Albany, NY House under contract but there are electrical concerns

[Joshua Lupo]

Hi BP!

My fiancé and I currently have a 3 family in Albany,NY under contract and just recently had the inspection done. Based on the report the property has some minor defects and I would say 2/3 of what we saw we liked and felt comfortable with. A big question mark for us however is the electrical system. The report reads as follows:

"It was observed that solid-strand aluminum branch circuit wiring existed in electrical panel #1 and #2. This type of aluminum wiring is a potential for arcing and sparks. Expansion and contraction can cause overheating at connections between the wire and devices such as switches and outlets or at splices. It is recommended that the aluminum branch wiring be replaced with modern copper wire."

Another observation was "It was observed in several locations throughout the interior that 2 prong non grounded and obsolete outlets are present. These receptacles were also missing electrical covers. The non grounded 2 prong outlets should be upgraded to include modern and safer 3 prong receptacles which provide a pathway for the current to travel harmlessly to the ground. It is recommended that a licensed electrician be contacted for necessary repairs."

House was built in the 1930's and is a 3 unit building in Albany, NY. We have spoken with dozens of other agents and individuals in the field and most have commented that it is very rare to find houses with aluminum as most 1930 or after have copper with some exceptions between 1970-1980.

We are going to get an electrician to look at and explain more about the aluminum wiring but I am wondering if there is anyone who has encountered something similar and what they did about it?

Thanks!