Thought on Aluminum Wiring Inside the House?

Question

Hello all,

I am in the process of doing my dd for my first rental property.  The property is a SFH brick home that was built in 1980.  I did the house inspection yesterday and everything seemed be minor issues but the inspector pointed out that I have all aluminum wiring running throughout the home.  I started asking my co-workers on their opinion and some of them have horror stories and some say that it isn't a problem.  Based on your guys experience, is this going to be a home that will give me more problems or should I keep pursuing since the numbers make sense. I don't want to be 5 years into this rental and then the house is prone to fires or even worse.. I have to get it re-wired.  Any information or thought on this matter would be greatly appreciated!  Thanks much!

Steve Morris · Answer

Well, Al wiring was popular in the 80s.  Main issue I understand is that the gauge was sometimes too small.  This would be most noticeable on things like electric ovens and clothes dryers that draw a lot of current.

Too much current thru too small a wire causes corrosion, especially at junctions with dis-similar metals - Like the connection at the circuit breaker.  In most cases not a problem, however, paying an electrician a couple of hundred to look would help you.

Evan Polaski · Answer

@Mack Marchand wiring is a funny thing, since I have NEVER had any issues with it and I have been living in and/or investing in old houses for 27 years.  I have put grounded, 3 pin outlets on knob and tube wiring (personal residence, not rentals, if that makes it any better), have aluminum wiring in rentals, etc with no problems.

I have never had an issue with any of it.  As mentioned, trying to wire an electric oven or dryer off of it may be an issue for several reasons, but the normal outlets, lights, fans, etc should be fine.  I have had my electrician specifically tell me NOT to rewire a house with aluminum wiring.  His take was it was a waste of money since it has clearly been there for decades with no signs of issue, and generally appliances are becoming more efficient, not less.

Same has been said with knob and tube by several electricians. "Encapsulated", meaning in walls and ceilings, is fine when not disturbed.  Basements, the issue is people hanging clothing on it and attics the insulation covering it can cause it to overheat, but the fix is to not rewire the whole house, but to clean out the exposed areas, and properly junction when it runs up or down walls.  Granted, you will not have a modern grounded outlet, but as long as you keep 2 prong outlets on the circuits, electricians and building departments have always been fine with it, in my experience.