What you need to know about aluminum wiring
Aluminum Wiring
Many people don’t think about the constant electrical currents that run through their homes. Modern life is possible because of the wiring in your home, and everyday life was different before wiring. Nearly all modern homes are wired with copper, but aluminum wiring as standard from 1965 to the mid-70s. People are now being warned not to buy aluminum wiring and to rewire their homes using copper if it was used. Aluminum wiring is a fire hazard. Don’t worry; Electrical Service Providers will inspect your electrical system to rewire your Burlington and Chapel Hill, NC house if necessary. This will ensure that your family is safe.
Why was aluminum wire used?
Between 1965 and 1972, aluminum wiring was common in many homes due to skyrocketing copper prices. Burlington and Chapel Hill, NC were not spared from rising costs and switched to aluminum like everyone else. There is a possibility that your home could have aluminum wiring. At the time, aluminum seemed like an attractive alternative to copper because it was inexpensive, plentiful, and had similar conductivity to copper. Although it was not immediately apparent that aluminum wire was inferior to copper wire at the time, the issues have become more evident as wiring ages.
Is Aluminum Wiring Dangerous!
The dangers of aluminum wiring in your home include overheating, loose connections, electrical damage, and fire. There are many reasons why aluminum wiring can become hot and cause problems.
How to Find Out if Your Home Has Aluminum Wiring
If you are unsure if your house has copper wiring and was built between 1965-1972, you can check the wiring in the electrical panel or any area with visible wiring like the attic. Once you have located the wires, you can inspect them to determine what kind of wire they are. You should label aluminum wiring with one of the following.
1) AL
2) ALUM
3) ALUMINUM
Electrical Service Providers can help you determine if your house is wired with aluminum wiring if there are no labels. We will gladly come to your home in Burlington and Chapel Hill, NC, or the surrounding area to perform an electrical inspection.
Less Ductility
Aluminum is not as malleable as copper, and this means it can’t withstand being bent, stretched, and manipulated in similar ways. Over time, aluminum wiring begins to deteriorate internally, and this causes the wiring to resist more electric current, decreasing its efficiency and causing excess heat to build up.
Aluminum is also malleable and highly sensitive, and it can be bent easily without any resistance. This is not as easy as it sounds. Because aluminum wiring is malleable, it should only be used with screws.
Oxidation
While all wires eventually oxidize, the aluminum oxide oxidation, which is what causes aluminum wiring to oxidize, is a poor conductor. The wires will become less efficient and more susceptible to overheating as they accumulate more oxidation. Copper wiring that has oxidized can still conduct electricity.
Greater Thermal Expansion
When exposed to heat, aluminum wiring expands faster than copper wiring, and the wiring’s constant expansion and contraction cause it to become loose and brittle over time. Loss of connections can lead to fire, sparking, overheating, and even fire.
Stronger Vibrations
A copper wire vibrates slightly when an electrical current flows through it. However, electrical current flows through a copper wire and vibrates somewhat. Over time, however, the vibrations can be stronger and cause connections to become loose.
Why is Copper Wiring Best?
Because copper wiring is more durable than aluminum, it is the preferred choice for electricians’ wiring homes. Copper wire is safer than aluminum wiring and has many advantages, including better conductivity and durability.
Durability
Copper is stronger and more durable than aluminum. Copper is strong and durable, so it can be bent or shaped without losing its integrity. It can also last well beyond 20 years. It is resistant to heat and can withstand being tightened too much.
Conductivity
Because it is less resistant to electric currents, copper has a higher conductivity than aluminum. Copper’s conductivity is also resistant to oxidation and time, and its performance is unaffected by oxidation, unlike aluminum.
Why Rewire?
You might be asking yourself if aluminum wiring is still safe. Today’s home inspectors won’t even consider a house with aluminum wiring. It will save you time and money when you are ready to move. Because the aluminum wiring houses were built primarily in the 60s, they are also more vulnerable to mishaps because of their older wiring. Aluminum wires become almost ticking time bombs as they age. The wiring in many homes is at least 50 years of age, and it’s time for a rewiring.
Are you looking to replace fixtures, outlets, or switches? Keep in mind that current and modern electrical improvements only use copper wiring. It is possible to create a non-compatible connection between copper and aluminum wiring, which can lead to corrosion or loose wiring. Aluminum wiring can also make selling your house more difficult and impact the value of your home. Aluminum wiring can be a deal breaker for many buyers in Burlington and Chapel Hill, NC, because they know it will need replacing in the next few years.
What to Do if Your House Has Aluminum Wiring
Your house may have aluminum wiring, but that does not necessarily mean you should immediately have it rewired. It’s possible for the aluminum wiring to be installed correctly and not pose a fire hazard. Even though you don’t have any issues with your aluminum wiring, it doesn’t mean they won’t. Although there may not be a need right away, it is important to have your electrical inspections performed more frequently by licensed electricians. Every homeowner should conduct regular electrical inspections, especially those with aluminum wiring. This assessment will detect potential problems such as overheating or fraying wires and can help to prevent major electrical issues.
When to call an electrician
Aluminum wiring problems will be obvious. This means that something is wrong with your aluminum wiring will be obvious in your home. These issues may indicate that your house is overheated or has other electrical issues. Call Electrical Service Providers Burlington and Chapel Hill, NC immediately if you notice them.
1) Hot outlets
2) Outlets get scorch marks
3) Outlets emit a burnt smell
4) Melting outlets
5) Sparkling outlets
6) Continuously flickering lights
7) Partial power outages
Home Rewiring Near Me
Our team at Electrical Service Providers is committed to safety and customer satisfaction. Because we understand that life’s mishaps are not limited to business hours, we are always available for assistance. Electrical Service Providers is a professional, licensed electrician that can handle all your electrical needs in Burlington and Chapel Hill, NC, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to discuss your situation.
Although home rewiring can take a lot of time and be costly, it is a safe job that we do. Contact us today to have your aluminum wiring removed! While other companies might not be able to handle a complete home rewiring project, we can take on any job
