Thread: Aluminum wiring and non rated outlets

Inspected a house yesterday that had mostly aluminum wiring. Lots of renovations using copper Romex without proper connections. Also lots of improper outlets on the old wiring.

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Is there a question?

No question Joe, it was just an observation shared.

Originally Posted by Jack Feldmann

No question Joe, it was just an observation shared.

And an easy one to miss. Good catch!

So Jack, what did you state in your report regarding the aluminum wiring? Give it the standard "have proper evaluation and follow with remediation by a qualified electrician" phrase? Or tell them to run, because the place could burn down?

I've bought and sold 2 houses with aluminum wiring. Never a problem, once I rewired all of the switches/outlets/light fixtures with copper pigtails and appropriate "goo" in the connections.

Originally Posted by BridgeMan

So Jack, what did you state in your report regarding the aluminum wiring? Give it the standard "have proper evaluation and follow with remediation by a qualified electrician" phrase? Or tell them to run, because the place could burn down?

I've bought and sold 2 houses with aluminum wiring. Never a problem, once I rewired all of the switches/outlets/light fixtures with copper pigtails and appropriate "goo" in the connections.

I don't think Jack tells anyone to run anywhere. I advise having the connections to receptacle and fixtures checked every 10 years.

I also check a few receptacles especially where I see shiny new ones have been installed. In the end, tho, they will go with whatever the electrician says.

Bridgeman - why would you assume I would tell someone to run?
The fact the you have had two houses without issues with aluminum wiring has little or nothing to do with the house I inspected here in Knoxville.

If you really must know what I wrote in my report, I had the following items noted as well as a bunch of other things.
First and foremost, I am required by ASHI SOP and State of TN SOP to report on the presence of solid conductor aluminum branch circuit wiring, and I did so.
2. I reported that there were many improper connections between aluminum and copper wires.
3. I reported on the improper use of "copper only" outlets with aluminum wiring.
4. I also reported on various electrical issues that will likely take a qualified electrician a couple days to correct.

I follow a Code of Ethics, both ASHI and the State of Tennessee. ASHI COE 2.B states: "Inspectors shall be objective in their reporting and not knowingly understate or overstate the significance of reported conditions."