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January 12, 2022
Benefits of Replacing Aluminum Wiring
When it comes to residential or commercial electrical wiring, the material used determines the efficiency of your electrical system. However, copper is usually preferred for wiring purposes; in the ’60s and 70’s, most buildings used aluminum which is a less expensive material. If your home or building has aluminum wiring, it’s advisable to contact the experts at Beall Electrical Service for electrical wiring replacement. Our experienced electrician can help you avoid the hazards associated with aluminum wiring by installing quality copper wiring.
What’s Wrong with Aluminum Wiring?
Despite aluminum being an excellent conductor of electricity, there are several reasons why you shouldn’t use it for electrical wiring. A major concern is its tendency to get extremely hot, expanding more. The soft nature of aluminum makes it susceptible to heat effects, which results in warping and other hazards.
Aluminum wiring undergoes fluctuations in size and shape due to the constant heating and cooling, rendering the wires loose in their connections. At Beall Electrical Service, we recommend switching to copper wiring since it’s less prone to rust, limiting electricity flow efficiency. If we detect the presence of rust in your wiring, our certified electricians in McCandless will recommend an electrical wiring replacement to mitigate fire hazards.
Is Aluminum Wiring Safe?
Aluminum can conduct electricity safely, but it’s not preferred for wiring your home since it has a high risk of incurring electrical fire hazards. Aluminum wiring is commonly used in power grids, some planes, and utility companies, but the high electricity demand from the appliances in your home tends to be overwhelming. According to a survey conducted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), most homes built before the ’70s are at a high risk of fire hazards compared to copper wiring.
If you don’t know the type of wiring you have in your home, Beall Electrical Service has got you covered. We’ll have an expert electrician assess your electrical system to determine if your wiring can handle your power needs. Some of the things to look out for if you suspect you have aluminum wiring include:
Warm or Discolored Outlets
An easy way to assess the type of wiring you have is by feeling the covers of your outlets if they are warm. Once you experience a warm sensation emanating from your outlets, this is a sign that the electrical wires are generating heat. The excess heat results in the discoloration of electrical outlets; that’s why you need to schedule regular maintenance with the professionals at Beall Electrical Service. Our electricians can provide quality electrical wiring replacement to mitigate damage depending on the extent of the damage.
Arcing or Shocks
If you experience a sudden shock or sparks emanating from your outlets when you plug in an appliance, then you are due an electrical wiring maintenance check. These are the common signs of an electrical system with poor connection or aluminum wires. Electrocution or arcing is usually a sign of an underlying electrical problem that needs to be addressed.
For more information about the benefits of changing from aluminum to copper wiring, contact us at Beall Electrical Service. We guarantee you a top-notch electrical wiring replacement service without breaking the bank.