Is Aluminum wiring suitable for your property? How does a property inspector address the situation?

Are you buying a property with aluminum wiring? Then you must reassure yourself if it's the right decision to make. 

We at GTA Inspectors provide top-class inspection services and understand the horrors of buying and selling a home with aluminum wiring. Read this blog further to know why you must think before investing in a property with aluminum wiring. 

What is aluminum wiring?
Aluminum wiring is a type of electrical wiring that uses aluminum alloy and not copper. 

Aluminum wiring has some different physical properties than copper. It's less conductive and softer than copper and expands more when exposed to heat. 

Here are some unique factors of aluminum wiring you need to consider while choosing one for your home. 

• Damage vulnerability - 

As aluminum is softer than copper, it is more likely to get damaged. In contrast, the installation occurs specifically when aluminum wiring is connected to light switches, outlets, and other wires in a home's junction boxes. 

•  Poor Connections- 

As aluminum tends to expand when exposed to heat, it can cause severe damage to your property. If the aluminum wiring contracts and expands frequently, it might get disconnected from the screws holding it. The disconnection or improper connections can lead to unwanted electrical hazards. 

•  Oxidizing and Overheating: 

If the aluminum wire oxidizes, it may lead to poor conductivity and can also lead to overheated circuits. 

Aluminum Wiring and Home Inspections

What Should You Do Before Buying a Home with Aluminum Wiring? 
We suggest that you take the following actions before buying the home:

• Inspect your entire property by professional inspectors to examine your home's electrical system. So that if there are any issues and repairs spotted, you can get them fixed. 

 

• After a home inspection, if you plan to get the wiring changed, always ask for estimates of replacing the entire wiring in the property. You can also use this information to negotiate with your sellers. 

 

• Ensure that the property doesn't have single wires carrying all the load of the property. For example, there should not be single wiring carrying all the burden of your appliances. If this happens with aluminum wiring, it might get too hot and lead to short circuits. 

What Home Inspectors Look For While Inspecting:
While buying or selling a home with aluminum wiring, you must get a property inspection done. The inspector will check if any single-strand aluminum wiring is on the property. 

There are some remedies home inspectors will look for to mitigate potential hazards. 

Copalum crimps - 
Copalum crimps the aluminum wire into a copper wire with a specially designed sleeve and crimping tool.

Pigtailing - 
Pigtailing is less expensive than the other to merge the aluminum and copper wiring. This method is not frequently preferred. The home inspector might look for this as a possible remedy. 

CO/ALR Switches and Outlets - 
The inspectors will always look for the outlets and check if they are the best suited with aluminum wiring. 

Conclusion: 
The concerns mentioned above are a fundamental reason to get your property inspected. If you are still looking forward to buying a property with aluminum wiring, you can move forward with the negotiations with the sellers. You can mention splitting the price of rewiring and mitigation options with them. Ultimately, if you love the property, modifications and adjustments can be made.

We hope that you found this information helpful. If you have any questions about home inspections, please contact us. 
GTA Inspectors provide quality inspection services to ensure you're confident in your assets. 

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