STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT ALUMINUM WIRING

Copper has always been the most preferred wiring material, but for the houses built between the late 1960s and early 1970s, when the prices of copper soared, electrical contractors extensively used aluminum wiring as the cheaper and cost-effective alternative. During the period, more than two million homes were wired using aluminum. However, soon people realized its hazards when aluminum wiring was connected to several electrical fires and damage, and even led to some fatalities. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), homes with aluminum wiring are 55 times more prone to fire hazard conditions than those wired with copper. 

The problems arising from the use of aluminum wiring pushed the electricians and homebuilders to use copper wiring in modern buildings. 

WHY IS ALUMINUM WIRING DANGEROUS?

Aluminum itself is a safe, reliable metal, but the problem lies in residential wiring connections. It doesn’t work so well at the connection points when compared to copper. Here are some factors that make it so dangerous for use in homes:

ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE

Aluminum has higher electrical resistance than copper, which means that for the same amperage, larger aluminum wires will be required than copper. A larger diameter of the cable will mean the generation of more heat due to the resistance. 

OXIDATION

Metal wires rust when they combine with elements like oxygen. This combination forms an oxide that coats the wire.  Aluminum oxidizes faster than copper, and aluminum oxide white rust coating the wire) is a bad electrical conductor compared to copper oxide. The high electrical resistance makes the cable get more heated, increasing the fire hazard.

THERMAL EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION

The main issue with aluminum wiring is that it expands when heated and shrinks when cooled off. Also, contraction and expansion happen at a different and higher rate than copper. It can make a wire loose, creating a spark that can cause a fire. Aluminum wires are safe to use with screw connections, but you should never install it into the stab or push-in attachments. 

SOFT AND FRAGILE

Aluminum is softer and more pliable than copper. It is easy to cut and easily breaks when bent or strained. Over time the wire can break down internally, causing electrical resistance and overheating.

GALVANIC CORROSION

Galvanic corrosion happens when wires of dissimilar metals are joined together. It can be one of the prominent causes of fire. Therefore, it is essential to determine if the home has aluminum wiring when you are planning to upgrade the old outlets. The outlets you select should be compatible and intended for the wires in the house. 

If you have an old home, built in the 60s or the 70s, there are chances of aluminum wiring present in it. Call an electrician to inspect and evaluate the home wiring regularly. Most aluminum wiring issues are at the connections, and an electrician can replace all the ends of the aluminum wire with copper connectors at every outlet connection to significantly reduce the risk.

When you plan to remodel the house, hire an electrical contractor to completely rewire the house using copper wiring. It can be a good option because many insurance companies don’t consider insuring a house will aluminum wiring.

Meade Electrical Services is a local Arizona electrical contractor that provides commercial and residential electrical work in Mesa AZ and neighboring cities. All work is guaranteed, parts and labor, for five years. Call us at 480-374-9786 to arrange for service or a free estimate.