Carpentersville Electrician
Was your Carpentersville house built in the late 60's or early 70's, if so your wiring is probably Aluminum. Aluminum was and still is approved in the National Electrical Code NEC and Underwriters Laboratories UL rated. However, there can be safety hazards in a home wired in aluminum especially in older homes. Many homes wired over 30 years ago with aluminum pose a multitude of fire and safety issues that most homeowners may not be aware of.
The problem with the 1350 series aluminum alloy used in the 60's and 70's was that the aluminum wire was designed for power transmission and not for branch circuitry. A straight run of 1350 Aluminum alloy wire did not pose the safety hazard. However, when homes were being wired with aluminum on a branch circuitry every connection made to a junction box, outlet, and switch, posed a safety and fire risk, and many homes wired in the 60's and 70's today still have the original aluminum wiring.
Aluminum is a softer metal and it expands and contracts at different rates then the other metals such as copper used in wiring. The electric current will change the temperature of the wire, causing joints to loosen and compromise the connection.
Once the connection is compromised there is further temperature gains that can give to arching or igniting a fire.
Most metals when exposed to the atmosphere oxidize. Copper when oxidized forms a conductor, on the other hand with aluminum oxide, it forms resistance which at a connection will cause an extra build up of heat. The oxidation builds up over time and will affect the electrical distribution.
if you are considering having your homes electrical system upgraded form aluminum to copper wiring then give our trained Carpentersville electrical professionals a call today and see what the can offer you as far as a whole home rewiring service. they are waiting to hear from you today!
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