2007-03-22 15:30:33 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Aluminum wiring has been suspected of causing house fires. The reason is, as it is a metal that reacts to heat and cold by expanding and contracting, the connection becomes loose over time. We had an electrician come and put copper tips on all the outlets/ switches in the house. This is the least expensive fix. Or, you could just re-wire the entire house.
2007-03-22 15:34:53 · answer #1 · answered by dwilmoth822 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES! This is a hazard. Many lives have been lost because of this. Aluminum can oxidize, get affected by heating and cooling, react with copper in the contacts of fixtures etc. Also, it has been discovered that for the aluminum systems to carry the same amount of current as copper without overheating, they would need to be one size thicker (they never were). You should definitely have the entire system replaced, it can't hurt to rewire a whole house, and you can't put a price on a life now can you?
2007-03-22 15:46:06 · answer #2 · answered by Clay H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can be. I live in a town home that has it (its over 30 years old). I did replace the Power panel and all the switches and outlets but that was because i remodeled. The power panel was replaced because of a circuit breaker burning but not from the wiring. I every year tighten all the connections in the panel because of the wiring. Unless the wiring is in conduits that are easy to pull new wire through, I would just leave it alone. Just from time to time tighten all the connections ....WITH THE POWER OFF of course.
2007-03-22 15:44:54 · answer #3 · answered by Psycmixer 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, aluminum wiring is a fire hazard, get the wiring replaced with copper wiring, good luck!
2007-03-22 15:35:36 · answer #4 · answered by maldmb03 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if the aluminum wire is connected with copper wire they will corrode at the connection and may lose conductivity but i am not sure if it is anymore of a fire hazard than copper, the utility companies still use alot of aluminum wire.
2007-03-22 15:38:25 · answer #5 · answered by rusty g 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Umm yes it is... while aluminum is a very good conductor.. it oxidises pretty easily and can cause arcs.. thats why they dont allow it by code anymore in most places... I wouldnt worry about it much if its just on mains (to the house) but i would be concerned on internal branch circuits... (Inside the house & walls)
2007-03-22 15:36:53 · answer #6 · answered by darchangel_3 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rip it out and put in copper.Aluminum is not safe for house wiring.
2007-03-22 16:05:37 · answer #7 · answered by Dogness 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES! Get an electrician.
2007-03-22 16:05:36 · answer #8 · answered by Doors of Distinction 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes It is and some insurance companys will not ensure houses with it
2007-03-22 16:15:26 · answer #9 · answered by Summo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋