By: Barry Stone
Hi Barry,
We recently purchased a 12-year-old house, and our home inspector failed to mention the aluminum wire that runs from the main service panel to the heater. It was discovered when we hired an electrician to do some repairs, and he estimated $1,200 to replace the line. Our real estate agent was surprised the home inspector missed this and said that he has a reputation for being thorough. Nevertheless, he did miss it, and we've heard that aluminum wire is a serious safety hazard. Shouldn't the inspector pay for this repair? -Janet
Dear Janet,
Not all aluminum wiring is hazardous. Safety issues involving aluminum wire pertain to homes built from the late 1960s through the early '70s and involved 110-volt circuits, primarily for outlets and lights. In those instances, connections became loose and subsequently overheated, sometimes resulting in fires. Consequently, the use of 110-volt aluminum wiring was abandoned, and older homes with this type of wiring typically warrant upgrades at the connections.
However, the use of aluminum wiring is common and acceptable as it relates to 220-volt circuits, such as those serving heating equipment, air conditioners and electric ranges. As long as the connecting hardware is rated for aluminum wire, and as long as the wire ends are protected with a corrosion-resistant compound, concern over the presence of aluminum wire is typically unwarranted. In fact, the majority of electric utility companies use aluminum cable for their main service lines. In all likelihood, the power lines to your home consist of aluminum.
To confirm the safety of the aluminum wire in your home, arrange to have your home inspector and the electrician meet at the property to confer and to compare findings. You should also consult your local building department and ask that they re-inspect the aluminum lines.
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