hello. we are buying a house built in 73 and it has aluminum wiring. depending on who i talk to or what i read, i'm told either in and of itself, if properly wired, is not unsafe OR it's totally unsafe and you need to at least have the outlets pig-tailed. i'm totally confused, and worried about safety for my children. we absolutely love this house otherwise, so i'd hate to back out. can anyone tell me if it's ok/safe or what i can do to make it safe, short of re-wiring. are the pig-tails or copalum safe and if so, any idea on $$? thanks soo much.
~ christy in nj
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Best course of action would be to rewire. Copper pigtails at each device are an alternative, but must be properly done with a proprietary crimping connection few electricians have. Another alternative, and probably the least expensive, would be to replace all the receptacles and switches with those rated for aluminum wire (Co/Al rating).
If you are not rewiring, check if arc fault breakers are available for your panel and install them. Also, invest heavily in smoke detectors.
If you are not rewiring, check if arc fault breakers are available for your panel and install them. Also, invest heavily in smoke detectors.
Here's a website packed full of info on AL wiring. Hope it is helpful.
http://www.inspect-ny.com/aluminum.htm
http://www.inspect-ny.com/aluminum.htm
