News
01-10-2007, 03:07 PM
Aluminum Wiring May Short-Circuit a Sale
By Barry Stone
Saturday, January 6, 2007
Q: DEAR BARRY: My house was built about 1970 and the electrical wiring is aluminum. I've never noticed any of the danger signs commonly associated with aluminum wire, such as warm face plates on outlets and switches, flickering lights, etc. I may soon be selling the house and am wondering what to do. Since I've gone this long without any problems, would you recommend that I upgrade the wire ends? If I do nothing, do you think the aluminum wiring may be a deal breaker? -- Michael
A: DEAR MICHAEL: You have raised two separate issues: the safety of aluminum wiring and the effects of that wiring on a real estate sale.
Aluminum wiring has caused numerous house fires. This is because the wire connections at outlets, lights, switches and breakers can become loose, and these slack fittings are prone to overheating.
The recommended upgrade for aluminum wire connections is to add copper wire ends that are secured to the aluminum wires with connectors that are specifically designed for this purpose.
Aluminum wire was commonly used for outlets, lights, switches and other branch circuits from the late 1960s through the early 1970s. When aluminum connections were recognized as a significant fire hazard, this practice was abandoned.
Many homes with aluminum wiring have shown no signs of loose or overheated wires, but don't assume that all is okay. Overheated outlets may be hidden. A hot cover plate behind a bed or refrigerator, for example, might go unnoticed for years, until there's a wall fire.
In some homes, removing drywall during remodeling has revealed wire insulation that was charred to a crisp. With aluminum wire, there's always potential for disaster.
For these reasons, a retrofit of all aluminum wiring by a trained, qualified electrician is highly recommended. In matters of electrical safety, it is best to err on the side of caution.
As for the effects of aluminum wiring in a real estate transaction: A qualified home inspector will definitely identify aluminum branch wiring as a safety hazard and recommend an upgrade. Prudent home buyers will take such disclosures very seriously. Instead of waiting for such red flags to disrupt the purchase, have the wiring addressed before you list the house for sale.
One note: Aluminum wiring is still used for 220-volt circuits and is considered safe for that if the connectors are rated for aluminum wiring and if the wire ends are treated with an antioxidant compound to prevent corrosion.
Barry Stone is a professional home inspector. If you have questions or comments, contact him through his Web site, http://www.housedetective.com, or send mail to 1776 Jami Lee Ct., Suite 218, San Luis Obispo, Calif. 93401.
By Barry Stone
Saturday, January 6, 2007
Q: DEAR BARRY: My house was built about 1970 and the electrical wiring is aluminum. I've never noticed any of the danger signs commonly associated with aluminum wire, such as warm face plates on outlets and switches, flickering lights, etc. I may soon be selling the house and am wondering what to do. Since I've gone this long without any problems, would you recommend that I upgrade the wire ends? If I do nothing, do you think the aluminum wiring may be a deal breaker? -- Michael
A: DEAR MICHAEL: You have raised two separate issues: the safety of aluminum wiring and the effects of that wiring on a real estate sale.
Aluminum wiring has caused numerous house fires. This is because the wire connections at outlets, lights, switches and breakers can become loose, and these slack fittings are prone to overheating.
The recommended upgrade for aluminum wire connections is to add copper wire ends that are secured to the aluminum wires with connectors that are specifically designed for this purpose.
Aluminum wire was commonly used for outlets, lights, switches and other branch circuits from the late 1960s through the early 1970s. When aluminum connections were recognized as a significant fire hazard, this practice was abandoned.
Many homes with aluminum wiring have shown no signs of loose or overheated wires, but don't assume that all is okay. Overheated outlets may be hidden. A hot cover plate behind a bed or refrigerator, for example, might go unnoticed for years, until there's a wall fire.
In some homes, removing drywall during remodeling has revealed wire insulation that was charred to a crisp. With aluminum wire, there's always potential for disaster.
For these reasons, a retrofit of all aluminum wiring by a trained, qualified electrician is highly recommended. In matters of electrical safety, it is best to err on the side of caution.
As for the effects of aluminum wiring in a real estate transaction: A qualified home inspector will definitely identify aluminum branch wiring as a safety hazard and recommend an upgrade. Prudent home buyers will take such disclosures very seriously. Instead of waiting for such red flags to disrupt the purchase, have the wiring addressed before you list the house for sale.
One note: Aluminum wiring is still used for 220-volt circuits and is considered safe for that if the connectors are rated for aluminum wiring and if the wire ends are treated with an antioxidant compound to prevent corrosion.
Barry Stone is a professional home inspector. If you have questions or comments, contact him through his Web site, http://www.housedetective.com, or send mail to 1776 Jami Lee Ct., Suite 218, San Luis Obispo, Calif. 93401.