Aluminum Wiring
Due
to implications in numerous house fires, the once common
practice of using aluminum wiring during the 1970's is no
longer permitted in new installations in most jurisdictions.
If your house has aluminum wiring you do not necessarily
need to panic. Aluminum wiring can be just as safe as copper
wire as long as it has been installed correctly. The concern
with aluminum wiring is that it is very unforgiving if it
has been installed incorrectly.
Aluminum wiring expands when it warms up, and contracts
then it cools down. Aluminum reacts differently than copper
wire after several warm/cooling cycles. After each cycle
aluminum tends to lose more of its tightness. This process
is often referred to as "cold creep". Combined
with aluminum's tendency to oxidize when in contact with
certain metals, these factors can lead to dangerous problems.
When aluminum oxidizes it heats up more to conduct the same
amount of electricity, which then causes more oxidation.
Due to this cycle, eventually the wires may start to get
very hot, melt the fixture that it attached to, and even
possibly cause a fire.
If you are considering purchasing a home with aluminum
wiring, or have discovered it later, it would be a good
idea to hire a licensed electrician or inspector to check
over the wiring for any potential problems.
