Anywhere between 1965 and 1972, approximately 2 million homes were built with aluminum wiring.
The wiring that is of major concern is the single strand solid aluminum wiring, connected to the smaller branch circuits supplying receptacles, switches, lights, and appliances which includes dishwashers, furnaces, etc. Corrosion of the metals in the connection, specifically the aluminum wire itself, causes increased resistance to the movement of electric current and that resistance causes overheating.
Most newer homes have some aluminum wiring, including the main service wires, and the heavier 240 volt circuits that feed other major appliances, including ranges and air conditioners. The higher voltage wiring does pose the same risk as 15, 20 and 30 amp circuit wiring.
Signs of trouble in aluminum wire circuitry involve:
1. Cover plates on outlets or switches that are warm-to-the-touch.
2. Circuits that do not work, or work erratically.
3. Flickering lights.
4. The smell of burning plastic at outlets, switches, or lighting.
6. Smoking outlets, switches, or lighting.
7. Tripping circuit breakers, for no perceivable reason.
Regrettably, not all failing aluminum wired connections present such easily detected warning signs, as they can fail without any prior indications or problems
How to Correct the issue?
One-- full replacement of the electrical system-- is usually much too expensive for countless home owners, as it can cost $ 8,000 or more. The other solution is to change out every connection in every outlet, switch and junction box with a copper pigtail using a special Copalum connection-- a short piece of copper wire is bonded to the aluminum wire using a tool designed specifically for the task. The copper wire makes the connection.
But the issue is that only electricians educated by the Copalum manufacturer, Tyco Electronics, can rent the special tool needed for installation. So it can be difficult to obtain an electrician to make a Copalum repair.
If you are living near Miami, do a miami home inspection
Atlantic Building Inspections
14210 Southwest 57th Lane
Miami, FL 33186
(305) 851-2909
The wiring that is of major concern is the single strand solid aluminum wiring, connected to the smaller branch circuits supplying receptacles, switches, lights, and appliances which includes dishwashers, furnaces, etc. Corrosion of the metals in the connection, specifically the aluminum wire itself, causes increased resistance to the movement of electric current and that resistance causes overheating.
Most newer homes have some aluminum wiring, including the main service wires, and the heavier 240 volt circuits that feed other major appliances, including ranges and air conditioners. The higher voltage wiring does pose the same risk as 15, 20 and 30 amp circuit wiring.
Signs of trouble in aluminum wire circuitry involve:
1. Cover plates on outlets or switches that are warm-to-the-touch.
2. Circuits that do not work, or work erratically.
3. Flickering lights.
4. The smell of burning plastic at outlets, switches, or lighting.
6. Smoking outlets, switches, or lighting.
7. Tripping circuit breakers, for no perceivable reason.
Regrettably, not all failing aluminum wired connections present such easily detected warning signs, as they can fail without any prior indications or problems
How to Correct the issue?
One-- full replacement of the electrical system-- is usually much too expensive for countless home owners, as it can cost $ 8,000 or more. The other solution is to change out every connection in every outlet, switch and junction box with a copper pigtail using a special Copalum connection-- a short piece of copper wire is bonded to the aluminum wire using a tool designed specifically for the task. The copper wire makes the connection.
But the issue is that only electricians educated by the Copalum manufacturer, Tyco Electronics, can rent the special tool needed for installation. So it can be difficult to obtain an electrician to make a Copalum repair.
If you are living near Miami, do a miami home inspection
Atlantic Building Inspections
14210 Southwest 57th Lane
Miami, FL 33186
(305) 851-2909
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