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Nova Nova is offline
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Default Buying a house, Aluminum Wiring?

wrote:
Who has had problems with their insurance agent with regards to aluminum
wiring, and how did things work out?

Thanks,

David.




Around here, you are required to disclose any defects or banned use
materials such as Ureaformadahyde foam or aluminum wiring and any
other major defects. Aluminum wire was in general use about 35/40
yrs ago and quickly fell out of favor because of the overheating/fire
problems

The wire itself is not at issue. It's the possible splices into it
and the devices at the end of each run. The lamp sockets and wall
plugs use brass screws that cause the problems when electrolysis
occurs and over time wires become loose under the screws - high
resistance = hot spots = fires.

There is a low temp aluminum solder that will join aluminum to
copper/brass, enabling you to install copper pigtails at each junction
box, outlet box, etc. It's an Alladin product, comes in a small
vial (like a pill bottle) all coiled up with a wee tiny bottle of
flux. Use sparingly and heat with a propane torch. What works here
may not work there (where you are). Check with your electrical guy
about possible fixes and the costs.



Yep, every outlet, fixture and splice. It's expensive, time consuming
and you'll never be sure you got them all. I'd pass on the house.

--
Jack Novak
Buffalo, NY - USA