Aluminum Wire Outlets

It has been determined that co alr devices perform better with aluminum wire when installed carefully and according to best electrical practices than do the types of switches and outlets usually used in the original installations of aluminum branch circuit wiring.

Aluminum wire outlets. Aluminum provides a better conductivity to weight ratio than copper and therefore is also used for wiring power grids including overhead power transmission lines and local power distribution lines as well as for power wiring of some airplanes. Utility companies have used aluminum wire for electrical transmission in power grids since around the late 1800s to. Aluminum wiring pigtails safeguard against the risk of fire in homes where aluminum wired homes show indications of failure and overheating at termination points. But an electrician can make the connections safe by adding a short section of copper wire to the end of each aluminum wire.

When installing or replacing 120 volt 15 amp or 20 amp switches and outlet receptacles where aluminum wiring has been installed the aluminum wires should be spliced together and a copper wire pigtail should be added. Some houses are still wired with aluminum or a combination of aluminum and copper. Completely rewiring your home isn t practical in most situations it means tearing into walls and ceilings. That way copper rather than aluminum will be connected to each switch outlet or other device.

The problems associated with aluminum and copper wires for electrical service lie not with the wire as both conduct electricity. Wire manufacturers began to produce aluminum wire for 15 a and 20 a branch circuits in response to the copper crisis. Usually receptacles approved for aluminum wiring will get stamped co alr cu al or al cu indicating they may get used for both copper and aluminum. Such circuits are usually wired with 14 awg and 12 awg copper wire respectively.

Ul lists these devices especially for use with aluminum wire although they can be used with copper or copper clad wire. Aluminum building wiring is a type of electrical wiring for residential construction or houses that uses aluminum electrical conductors. Problems with aluminum and copper wire electricity. Aluminum wire connections can overheat enough to start a fire without ever drawing enough current to trip a circuit breaker.

Aluminum wiring was widely used in canada from the mid 1960s through the 70s. When buying replacement electrical outlets for aluminum wiring ensure that all are compatible. It was favoured over copper wiring because it s a good conductor of electricity and was cheaper at the time. More modern decora switches and outlets are not aluminum wire rated.