During the mid 60’s to early 70’s (65-73) approximately 1.5 million houses in the United States were wired with aluminum rather than copper. This was done because of a price spike in copper during the mid 60’s. This wiring has been linked to many fires because of faulty aluminum wires since that time. According to studies conducted by the National Fire Protection Association, houses wired with aluminum are 55 times more likely to have a connection that reach a fire hazard. We see quite a bit of aluminum wiring in Montana and in a recent visit to an aluminum wired house saw multiple burned outlets caused by bad aluminum connections. This prompted us to write this article to educate our customers on the risks involved with aluminum wiring.
The problem with aluminum wiring does not lie in the wiring itself, it lies in the connection made to an outlet or switch. The connection issue is caused by a few different properties of aluminum wire.
The main issue is called “Cold Creep.” When aluminum heats up it expands more than copper and when it cools down it contracts more than copper. Over time this can cause a loose connection at the outlet or switch. Additionally, it is harder to make a tight connection with aluminum wire in the first place because aluminum wire has to be a thicker gauge wire than copper to carry the same electrical current. All metals also oxidize over time but there is a primary difference in how copper oxidizes compared to aluminum. When copper oxidizes it forms a conductor which creates no threat. When aluminum oxidizes it develops as a resistor which causes a major threat. Resistance causes heat which could lead to the outlet or switches burning up and possibly catching on fire or the insulation melting around the wire causing additional fire risk. To make matters worse, if an outlet or switch meant for copper connections was used it causes oxidation to accelerate when the two unlike metals come in contact with each other.
The US Fire Administration reports that of the 800,000 residential fires in the US yearly, about 11-12% of them began in the electrical system. Here are some warning signs that you can look for ahead of time.
Outlets that spark
Smoke from outlets of switches
Lights that flicker when on
Cover plates around outlets or switches that are warm to touch
Melted insulation at connections
Smell of burning plastic
Blown fuses or breakers that trip
Light bulbs that burn out fast or are really bright
Have us come look at your electrical systems and we can make recommendations on the best way to handle your situation and give you a risk assessment.
