Orlando, FL · Member since 2009 · 2k+ posts · 282 votes
I had my inspection yesterday and the inspector pointed out that aluminum wiring could be an issue with the insurance company. He suggested seeing if they would accept adding arc-fault protectors in order to write the policy. Since the house was built almost 40 years ago, there is no hiding it from the insurance company because they'll require a 4 point inspection. (besides, I wouldn't want something hazardous anyway with tenants living there).
I'm going to call my ins. agent Monday morning when they open to find out what the deal is, but I was wondering if anyone else has been through this, and what the outcome was--what changes did you have to make, did they want you to rewire the whole house, do you pay a higher insurance premium, etc. Thanks!
Flipper · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2009 · 973 posts · 679 votes
15y
It could require a higher insurance premium. Arc faults are great, but you also need to ensure that every outlet and switch is rated for use with aluminum. Often when things get replaced, people use the wrong equipment.
Flipper · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2009 · 973 posts · 679 votes
15y
It could require a higher insurance premium. Arc faults are great, but you also need to ensure that every outlet and switch is rated for use with aluminum. Often when things get replaced, people use the wrong equipment.
Investor, Entrepreneur, Educator · Springfield, MO · Member since 2009 · 21k+ posts · 12k+ votes
15y
Great point Marc, even a good inspector will miss that. Make sure the equipment/fixtures are properly rated for the run. As for an insurance problem, it's not an issue here. Maybe Tim will see this, he's an adjuster. Agents have never asked me what the wire was, but do ask the year built and if it's a fuse box or breakers. Is this a commercial deal?
Full-Time Investor · Charlotte, NC · Member since 2009 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
15y
marc hit the nail on the head...the aluminum wire itself isn't the end of the world, but over time, aluminum will become loose from the receptacles and that's how it can catch fire. you must use receptacles and switces that are rated for aluminum, even though they cost a lot more than the normal receptacles. another option is to cut in copper wires and join with nolux so you can keep using the copper receptacles. just make sure all connections are tight, but a good electrician should know this. funny though, i've never been asked my insurance if the wire is copper or aluminum. they only seem to care if it's breakers or fuses...
Orlando, FL · Member since 2009 · 2k+ posts · 282 votes
15y
Originally posted by Financexaminer:
Maybe Tim will see this, he's an adjuster. Agents have never asked me what the wire was, but do ask the year built and if it's a fuse box or breakers. Is this a commercial deal?
No, it's just a regular house. But in Florida if the house is more than X number of years old (varies by insurance co.) you have to have a 4-point inspection to get insurance. I don't know if they require that in other states too.
Landlord · Seattle, WA · Member since 2010 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
15y
In Washington, I have found that insurance companies sometimes will require inspections and some do not. A common question though has to do if the building has knob and tube wiring or not, does it have fuses or a breaker. I have never been asked about aluminum wire that I can remember. So perhaps it is a regional issue.
Property Manager · Winnipeg, Manitoba · Member since 2010 · 14 posts · 3 votes
15y
It varies on the location your in, but to get around using the more expensive AL rated switches and outlets, you can get special marrettes that are rated for both copper and aluminum. These allow you to pig tail copper to the ends of the aluminum wiring, and use whatever switches you want.
I spoke to my electrician, and the insurance company, and both said that this was fine. But, as mentioned, it may be different in your area.
Inspector · Dallas/Fort Worth, TX · Member since 2008 · 82 posts · 38 votes
15y
Most insurance companies will allow the pig tail connections for aluminum wire as acceptable solutions. Arc faults are great, but they don't do anything for aluminum wire. The issue with aluminum is that is expands and contracts at a much higher rate than copper when power is run through it and cut. Over time it will loosen up and short out on you. You can also use an antioxidant compound, which is a metallic substance on all your aluminum wire connections. This will help ensure that the connection is a lot more stable even if the wire itself start to stretch the connection point. The other issue with aluminum wire is that the wire size requirement. With AL wire, typically the wire must be one size larger than its copper counterpart for the same size breaker. Hope this helps...