Aluminum Wiring

[texan1]

I hope this does not fit under the "can not answer"portion of electrical.I was wondering what problems people had or have with the aluminum wire used in older MH.Before I do a re-wire I thought I would see if the problem(s) can be located to certain areas such as dryers or AC units etc.

[Groo]

small Al wire has been pretty much banned for quite a while because it tends to heat up and cause fires. You can still get heavy gauge Al wire. I ran a sub pannel to my parents pool with 2gauge Al.

combining the fire starting aspects Al wire with the rapid combustabilty of a mh is a bad idea. I'd get it all out.

[JD]

Groo has made the best point to know about aluminum wiring. The things that I run into most with customers that have aluminum wire are sockets and lights quit working. The aluminum tends to oxidize in switches and outlets, causing shorts.

JD

[Greg]

The 2 major problems with aluminum wiring are the Oxidation problems plus the expansion /contraction rate difference of aluminum & the brass connectors on outlets & switches can cause arcing at the connection. I had read that there was a way to crimp a copper pigtail on and make the connections to the outlets with the copper. Check with a qualified electrician in your area for their thoughts. Greg

[Lifted79chevy350]

If you get all the wiring replaced keep the aluminum wire and take it to a recycle center. Aluminum is worth a decent amount of cash if your up to it.