RSS

What should I know about aluminum wiring in homes?

Practically Speaking

The harnessing and distribution of electricity has improved our lives in ways that cannot be understated. In our homes today, you are inconvenienced if one of the eight outlets in your bedroom is six inches further than your smartphone cord can reach from your bed. We take for granted this marvel that delivers almost unending power on demand to every corner of our homes and lives, but a discovery of aluminum wiring in a home causes people to gasp and faint in horror. While I am not an electrician, I will explain the issue from a real estate practice perspective for easy digestion.

History

Copper is widely known as one of the best electrical conductors readily available to the marketplace and has been used in wiring applications since the discovery of electricity. During the 60s, the demand for copper as well as its price was skyrocketing, making the use of copper wiring cost prohibitive. There was an alternative already approved for use in wiring applications, and that was aluminum, a much cheaper alternative with ample supply at the time. Although aluminum is not as conductive as copper, this could be compensated for by using larger gauge wire to move the same current safely and that is what was done. Between the early 60s and the late 70s, aluminum became widely used as wiring material for homes throughout North America.

The Problem

Aluminum had some differences in installation which were not always followed strictly by the installers. Aluminum required more care to prevent nicking or breaking of the wire itself or the sheathing, and special plugs and switches were designed to use aluminum wire. Especially in the early and late years of use, when the industry was transitioning into and out of aluminum wire use, the specialized plugs and switches weren’t readily available, or more expensive and anti-oxidization compounds were not widely used.

So, what is the deal with these extra requirements that copper didn’t need? Aluminum is not as good of a conductor and the resistance in the alloy produces more heat than copper naturally, which is why the larger gauge wire was used to compensate. When copper oxidizes its oxidation is also a good conductor of electricity, but unfortunately when aluminum oxidizes, its oxidation is not a good conductor leading to increased resistance and more heat. To add to the problem, aluminum oxidizes not only in the air but mainly in contact with other metals so as basements were developed in the 80s and 90s and wired with copper, those junction connections between aluminum upstairs and copper downstairs also caused this oxidation heat issue. If that wasn’t enough, aluminum also expands and contracts at a different rate than copper and brass, so when twisted with copper in a junction box, or screwed down on a brass terminal for a plug or switch, the expansion and contraction of the aluminum with its heat resistance issues cause the aluminum to work its way out of these connections over time. This condition is called “Cold Flow” and will eventually cause arcing as the electricity tries to jump from the loosened wire to the connection with can cause heat, sparking and fire to surrounding flammable building materials.

Buyer Default 

The AREA standard purchase contract goes on to specify some specific items expected in a buyer default that would require the seller to be made whole. Depending on the point of the default, the lawyer may have already triggered the transfer of title which would need to be reversed to regain the title, enforce any liens against the property, or even regain possession of the property in the case of tenancy at will or other arrangements anticipated in the agreement. These are only examples of allowable cost claims but do not limit the seller’s ability to pursue other remedies either. Additionally, the deposit section of the agreement states that in the event of a buyer default the deposit is disbursed to the seller without prior notice, a portion of which deposit may be owed to the seller’s brokerage through the listing agreement, but the balance of which will almost certainly be used to retain legal counsel to file claims for remedies related to the buyer default.

The Solution  

Well, now you know the problem so the solution must be to rewire the whole house, right? Not at all, aluminum wire in the walls and ceiling is not the issue as I explained. The issue is primarily in the connection to other metals such as incorrect receptacles or joined to copper connections, so the simple solution is to correct those connections. The most common form of this remedy is a practice called “pig-tailing” which should be done by a licensed electrician. Basically, all the plugs and switches in the home are removed from the wall and a short piece of copper wire is connected between the aluminum service in the wall and the plug or switch itself. The connection between the aluminum and copper wire is made using a specialized wire nut and an anti-oxidizing compound. Then the new copper-rated receptacles can be placed back in the wall and are safe. A licensed electrician will also determine if junction boxes contain copper and aluminum connections which also require correct wire nuts and anti-oxidation compound.

How to tell if you have aluminum wires

Well, vintage should be your first hint. If the home is built between 1960 and 1980, or close to that, you should take a quick peek at the electrical panel. The wires coming out of the electrical panel will typically have printing on them every 12 inches and if they are aluminum will often have the abbreviation AL or ALUM or some variation of that. If you can’t tell that way, an electrician or licensed inspector can determine for you by opening the panel or checking certain receptacles.

Insurance

At the time of writing this article, I have yet to hear of an insurance company that requires a house to be rewired from aluminum to copper. The main reason is that there is nothing wrong with aluminum wiring when installed properly and using the correct receptacles. In fact, the current electrical codes still recognize both copper and aluminum wiring as acceptable, although aluminum wire in household gauge is not manufactured anymore because of the stigma attached to it. It is normal however for an insurance company to require pig-tailing to be done within a certain number of days of the possession of a property to protect against the possibility of poor installation or bad connections.

Aluminum wiring has been largely unmarketable since the 70s and therefore not profitable for manufacturers to make it, or its specialized receptacles. The existence of aluminum wiring in a home is not a poison kiss, but an opportunity for a REALTOR® to educate their buyers and sellers about the facts surrounding this, and to know enough about the subject to determine when a licensed electrician should be consulted. If the fix has not already been employed, it is relatively cost-effective, quick, and hardly inconvenient so there is no reason to wait on getting it done.

 
 
Read

654 Meadoview view Dr. Fort Saskatchewan Real Estate

654 Meadowview Dr.

Fort Saskatchewan

Built in 2021 Bungalow, everything on wish list. 2364 sq ft of fully finished living space. Landscaped & fenced with extra storage under deck. Reserve on east side. Open main floor, vaulted ceilings, vinyl planking throughout. Exquisite floor to ceiling stone gas fireplace sets the mood....

Check out feature listings! 


Read

What's Happening in Fort Saskatchewan

Holiday Handmade Market by Everything Handmade Markets

The Holidays are coming!

Join us at the Dow Centennial Centre on Saturday, November 19 to shop a fantastic line up of local makers and artisans. Finish up your holiday shopping or find something special for yourself; there’s so much to see!

Saturday, November 19
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Dow Centennial Centre, Fort Saskatchewan

Free parking
Family friendly

Collecting school-safe snacks for the Fort Saskatchewan Food Bank at the market!

Read

Fort Saskatchewan Real Estate Bungalow for Sale

654 Meadowview Dr. Fort Saskatchewan 

Built in 2021 Bungalow, everything on wish list. 2364 sq ft of fully finished living space. Landscaped & fenced with extra storage under deck. Reserve on east side. Open main floor, vaulted ceilings, vinyl planking throughout. Exquisite floor to ceiling stone gas fireplace sets the mood. Huge island with sink, pot draws & seating. Over abundance of cabinets & counter space. Quartz countertops throughout home. Built in oven, microwave & countertop induction stove. Garden door to maintenance free deck & rails, gas BBQ. Main floor laundry with sink. Extra bedroom/den & full bath on main. Master bedroom suite w coffered ceiling, side bed lights, walk-in closet. Ensuite: double glass door shower w seat, tile floor. Lower level, 9' ceilings, 2 bedrooms w walk in closets. 1 bedroom has access to the 4 piece bath! The rec room will be your time to relax with family. 2 large windows leaves this room bright & open. Central air conditioning. Heated garage w hot/cold running water and floor drain.

Now time to View!

Jeff & Sandy Johnson 780-699-5019

Read

Fort Saskatchewan Real Estate 210 Woodbend Way

Backing onto walking trails. This pie shape lot sits a 2192 sq. ft home with attached heated 24x24 garage. 9' ceilings on main & basement floor. Spacious front entry. Family style kitchen with island sink, breakfast bar, ample cupboard space, walk thru- pantry. Eating area with patio door access to your huge back deck with access to your back yard. Great room with gas burning fireplace overlooks the kitchen & eating area. Large windows letting in abundance of natural lighting. . Back entry with ample closet space and access to the heated garage. 2 piece bathroom, laundry room. Hardwood flooring in the kitchen, great room and dining area compliments this home. Upstairs you find a huge bonus room, 4 piece bathroom, 3 good sized bedrooms. Master bedrooms suite boasting his & her closets, 5 piece en suite bathroom. Fully finished basement with rec. room, 4 piece bath and 2 oversized bedrooms. Shingles and eves replace 2017. Central air conditioning and minutes walk to a park. Room to grow for your family.

To view Call Jeff & Sandy Johnson 780-699-5019

Read

Hidden Gem! Fort Saskatchewan Real Estate

                      Hidden Gem! Fort Saskatchewan Real Estate 

One of Fort Saskatchewan most desirable locations. 209 Woodhill Lane. Close to river valley and beautiful walk trails. 2009 sq ft 2 Storey! maintenance free front yard! Spacious front entrance leads to great room with 9'ceilings, vinyl plank flooring with plenty of natural light. Stone floor to ceiling gas fireplace. Maple kitchen with oversized island with plenty of room for seating. Corner walk through pantry leads to garage entrance and laundry room with sink. Granite countertops. All appliances included. Garden door leads to fenced and landscaped backyard. Upper level bonus room with coffered ceiling. Master bedroom suite with huge walkin closet and 5 piece bath, double shower and jet tub. 4 extra bedrooms, 2 upper 2 basement. Oversized double attached garage 25.9 x 26 with over head radiant heater. Open staircase to basement which is 80% finished, full 4 piece bath, just flooring & ceiling. Good size rec. room and bedrooms. Large 10 x 15 deck with dura deck type planks. Move in Ready. Welcome Home!

Call to View!

Read
Copyright 2024 by the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton. All Rights Reserved.
Data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton.
The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS® and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA. The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by CREA and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA.