Electrical
Aluminum wire was weak from the mid 1960′s to the gradual 1970′s. It is rare to bag aluminum wire in homes constructed after 1980. This type of wire can also be found in homes that have had electrical upgrades or electrical work performed in the 1960′s and 1970′s. Aluminum wire can be identified by its aluminum or silver color. The best region to resolve if this type of electrical wiring exists is to check inside the electrical panel box. search for where the electrical wires assign to the breaker screws. Also see at the electrical ground wires because they will be the same material as the hot wires. Solder coated wire also looks silver so be careful not to confuse the two. One is a potential fire hazard and one is not.
Aluminum wiring will be labeled on the exterior of the wire coating. Typically the words aluminum or Alum will be stamped on the exterior wire sheathing. Sometimes it is difficult to locate so the best procedure to resolve if alum wire exists is to study inside the main panel box. Read the rest of this entry »