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If you鈥檙e looking for , then aluminum may be an option. Because of the lower price, it鈥檚 used in projects that require large amounts of wiring. For example, a commercial building project.

However, there are some things you need to be aware of before using it. We are going to provide an overview of aluminum wiring, where you鈥檒l , prevention, and potential hazards.

By the end, you should have a better understanding of aluminum wiring. Yet, we don鈥檛 recommend messing with any type of wiring, unless you鈥檙e a qualified electrician.听

How To Recognize Aluminum Wiring

The best way to recognize aluminum wiring is by looking at its colour. If it鈥檚 aluminum, it should be silver. Although, you can鈥檛 always see the colour because of the insulation.

If that鈥檚 the case, the insulation should be marked with AL, ALUM, or ALUMINUM.

Warning Signs (What鈥檚 Wrong with Aluminum Wiring?)

Nowadays, most residential wiring is copper. However, many years ago aluminum wiring was used throughout homes. That means you could be living in a home that hasn鈥檛 had the wiring changed since being built.

So, how bad is aluminum wiring in a house?

The main concern is it increases the risk of a fire. The good news? You can usually identify when you have an aluminum electric issue by recognizing the warning signs.

These could range from flickering lights, all the way to a burning smell coming from outlets. If you notice any of these signs, it鈥檚 a good idea to get in touch with your immediately. Don鈥檛 ever try to fix electrical problems yourself, otherwise, you could end up seriously hurt.

Prevention 鈥� It Should Be Checked Every 5 Years

To ensure your aluminum wiring is not causing any problems, it鈥檚 important to have it checked every 5 years. Not all electricians are qualified when it comes to aluminum wiring, so make sure to check beforehand.

Hazards with Aluminum Wiring听

The main problem with aluminum wiring is it expands at a much higher rate than copper. With such high expansion rates, it鈥檚 not uncommon for it to detach from the terminal screws.

When this happens, the wiring comes into contact with air. This can prevent the electric flow to appliances in your home. You may notice your washing machine, microwave, and dryer stop working suddenly.

In addition, it鈥檚 not as durable as copper. This makes it resist the electrical current, which causes heat to build up. Over time, this can lead to a fire and, in some cases, arcing.

Should You Buy a House with Aluminum Wiring?

A study was done suggesting homes wired before 1972 are 55 times more likely to catch fire. Therefore, purchasing a home with aluminum wiring could potentially put your family鈥檚 lives at risk.

However, that鈥檚 not to say you can鈥檛 purchase a home and have the wiring changed from aluminum to copper, which is a much safer alternative. If you choose this option, it鈥檚 important to choose the right electrician.

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As a side note, you don鈥檛 need to worry about aluminum wiring if you鈥檙e buying a home that was recently built. Nowadays, all new-builds are designed with copper.

Get In Touch

Now you understand what鈥檚 wrong with electrical wiring, it鈥檚 important to talk to an electrician if you notice any of the warning signs.听

Even if there aren鈥檛 any signs, it鈥檚 always good to get a thorough inspection. You can call us on (416) 755-2700 or use our for a free quote.