Aluminum Wiring

 
KLook
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Post by KLook » Wed. Feb. 22, 2017 2:38 pm

Made an offer on a house....I think it is ridiculous what houses are going for here....but I discovered today it has aluminum wiring. What do the resident electrical guru's think of it? I am not inclined to purchase the house, just want to hear what outside this area opinions are.

Kevin


 
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Post by lsayre » Wed. Feb. 22, 2017 2:44 pm

If all of the aluminum to copper transitions were done with the inclusion of an appropriate anti-oxidant paste it should be fine. The 200 amp mains coming into many homes from the street are likely aluminum, and that does not cause homes to burn down.

OTOH, if there are transitions that were done without the paste, it is a ticking fire hazard. I think this became a major issue back in the 70's. Is that when it was wired? If it is a newer home than that it was at least potentially done properly. What is your insurance company saying? They should be the final arbiter.

 
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Post by KLook » Wed. Feb. 22, 2017 3:00 pm

From what I understand, even larger connections fail with aluminum. But larger connections tend to be more professionally done and there are fewer of them statistically. There are many connections in a house branch circuit. Only one has to fail.
This house was built in 66 and there are no "purple" connectors that I can see. Plus, the house is on a slab with cathedral ceilings between two areas of the house so I don't know how they ran the wire. From my reading this afternoon, you are ok with 12 awg in most area's of the house but must have 10 awg in the bathrooms, kitchens, and such area's. I observed only a 14 size within the 2 outlets I pulled.

Kevin

 
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Post by lsayre » Wed. Feb. 22, 2017 3:12 pm

1966 is right around when homes started to catch fire due to aluminum wiring, If you are not seeing certified aluminum to copper connectors, then I would recommend that you walk away from it.

My best advice is to PM McGiever for his valued opinion here though.
Last edited by lsayre on Wed. Feb. 22, 2017 3:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.

 
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Post by KLook » Wed. Feb. 22, 2017 3:15 pm

I would walk away from it.
I am leaning that way so hard I am flailing my arms to keep from falling over. I just want to see what the resources of this great forum had in the way of experience and general knowledge. Thanks for responding.

Kevin

 
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lsayre
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Post by lsayre » Wed. Feb. 22, 2017 3:17 pm

Where is McGiever when we need him? I just PM'd him for his assistance here. Do you have some time to wait for him to chime in?

 
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Post by titleist1 » Wed. Feb. 22, 2017 3:21 pm

I have a very strong personal bias against it after losing a friend in an early 70's house fire caused by faulty aluminum wiring junction. I would not buy it, I would not live there if it was free.

eta....federal pacific boxes are to be avoided also.


 
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Post by lsayre » Wed. Feb. 22, 2017 3:26 pm

Off hand I believe that aluminum wire must always be one gauge size larger than copper to have the same ampacity.

Copper 12 AWG (for 20 amp) would be aluminum 10 AWG, etc...
Last edited by lsayre on Wed. Feb. 22, 2017 3:28 pm, edited 1 time in total.

 
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Post by KLook » Wed. Feb. 22, 2017 3:28 pm

Where is McGiever when we need him? I just PM'd him for his assistance here. Do you have some time to wait for him to chime in?
I have somewhere to be in an hour but he can PM me. I am looking to flip this house and that in itself hurts as others may not dig as deep as I am. Most homeowners will take NO chances and I understand why. But the market is crazy here. There is a house just down the street from this one that is a total gut out and it has aluminum wire also. They have 3 offers since I looked at it(day before yesterday) and they will not take less then $160,000 on 1/3 acre. NUTS..... :shock:

Kevin

Yes to the AWG........

 
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Post by lsayre » Wed. Feb. 22, 2017 3:44 pm

Local code may require wire remediation. The current owner may have an obligation to make it right.

 
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Post by davidmcbeth3 » Wed. Feb. 22, 2017 5:15 pm

How much to replace ... maybe 5-15K ?

Knock it off your offer or otherwise deal with the $$$

Sounds like a weekend project ! <like my flooring replacement project, now on week 10>

 
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Post by freetown fred » Wed. Feb. 22, 2017 6:21 pm

Kevin, most pre 1970 house trailers were wired with aluminum. They are banned even here in Freetown!!!!!!!!!!!!

 
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Post by samhill » Wed. Feb. 22, 2017 8:36 pm

I don't know if they suddenly did something but the power Co. I have is in the process of replacing all the copperweld wire with aluminum & they claim it will last longer & have less problems. I would inquire locally with some reliable builders.

 
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Post by freetown fred » Wed. Feb. 22, 2017 8:40 pm

SH, I wish you could show some sort of documentation on that. It sure don't sound right??

 
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Post by freetown fred » Wed. Feb. 22, 2017 8:44 pm

Except when you try & sell. All old wiring will be grandfathered in. That safety issue is BS--It's not like the old cloth covered wire which was just smart to re-do!
lsayre wrote:Local code may require wire remediation. The current owner may have an obligation to make it right.


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