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  1. #1
    Michael Vasquez's Avatar
    Michael Vasquez Guest

    Default Aluminum wiring with AFCI breakers

    Inspected this house today and the seller has had the sub panel (15 and 20 amp circuits) replaced and the new panel now has every circuit on AFCI breakers. House is wired with aluminum wire. Will this panel be protecting all aluminum circuits throughout the house properly? I have never seen this before.

    Also, some of the older receptacles were not CO/ALR and the aluminum wires have been pigtailed with copper using lavender wire connectors. I now these connectors are not quite safe and other type of connectors are recommended. What would be the best way to report on this?

    Thank You

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  2. #2
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    Default Re: Aluminum wiring with AFCI breakers

    That is one of the original intended uses for AFCI breakers.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Aluminum wiring with AFCI breakers

    Sounds like that is about the best they can do if they are keeping the original aluminum branch circuits. Don't know much about the lavender connectors but I believe they are designed for this purpose, no?


  4. #4
    James Duffin's Avatar
    James Duffin Guest

    Default Re: Aluminum wiring with AFCI breakers

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
    That is one of the original intended uses for AFCI breakers.
    Jerry...

    Where can I find info on that? I did four townhouses in the past two weeks that had aluminum wiring. I would love to be able to give this option as a repair. I advise against the pigtail fix.


  5. #5
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    Default Re: Aluminum wiring with AFCI breakers

    Check on the CPSC site, they should have something on there about AFCIs and the reason they came about, I think I read something on their site about that.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  6. #6
    James Duffin's Avatar
    James Duffin Guest

    Default Re: Aluminum wiring with AFCI breakers

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
    That is one of the original intended uses for AFCI breakers.
    Thanks...I've haven't been there is a while so I'll check for new info. I'll let you know what I find.


  7. #7
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    Default Re: Aluminum wiring with AFCI breakers

    Quote Originally Posted by James Duffin View Post
    Thanks...I've haven't been there is a while so I'll check for new info. I'll let you know what I find.

    James,

    I believe it was a couple of years ago or so.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  8. #8
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    Default Re: Aluminum wiring with AFCI breakers

    CPSC, ESFI Warn Consumers About Electrical Hazards In The Home "Inspect and Protect!" Campaign Encourages Homeowners to Safeguard Homes

    (underlining is mine - maybe I just added 2+2+2 and got 6)
    "This summer, CPSC and ESFI are encouraging homeowners to: 1) have an electrical inspection conducted for homes 40 years and older, for homes 10 years and older with major renovations or new appliances added, or that have been resold; 2) learn the potential hazards posed by aluminum wiring systems and contact CPSC if your home is among the two million built with aluminum wiring between the late 1960s and early 1970s; and 3) consider installing arc fault circuit interrupters in place of ordinary circuit breakers, especially if your home is over 40 years old. AFCIs are new technology designed to prevent electrical fires by sensing unseen electrical arcing. AFCIs are particularly important where wiring may have degraded with age."

    http://www.cpsc.gov/LIBRARY/FOIA/FOI...FCImeeting.pdf

    Slide on page 22 of 38, Enhanced Protection, Currently available AFCIs provide protection beyond standard breakers and fuses: aluminum wiring (then other things listed)

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

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