Sometimes wiring gets damaged, be it by age or other factors. When this happens, it is important to repair the wiring soon. However, repairing aluminum wiring isn’t necessarily the best thing to do. Of course, you should repair damaged and broken wires, but with aluminum wiring, a replacement may be a better option.
There are certain properties of aluminum wiring that can cause connection deterioration. This can present you with a possible wiring hazard over the years. It is a fundamental principle that high temperatures in wiring are a hazard. Overheated connections are where you will find the hazard, normally after carrying a burdensome electrical load for an exceedingly long amount of time. There are still many homes that were built with aluminum wiring, and these homes still have the wiring in its walls. The larger sizes of wire made of aluminum are often used for service drops and feeders. These usually do not pose an issue. However, if your home was built between the mid-60s and early 70s, it is safer to find out what type of wiring your home currently has.
What Do I Do If I Have Aluminum Wiring
If you discover that you do, have aluminum wiring in your home, and there are no obvious issues with it, then maybe you can put off upgrading for a short time. It becomes a matter of when you should upgrade, rather than should you upgrade. It will ultimately need to be upgraded, but if you don’t have any issues with it now, it gives you time to plan and find the right electrician.
The Warning Signs of Aluminum Wiring
Bad connections cause the trouble, and the symptoms are no different than with copper wiring. Though these warning signs are not proof of the presence of aluminum wiring, they will indicate that attention to the wire is needed. However, if you do in fact have aluminum wiring, and also experience these warning signs, it is time for some immediate action. Some of these warning signs are:
- Incandescent Lights that Dim or Brighten when a heavy appliance is started
- Without a breaker being tripped, things stop working
- Burning Plastic Smell
- Flames, sparks, smoke
- Overheating signs
A lot of times, the burn out goes unobserved. However, if you look behind the faceplate, you may find scorching marks or soot. If you find soot at the slots of a receptacle, it is normally just a cause of worn out receptacle and not a poor connection.
If you suspect aluminum wiring or you are wanting to replace your wiring, then it is time to set up an appointment with Professional Electric before it is too late. Our technicians are licensed, trained, and experienced in upgrading aluminum wiring to modern standards. Don’t leave your family or home at risk with aluminum wiring, and though it may not seem like you have a problem with it now, it is inevitable to happen with time.