|
 Due
to implications in numerous house fires, the once common
practice of using aluminum wiring during the 1970's
is no longer permitted in new installations in most
jurisdictions. If your house has aluminum wiring you
do not necessarily need to panic. Aluminum wiring can
be just as safe as copper wire as long as it has been
installed correctly. The concern with aluminum wiring
is that it is very unforgiving if it has been installed
incorrectly.
Aluminum wiring expands when it warms up, and contracts
then it cools down. Aluminum reacts differently than
copper wire after several warm/cooling cycles. After
each cycle aluminum tends to lose more of its tightness.
This process is often referred to as "cold creep".
Combined with aluminum's tendency to oxidize when in
contact with certain metals, these factors can lead
to dangerous problems. When aluminum oxidizes it heats
up more to conduct the same amount of electricity, which
then causes more oxidation. Due to this cycle, eventually
the wires may start to get very hot, melt the fixture
that it attached to, and even possibly cause a fire.
If you are considering purchasing a home with aluminum
wiring, or have discovered it later, it would be a good
idea to hire a licensed electrician to check over the
wiring for any potential problems.
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Your Inspection Online
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for your next home purchase, plus lots of extra value,
then give Tiger Home & Building Inspection a call
Today to schedule your inspection!
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Right Now: 866-844-3726
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offers you the benefits, experience, flexibility, and
efficiency that only a company of specialists can provide.
Our company-wide focus on personal attention, however,
makes you feel like you are the only client we have!
We provide home inspection services
to the Front Range, Mountains and Western Slope of Colorado
and all the areas in between.
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