiring there are several things you can do;
Check for Warm cover plates or discoloration of switches or receptacles,
Flickering lights, or the smell of hot plastic insulation may point to problems.
Have an ESA certified inspection completed for peace of mind (and fix any resulting deficiencies there may be, which could quite possibly be zero)
On the whole, we haven’t witnessed insurance companies decline coverage due to aluminum wiring, but they may require an ESA certificate moving forward. On a recent home purchase with aluminum wiring we asked an insurance broker “for a quote on an ESA certified house with aluminum wiring”...The end result - no difference on cost compared to a copper wired house! More importantly, there was no apprehension from the insurance company moving forward.
As with anything – if you have any questions just ask a professional for advice in these matters.
Download complete documentation from the Electrical Safety Authority here: http://www.esasafe.com/consumers/buying-a-home/aluminum-wiring
Myths
· Aluminum wiring was recalled because it is known to be a fire hazard.
· Aluminum wiring is no longer used for interior wiring systems.
Both of the above comments are False!
Aluminum wiring became popular in the 60’s/70’s when copper prices spiked. It was also used for its considerable weight advantages over copper.
Many people think Aluminum wiring is not used anymore – this is far from the truth. Aluminum wiring is the preferred method and currently installed by a majority of utility companies. It is used in commercial and industrial feeders as well as the supply service cable to residences - this is the line leading directly to your house!
So what is exactly wrong with aluminum wiring? As devices (outlets, switches) are designed for use with copper - aluminum has different expansion properties and connection failures can result. Aluminum also oxidizes very quickly which essentially leads to the same issue.
Generally, there is nothing wrong with aluminum wiring however there should be certain precautions taken when considering a purchase of a home built in the 60-70's (but certainly not limited to those decades). This is just 1 more reason to seriously consider a home inspection. Additionally, if you currently live in a home which has aluminum wiring there are several things you can do;
Check for Warm cover plates or discoloration of switches or receptacles,
Flickering lights, or the smell of hot plastic insulation may point to problems.
Have an ESA certified inspection completed for peace of mind (and fix any resulting deficiencies there may be, which could quite possibly be zero)
On the whole, we haven’t witnessed insurance companies decline coverage due to aluminum wiring, but they may require an ESA certificate moving forward. On a recent home purchase with aluminum wiring we asked an insurance broker “for a quote on an ESA certified house with aluminum wiring”...The end result - no difference on cost compared to a copper wired house! More importantly, there was no apprehension from the insurance company moving forward.
As with anything – if you have any questions just ask a professional for advice in these matters.
Download complete documentation from the Electrical Safety Authority here: http://www.esasafe.com/consumers/buying-a-home/aluminum-wiring