My Green Worlds

Ask any electric contractor about aluminum wiring and chances are they will shudder and originate shaking their head; they know unbiased how hazardous it is. In fact, according to the Consumer Product and Safety Commission, electrical wiring that uses aluminum is 55 times more likely to fabricate a fire hazard than wiring that uses copper. Those most at risk are homes, especially mobile homes, built between the 1960s and the 1970s. So why is aluminum wiring so unsafe?

Thermal Expansion and Contraction

First, aluminum wiring expands and contracts at a different rate than other electrical wiring. An electrical unusual creates a change in temperature, and the heavier the load or the smaller the wire, the greater the change will be. If the aluminum heats up too worthy, it will expand to the point of pushing the contact away and creating a gap when it cools. As a result, the electricity is forced to jump, or arc, to continue the path. These arcs can near 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit, creating a serious fire hazard.

Oxidization Makes a abominable Conductor

An electric contractor will also be concerned about oxidation, a chemical process by which the aluminum combines with oxygen to accomplish a substance that coats the wire. This is similar to rust on iron when exposed to the elements. Unfortunately, aluminum oxidizes worthy faster than other wiring materials like copper. This is a dilemma because the oxidized layer is very resistant to the electrical unique, and this resistance causes the wiring to heat even more.

Extremely Fragile

To invent matters worse, an electric contractor also know that aluminum wiring is worthy more fragile than other electrical wiring. It is easily broken if nicked or twisted, which can cause a gap in the circuit. As with the thermal expansion, this can result in an arc, which produces a serious fire threat. Many connections are created by looping the wire around a screw. However, this loop can become very brittle, causing breakage.

Warning Signs

So what are the warning signs? Well, to launch with, those with homes built between the 1960s and the 1970s should be extra vigilant. The only positive method to know is to have the home inspected by an electric contractor. Homeowners should look out for these signs: flickering lights or lights that brighten or proceed, the smell of burning plastic, warm-to-the-touch outlets or switches, or appliances that randomly do not seem to function properly. However, be aware – sometimes there are no warnings.

Solutions for Aluminum Wiring

So what are the solutions to aluminum wiring? The safest thing to do is to have an electric contractor completely rewire the house with copper wiring. Unfortunately, this can acquire expensive, not to mention messy because it requires cutting into walls. Another cheaper solution is reconnecting all of the splices with a copper to aluminum connector, which will significantly decrease the risk at the most hazardous point of the circuit.

Of course, many people savor the older homes and devour spending time remodeling them. objective be aware of the dangers presented with the exhaust of aluminum wiring. Its properties of thermal expansion, increased oxidation, and tendency to wreck build it a risk that can lead to a danger. If you contain such a home, contact an electric contractor today to accumulate an inspection done. You will not only protect your property, but your family as well.