Between 1965 and 1972, roughly 2 million homes were constructed with aluminum wiring.
The wiring that is of significant concern is the single strand solid aluminum wiring, hooked up to the smaller branch circuits energizing receptacles, switches, lights, and appliances like dishwashers, furnaces, etc. Corrosion of the metals in the connection, specifically the aluminum wire itself, creates increased resistance to the flow of electric current and that resistance causes overheating.
Most modern-day houses have some aluminum wiring, including the main service wires, and the heavier 240 volt circuits that feed other major appliances, like ranges and air conditioners. The higher voltage wiring does not present the same hazard as 15, 20 and 30 amp circuit wiring.
Signs of trouble in aluminum wire circuitry include:
1. Cover plates on outlets or switches that are warm-to-the-touch.
2. Circuits that do not work, or work intermittently.
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 apparent reason.
Regrettably, not all failing aluminum wired connections offer such easily detected warning signs, as they can fail without any previous indications or problems
How to Remedy the problem?
One-- full replacement of the electrical system-- is ordinarily much too costly for many homeowners, as it can cost $ 8,000 or more. The other 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 problem is that only electricians trained by the Copalum manufacturer, Tyco Electronics, can secure the special tool necessary for repair. So it could be challenging to find an electrician to make a Copalum repair.
Certainty Home Inspections
4317 Charlestown Road
New Albany, IN 47150
812-590-4118
The wiring that is of significant concern is the single strand solid aluminum wiring, hooked up to the smaller branch circuits energizing receptacles, switches, lights, and appliances like dishwashers, furnaces, etc. Corrosion of the metals in the connection, specifically the aluminum wire itself, creates increased resistance to the flow of electric current and that resistance causes overheating.
Most modern-day houses have some aluminum wiring, including the main service wires, and the heavier 240 volt circuits that feed other major appliances, like ranges and air conditioners. The higher voltage wiring does not present the same hazard as 15, 20 and 30 amp circuit wiring.
Signs of trouble in aluminum wire circuitry include:
1. Cover plates on outlets or switches that are warm-to-the-touch.
2. Circuits that do not work, or work intermittently.
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 apparent reason.
Regrettably, not all failing aluminum wired connections offer such easily detected warning signs, as they can fail without any previous indications or problems
How to Remedy the problem?
One-- full replacement of the electrical system-- is ordinarily much too costly for many homeowners, as it can cost $ 8,000 or more. The other 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 problem is that only electricians trained by the Copalum manufacturer, Tyco Electronics, can secure the special tool necessary for repair. So it could be challenging to find an electrician to make a Copalum repair.
Certainty Home Inspections
4317 Charlestown Road
New Albany, IN 47150
812-590-4118
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