Aluminium wiring and copper connectors

[Inderpal Chadha]

Hello

We just rehabbed a property and is currently under contract. It turns out that the place has aluminium wiring and the inspector has asked to use copper connectors. I have come across this http://www.cpsc.gov//PageFiles/118856/516.pdf , which mentions that cheaper alternate to replacing the wiring is to use connectors. Has anyone come across this issue and any recommended solution.

Thanks

Inder

[Wayne V.]

Hi Inder,

Aluminum wiring is definitely something that needs to be taken care of. The link below has similar information and a similar solution, but describes the problem in more detail. The excerpt below the link pretty much explains the basis of the problem. As I recall, there is also a corrosion inhibiting gel that prevents the wire surfaces from corroding which also increases resistance at the splice causing heat. 

Excerpt from Aluminum-Wiring.com

http://aluminum-wiring.com/

Why Aluminum Wiring Is Bad

Posted on November 8, 2013 by Admin

The wire itself is not bad – what is bad is where the wire meets up with the receptacle. Aluminum expands when it gets hot and contracts when it cools down. Over the years this expansion and contraction makes the connection to the receptacle loose. What then happens is that the wire starts to arc because the connection is not tight. Think of your spark plug in you cars engine. Also the wire itself starts to vibrate every so slightly but under heavy load it can get hot – really hot! It is not uncommon to open up the face plate and see a black electrical box and that the wire shielding/insulation burnt right off. The issue of aluminum wiring is not a myth or just a money grab on the part of your local electrician – it is real!

I hope this helps. The bottom line is that it shouldn't be a deal breaker if you include the cost in your repair budget.

Best of Luck,

Wayne