Is your home wiring dangerous? Many people think that their home’s electrical system is outdated and of replacement when in reality, all they may need is to have the aluminum wiring replaced. Aluminum wiring was once popular for residential homes, but it can be more prone to fire hazards than copper wiring. If you live in an older home, there’s a good chance that the wiring is made of aluminum.
If you’re not sure whether or not your home needs its aluminum wiring to be replaced, this blog post will help you figure it out.
Aluminum Wiring History
Although aluminum wiring was popularized in the late 1950s and 60s, the use of this metal for electrical wiring dates back to the late 1880s. Electrical utilities first began using aluminum wire because it was a more efficient conductor than copper. However, over time it has been revealed that aluminum wiring is actually less safe than copper wiring and can lead to fires in homes. If you are considering purchasing a home with aluminum wiring, be sure to research the potential dangers involved before deciding.
In recent years, aluminum has quickly become associated with an increased risk of house fires. This is because when aluminum is exposed to high heat or flames, it can create a “fire boat” that spreads the fire rapidly and causes more damage. If you have aluminum in your home, be sure to take precautions to keep it safe from fire. Here are a few tips:
- Always keep a working smoke alarm and a fire extinguisher in your home.
- Never leave food cooking on the stove unattended.
- Make sure all your electrical wiring is up to code.
With these precautions in place, you can rest assured that your family will be safe if there is a fire in your home.
Fixing Aluminum Wiring
In 1977, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a Consumer Alert to warn homeowners of potential aluminum wiring problems. The CPSC had become aware of several incidents in which aluminum wiring had overheated, resulting in fires. While the alert did not call for a recall of any products, it urged homeowners to take certain precautions when using aluminum wiring, including having an electrician inspect their homes for potential problems.
Benefits of Replacing Your Old Aliminum Wiring With Copper
Melting
Have you ever wondered why copper wiring is so common in homes while aluminum wiring is much less common? Though it was once popular for its lower price tag, aluminum wiring has since been shown to be much less durable than copper wiring. In fact, aluminum wiring has been linked to several house fires over the years, making it a risky choice for your home.
If aluminum wiring is exposed to overheating, it can result in a potentially dangerous fire. It’s important to be aware of this and take the necessary precautions if your home has aluminum wiring by understanding the risks associated with aluminum wiring and taking steps to protect against them.
Durability
Did you know that aluminum wiring is less conductive than copper wiring? It may be because aluminum is less dense than copper overall, so the current doesn’t flow as well. This can be a problem, especially if you’re trying to use aluminum wiring in your home. Be sure to consult with a professional before making any changes!
Conductivity
To properly gauge the electrical performance of aluminum wiring compared to copper wiring, it is important to understand a bit about their makeup. Aluminum is less conductive than copper. Therefore more aluminum wiring is required to achieve the same level of performance as copper. This can be a major drawback for installing new wiring systems. Additionally, aluminum is less conductive than copper; it runs a greater risk of overheating and fire hazards. Most experts agree that while aluminum wiring may still be used in some cases, it should not be considered the first choice for electrical installations.
Corrosion
Aluminum wiring was once a popular choice for home electrical wiring, but it is now known that it is much more susceptible to corrosion than copper wiring. If you have aluminum wiring in your home, you should take special care to protect it from corrosion, as it can lead to dangerous electrical problems.
Final Word
Like most people, you may not even be aware of the potential dangers lurking in your walls. Understanding the signs of aluminum wiring problems and knowing when to replace your aluminum wiring can help keep your family safe and avoid a potentially dangerous home fire. Have you checked your home for these warning signs?
If you’re considering having your home rewired and are unsure whether to choose copper or aluminum wire, our team at Golden Electrical Service can help. We’ve been providing quality electrical services to homeowners, and we have the experience and expertise necessary to handle any job, big or small. Contact us today.
