What Electrical Issues Are Associated with Aluminum Wiring?
Although aluminum may be used, it is widely agreed that copper is the highest grade metal to utilize in domestic wiring. Aluminum wire is extensively used in power networks to transport energy. This is due to it being lighter and less expensive than copper. Aluminum cabling was utilized in homes for a while, beginning in the 1960s, to supplant copper cable in new construction via aluminum wiring repair.
If your house was built between 1965 and 1973, it was probably wired with aluminum wiring since it was less expensive than copper. It takes almost a decade to identify aluminum’s poor qualities for cabling, but we now know what they are. Here are some electrical concerns provided by Red Electricians that might arise when using aluminum wiring, and why you need an aluminum wire replacement job.
- EXCESSIVE VIBRATION
We know that as electrical current flows through the wire, it shakes. This vibration is stronger in the aluminum wire than in copper cables and can lead to connections that will loosen eventually. And we’ve seen what loose links can do and the hazards they may pose.
- EXPANSION
Aluminum expands significantly more than copper once it is heated. This excess contraction and expansion cause loose connection points over time, exposing the aluminum wires to the outside air. An exposed wire is prone to oxidation and corrosion, which impedes electrical flow from the outlets and generates excessive heat.
- GALVANIC CORROSION
Most metals incur galvanic corrosion when connected with another metal, with moisture close to an electric current. This is most prevalent when improper outlets or conductors are used with aluminum wire, such as when a homeowner or previous resident changed existing receptacles to new outlets meant for use with copper cabling.
- HIGHER ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE
Aluminum has a greater electrical resistance than copper. Larger lines are required to carry the same amount of electricity through the aluminum cable, and bigger wires create greater heat owing to resistance. Intense heat can cause the aluminum wire to deform and the insulating wire to melt, to pose a fire danger.
- WARPING
Since the aluminum wire is softer than copper wiring, it is more vulnerable to damage during assembly and tends to fracture, tear, or distort over time. Aluminum wires can quickly deform due to their great sensitivity to pressure. Warped wires produce weak connections (exposing the wiring to air) and greater electrical resistivity at the deformation spot. As this higher resistance continues, fire dangers might arise due to excessive heat accumulation.
- OXIDATION
Rusting occurs in all metals, which include copper and aluminum. When exposed to oxygen in the air, the outside layer of the wire deteriorates, a process known as oxidation. The oxide coating (rust) that builds on copper is very conductive and may keep an electric current flowing continuously. Unfortunately, the oxide on aluminum cabling inhibits the passage of electricity, which can lead to connection issues and extreme heat.
Do not delay and wait for indicators of arcing or overheating to present themselves. Contact your trusted electrician company immediately for a licensed electrical assessment to protect your loved ones and property, ensuring they’re safe.
Things That You Can Do to Handle Aluminum Wiring Issues (But Can Be Dangerous)
Aluminum wire has various difficulties that are difficult to overlook. Most householders comfort themselves because their cabling has been in place for over 50 years. Under normal conditions, that is an admirable accomplishment and would need an aluminum wiring repair.
Aluminum issues were one of the causes of its negative reputation, which is why here at Red Electricians, we take issues regarding aluminum wires seriously. Once manufacturers and regulators identified the problems with aluminum, they set out to find a remedy.
If renovating or getting an aluminum wire replacement is the best answer, go ahead and do it. However, you might want to look into alternatives to replacing the aluminum wire.
- The Main Solution is to Have the Home Rewired
The most expensive method for fixing aluminum wire is also the greatest. The cost of rewiring the home with copper wires may vary depending on how many circuits need to be replaced. If you opt to rewire the residence, you will need to upgrade the electrical panel.
While you may have to dig further into your wallet, this is an excellent home improvement choice. It might cost between $15,000 and $35,000 or even more. A professional electrician can assist you in determining a particular figure for your proposed property.
- Replacing Every Single Outlet with Dual-Rated Receptacles
To make quality aluminum home wiring safer, upgrade all existing outlets and switches using dual-rated receptacles for both aluminum and copper wire (CO/ALR). For other circuitry and within junction boxes, pig tailing would still need to take place for the copper to aluminum wires, utilizing twisting Al/Cu wire connections or another aluminum/copper certified connector.
- Performing Pigtailing Copper Wire to Make Aluminum Wires Safe
There is a less expensive option to consider called pigtailing. You may pigtail a segment of copper cable to the tip of each aluminum wire utilizing specific connectors. But it is important to note that according to previous findings, the fragility of aluminum wire is greater at plugs and controls.
Pig tailing is the process of connecting a copper cable to an aluminum wire. However, you should be aware that most municipal governments do not permit copper pigtails. Before doing any fixes, you must verify this with competent electricians.
Pigtail aluminum and copper wire connections cannot be made using ordinary wire nuts. You must utilize Al/Cu rated wire nuts or permitted connections. Safe connections involve:
- AlumiConn Connectors. This method has been utilized for over 15 years. The CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) of the United States supports this approach as an alternate option to the COPALUM.
- Copper Aluminum Connectors (COPALUM) are specialized connectors used to fix pigtails. They have been approved by the United States CPSC (Commission on Consumer Product Safety).
- Twister Al/Cu Wire Connectors are wire nuts designed to join copper and aluminum cabling. They are distinguished by their Al/Cu ratio and are colored violet.
You can use our outlined strategies to address any issues that may pop up. Hire Red Electricians for any potential aluminum wiring difficulties in the future.
Continue reading and learning more if you’re interested in our blogs or articles. You can also contact us and hire our services if you need help with your electrical issues.