Pros and Cons of Aluminum Wiring

The aluminum wiring had been in use since the invention of electricity. A war type situation had emerged in the 1970s regarding the use of aluminum or copper in the electrical wiring. The use of aluminum was because of the many good reasons that aluminum bears. Though, at the same time aluminum bears a lot of disadvantages as well. Therefore, over time with powerful knowledge and improved research has proven that the aluminum wiring system is no more effective and is also not reliable or cost-effective. This was the era to end of aluminum wiring. This article, however, deals with the pros and cons of aluminum wiring Calgary.

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Pros of Aluminum Wiring

The aluminum wiring possesses numerous advantages which are explained below in detail.

1. The aluminum wiring is very inexpensive. Aluminum wiring is cost-effective and brings saving.
2. The quantity of aluminum can be used less for wiring when compared to copper.
3. It is very easy to work on aluminum wiring when compared to copper wiring. It is a fact that aluminum wires must not be bent, however, its pliability makes it very easy to be installed. The aluminum wiring can be installed in difficult locations as well with ease.
4. The lightweight of aluminum makes it perfect to be used in industrial applications where weight is a matter of concern.

Cons of Aluminum Wiring

Despite the success of copper to be used in most wiring applications, aluminum is still used in a few and one must know of its reasons for the downfall. The disadvantages of aluminum are explained below in detail.

1. There are certain fire hazards associated with aluminum. If aluminum wiring installed improperly or corrode it bears risks of fire.
2. The insurance companies are not sure of giving you insurance if you have aluminum wiring is placed. Even if a certain company agrees on insurance, they would demand a huge premium.
3. The aluminum wiring is requiring dedicated parts such as lugs, screws, and other terminal parts which are needed to be approved through compatibility tests.
4. The replacement of aluminum wiring is more than copper wiring because of the wear and tear that it has.
5. The aluminum wiring can only be troubleshot by an expert electrician.

Guidelines for Aluminum Wiring

You have to remember that you must work through a licensed, professional, and experienced electrician who is aware of the special care and concern needed for aluminum wiring. The electrician must be aware of proper design for wiring and installation procedures. Moreover, you must be aware of the special concerns that may arise when you have to undergo the repair work of aluminum wiring needed for ensuring the safety of your vicinity.

Conclusion

If your house or nationhood is having aluminum wiring then you are not necessarily in need to replace it with copper wiring. However, you must get the electrical system checked by an experienced electrician. This is because aluminum wiring has been wrongly installed decades back which majorly resulted in hazards. Therefore, you may not get a chance of a hazard and make the installation right before any chaos occurs, as they say, prevention is better than cure.

There are two types of metal commonly used in wiring: copper and aluminum. They’re chosen for their efficiency, ease of use, and affordability. Each has its advantages and disadvantages and knowing those can help avoid problems that range from annoying to disastrous.

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Pros and Cons of Aluminum Wiring
Aluminum wire was used extensively in home and commercial wiring during the late 60’s to late 70s due to a spike in copper prices. It’s still about half the cost of copper, is much lighter, and is more malleable than copper, making it easier to work with. Its lighter weight makes it the best choice when electric current needs to be carried over long distances, such as between power poles.

And properly installed, it’s perfectly safe.

But that’s where trouble can start—when aluminum is used incorrectly.

Aluminum expands when current runs through it and contracts when it doesn’t. That expansion and contraction can cause connections to loosen over time, resulting flickering and dangerous arcing can lead to fires. It can even become hot enough under some conditions to melt certain fixtures, so it’s important to know what types of fixtures and connectors can be used with aluminum wiring.

Aluminum is also more subject to corrosion than copper, meaning its useful life can be shorter as it becomes brittle and subject to breakage.

Pros and Cons of Copper Wiring
Copper conducts electricity better than aluminum, is more durable and less subject to corrosion, and doesn’t expand and contract as much, making many types of connections more secure. On the other hand, it’s heavier and twice as expensive, making it a poor choice for long runs without support.

Why Can’t They Get Along?
Properly joined, aluminum and copper wire can be friends, but mostly due to their different expansion and contraction rates, those connections must be done carefully. Standard wire nuts and screws are not meant for joining copper and aluminum; there are specific connectors, marked Cu-Al, for the purpose and they must be used to avoid trouble.

Because homeowners and DIYers often change or replace outlets, switches, and fixtures, residential contractors commonly use copper except for isolated high-voltage circuits like for stoves, ovens, water heaters, and furnaces. That way the DIYer needn’t be concerned since commonly used devices are designed for copper connections.

If you know, or even suspect, your regular outlets and switches have aluminum wiring running to them, be sure to only use devices specifically rated for copper-to-aluminum connections.

Need Help? Call a Pro
Why risk trouble when help is only a call or click away? Repairs, remodeling, renovations, and additions all need top-notch electrical work, and Allstar Electrical Services delivers the quality results you expect and deserve. We work hand-in-hand with you and your contractors to ensure your project is done right, on budget and on schedule.

We’ve served the Front Range for over 20 years, are top-rated by the BBB and Angie’s List, and are proud to be a Home Advisor Preferred Contractor and member of the Independent Electrical Contractors.

Whatever your electrical needs, call Allstar Electrical at (303) 399-7420 or visit our website. Then use our handy on-line forms to request an estimate or set up an appointment.

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