CSK'sMom wrote: ↑I think you're missing the big issue here.... Will your (or any insurance company even insure the house with aluminum wiring? Many won't, certificate or not. They will require that in order to get insurance it must all be ripped out and replaced within 30/60 or 90 days of taking possession...
As for resale, sure it can be an issue. A rewired older home will generally be worth more than one that needs to be rewired KWIM?
This is not true. I have aluminum wire as well and I have had two brokers dealing with about 20 companies total. None refused to insure and they were all fairly close in premium costs.cabbageroll wrote: ↑Most insurance companies will not insure the property if you tell them the house has aluminum wiring. But they usually only ask when it was upgraded and if its 100 amp or 220, not if its copper or alum.
Problems with aluminum wiring
Reported problems with aluminum wiring have been related to the overheating and failure of aluminum wiring terminations. This is due to the tendency of aluminum wiring to oxidize, and aluminum’s incompatibility with devices designed for use with copper wiring only. Aluminum has a higher rate of expansion than copper wiring, which can lead to loose connections, arcing and melting, eventually fire. Warm cover plates or discolouration of switches or receptacles, flickering lights or the smell of hot plastic insulation may be evidence of poor or improperly made connections.
The hazards of aluminum wire was most often in the installation. When this is checked and fixed (if needed) it is as good as copper. As a matter of fact, many (if not most) commercial buildings are wired with aluminum even today. There is no ban on the use of aluminum wire at all. You can use it in housing as well.
Very correct. There is a fear out there that is unfounded and, if properly researched, one will find that it is as good and as safe as any other wiring.arisk wrote: ↑The only real problem with aluminum is perception.
The electrical issues can be addressed.
We now know how to handle aluminum wiring properly.
What happens is people run scared.
Can it affect your resale value?
It could. People hear aluminum and get paranoid.
If that scares away buyers, it's a negative, whether there is any real hazard or not.
Just look at this thread to see the effect.
It can be perfectly safe.
Make sure all connections are properly terminated.
This isn't difficult and a competent DIYer can take a weekend to do it and it won't cost much.