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METHODS TO CORRECT |
REWIRE
The safest method of correcting the problem of aluminum wire is to eliminate the aluminum wire altogether and replace it with copper wire. This can be very expensive and in some cases impossible to do without cutting into walls, etc adding cost to refinish walls, ceilings, etc. This may prove to be impractical for most installations.
This method is one of two methods recommended by the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
COPALUM
The next best method of correcting the problems of aluminum wiring is having special CopAlum connectors installed. This method requires every connection to, or splice between, aluminum wire in the home to be remade using a special connector that requires a special tool. The connector makes a permanent connection that is, in effect, a cold weld. This is considered a permanent fix.
These connectors and the tool are manufactured by the Tyco Electronics Corporation. Only Tyco Approved and Certified contractors may install these connectors.
This method is the only other method recommended by the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
CO/ALR RATED DEVICES (SWITCHES AND RECEPTACLES)
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. has listed devices for use with aluminum wire. These devices are better than normal devices for use with aluminum wire; however, they have been known to fail. (Link to photo of burnt CO/ALR device) The other problem with this method use by itself is that it does not address the problems at joints or connections other than to devices.
The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission does not recommend this fix other than for a temporary emergency repair.
PIGTAILING WITH WIRE NUTS
Pigtalling involves attaching a short piece of copper wire to the aluminum wire with a twist-on connector sometimes called a wire nut. The copper wire is then connected with the device. Some wire nuts are approved for use with aluminum wire, however, they have failed.
The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission does not recommend this fix other than for a temporary emergency repair.
WIRE NUTS APPROVED FOR ALUMINUM WIRE
Underwater Laboratories, Inc has listed some wire nut type connectors for use with aluminum wire. We have seen these wire nuts fail. (Link to Photo) The CPSC Says,” It is possible that some pigtailing repairs made with twist-on connectors may be even more prone to failure than the original aluminum wire connections. Accordingly, the Commission staff believes that this method of repair does not solve the problem of overheating present in aluminum branch circuits.
The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission does not recommend this fix other than for a temporary emergency repair.
INFERRED CHECK & REPAIR
Some people have suggested using inferred technology to find hot spots and correct only the bad connections. We have several problems with this thinking.
First, every outlet would have to be put under a load for a time to let it heat up before the inferred is used. This could take considerable time and the heat created in the connections would make the next use more likely to become a problem. (See Why Aluminum Wire Is So Dangerous)
Second, just because a connection is good now is no guarantee that it will no develop problems in the future. This means the fix is not permanent and would have to be repeated every year. Even then, there is no guarantee that a problem could not develop shortly after testing.
Third, the long-term cost of this method could be more expensive than a recommended permanent method.
To our knowledge, the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has not addressed this method. It could be used as a temporary emergency repair.
TIGHTEN AND CHECK ALL CONNECTIONS
Some people have suggested checking all connections, cleaning, treating, and tightening all loose connections. For many of the reasons stated above we do not recommend these methods.
To our knowledge, the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has not addressed this method. It could be used as a temporary emergency repair.
LEAVE IT ALONE
This is by far the most risky way of thinking. Many insurance companies are starting to refuse insurance coverage on homes that have aluminum wiring. Not disclosing the problem to your insurance company could void your policy or limit your coverage.
Ignoring a problem does not make it go away. Thinking there have been no problems for the last x number of years, everything must be OK is dangerous. We believe aluminum wire in a home is a ticking time bomb. We have discovered many fire hazard conditions in home that have been OK for many years. Some of them had no indication of a problem. Nevertheless, they were ready to catch on fire!
If you chose this route, we recommend you install a monitored fire alarm system with many smoke detectors, test and check the system regularly, and practice evacuation procedures with your family.
If you need more information please call me toll free (866) 933-0111
Thank you for your time and interest
Roy Dutcher
1st Electric, LLC
Tyco Amp Certified CopAlum installer |
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