What are the problems associated with aluminum wiring? How significant are the risks?
In part one of this article, the author discusses the properties and problems related to aluminum wiring.] During the mid-1960s and early 1970s, aluminum wiring was used extensively in residential electrical distribution. However, problems including the risk of electrical fires soon led to changes in the way aluminum conductors were manufactured. Aluminum wiring is still used in many industrial facilities, and even with these changes, evidence suggests there are still inherent problems with the use of aluminum in electrical applications. Who Is At Risk? There is an extensive list of factors that can affect the amount of risk associated with a facility wired with aluminum. The only true way to determine what risk a facility presents is to have an inspector trained in aluminum wiring hazards conduct an extensive inspection of the electrical system. Some repairs that facilities may attempt could actually increase their exposure to electrical failure. This article discusses some of the pro
