Aluminum wiring was extensively used in homes between
1965 and 1976. Problems have been reported from the
overheating and failure of aluminum wiring terminals. The
signs of these problems are the discolouring of the wall
receptacle, flickering lights, or the smell of hot plastic
insulation. Aluminum wiring in the home will operate as
safely as any other type of wiring if the proper materials were
used, installed and maintained as per the manufacturer's
instructions and the provincial safety code. If the home
involved in your transaction has aluminum wiring and you
suspect problems may exist, it is recommended that a
qualified electrical contractor inspect the electrical system,
including connections.
Not all aluminum wiring is hazardous. The safety issues
involving aluminum wire usually involves homes built from
the late 1960s through the early '70s, and may involve the
110 volt circuits used for outlets and lights. The safety issues
usually do not involve the major 220 volt circuits for
baseboard heating or major appliances (such as a dryer). In
some cases connections worked loose and the wire
overheated, which sometimes caused a fire. Consequently,
the use of 110 volt aluminum wiring was abandoned, and
older homes with this type of wiring typically warrant
upgrades at connection points or boxes.
The use of aluminum wiring is common and acceptable for
220 volt circuits, such as those serving heating equipment,
air conditioners and electric stoves. As long as the
connecting hardware is rated for aluminum wire, and as
long as the wire ends are protected with a corrosionresistant
compound, concern over the presence of aluminum
wire may not be justified. In fact, the majority of electric
utility companies use aluminum cable for their main service
lines. In all likelihood, the power lines to your home includes
aluminum.
To confirm the safety of the aluminum wire in the home
involved in the transaction, recommend having a home
inspector and electrician meet at the property to confer and
to compare findings. The insurance company may insist on
a complete electrical inspection by a certified electrician,
rather than a report from a home inspector.