Aluminum
wire was used extensively in home construction from the mid
60s to the early 70s. As time went by it became apparent
that there were problems with electrical connections at electrical
devices such as receptacle plugs, light switches and fixtures,
and hardwired low amp appliances. Device failures resulting
from bad wire connections became problematic with the aluminum
wire.
The U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission reports numerous fires and deaths
that are directly related to aluminum wiring that had overheated
at the connections between the wire and devices. CPSC
research shows that "homes wired with aluminum wire manufactured
before 1972 are 55 times more likely to have one or more connections
reach "Fire Hazard Conditions" than are homes wired
with copper. "Post 1972" aluminum wire is
also a concern. Introduction of the aluminum wire "alloys"
in 1972 time frame did not solve most of the connection failure
problems. Aluminum wiring is still permitted and used
for certain applications, including residential service entrance
wiring and higher amperage circuits for air conditioning or
electric ranges. |
