# Aluminum wire fire **URL:** \ **Category:** Electrical Inspections\ **Created:** [January 23, 2008, 8:57pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/aluminum-wire-fire/24207 "2008-01-23T20:57:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![badair](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/badair/32/166699_2.png) [@badair](https://forum.nachi.org/u/badair)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2008, 8:57pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/aluminum-wire-fire/24207/1 "2008-01-23T20:57:00Z")
Just got this Email from a fellow inspector posted here with his permission See updated PDF [FONT=Arial]Hey Guys,[/FONT] [FONT=Arial][/FONT] [FONT=Arial]Conducted an inspection yesterday on a 1960’s house in [/FONT][FONT=Arial]Dallas[/FONT][FONT=Arial]. Bank owned. Aluminum wiring. The whole nine yards. Anyway, thought I was going to have to call the fire department. During my sampling of outlets to check wire connections, had an outlet and wires arc and start a small fire in the box. See pictures attached. Anyway, what I’ve read about “pig tailing” as unreliable was demonstrated yesterday. Obviously turned power off to property and alerted selling agent immediately. Also,[/FONT] [FONT=Arial][/FONT] [FONT=Arial]I’ve also attached a document with some updated information about aluminum wiring I thought you might be interested in. That’s it, stay safe![/FONT] [FONT=Arial][/FONT] [FONT=Arial]Regards,[/FONT] [FONT=Arial][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][/FONT] [FONT=Arial]Brian Bassett, TREC #6581[/FONT] [FONT=Arial]Wall-2-Wall Home Inspections[/FONT] [FONT=Arial]817.721.4778 (cell)[/FONT] [FONT=Arial]brianbassett@tx.rr.com[/FONT] [FONT=Arial][www.wall2wallhomeinspections.com](http://www.wall2wallhomeinspections.com/)[/FONT] ---
**Author:** ![klott](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/klott/32/59_2.png) [@klott](https://forum.nachi.org/u/klott)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2008, 10:33pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/aluminum-wire-fire/24207/2 "2008-01-23T22:33:41Z")
Thanks Barry ---
**Author:** ![lkage](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/lkage/32/347658_2.png) [@lkage](https://forum.nachi.org/u/lkage)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2008, 1:06am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/aluminum-wire-fire/24207/3 "2008-01-24T01:06:38Z")
> [@badair](#): > > Just got this Email from a fellow inspector posted here with his permission > See updated PDF > > [FONT=Arial]Hey Guys,[/FONT] > > [FONT=Arial]Conducted an inspection yesterday on a 1960’s house in [/FONT][FONT=Arial]Dallas[/FONT][FONT=Arial]. Bank owned. Aluminum wiring. The whole nine yards. Anyway, thought I was going to have to call the fire department. During my sampling of outlets to check wire connections, had an outlet and wires arc and start a small fire in the box. See pictures attached. Anyway, what I’ve read about “pig tailing” as unreliable was demonstrated yesterday. Obviously turned power off to property and alerted selling agent immediately. Also,[/FONT] > > [FONT=Arial]I’ve also attached a document with some updated information about aluminum wiring I thought you might be interested in. That’s it, stay safe![/FONT] > > [FONT=Arial]Regards,[/FONT] > > [FONT=Arial]Brian Bassett, TREC #6581[/FONT] > [FONT=Arial]Wall-2-Wall Home Inspections[/FONT] > [FONT=Arial]817.721.4778 (cell)[/FONT] > [FONT=Arial]brianbassett@tx.rr.com[/FONT] > [FONT=Arial][www.wall2wallhomeinspections.com[/FONT]](http://www.wall2wallhomeinspections.com) Sounds like he saved a house from burning down. Is it typical for TREC inspectors to “sample outlets to check wire connections”? ---
**Author:** ![bbassett](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/bbassett/32/171204_2.png) [@bbassett](https://forum.nachi.org/u/bbassett)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2008, 1:20am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/aluminum-wire-fire/24207/4 "2008-01-24T01:20:57Z")
Hi Larry, Yes TREC SOP states “Inspect (if branch circuit aluminum wiring is discovered in the main or subpanels) a random sampling of accessible receptacles and switches and report as in need of repair the absence of appropriate connections, such as copper/aluminum approved devices, pig-tailed connections or crimp connections”. The buyer was very happy to have this information before purchasing this property. ---
**Author:** ![lkage](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/lkage/32/347658_2.png) [@lkage](https://forum.nachi.org/u/lkage)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2008, 1:32am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/aluminum-wire-fire/24207/5 "2008-01-24T01:32:19Z")
> [@bbassett](#): > > Hi Larry, > > Yes TREC SOP states “Inspect (if branch circuit aluminum wiring is discovered in the main or subpanels) a random sampling of accessible receptacles and switches and report as in need of repair the absence of appropriate connections, such as copper/aluminum approved devices, pig-tailed connections or crimp connections”. > > The buyer was very happy to have this information before purchasing this property. I bet they were happy.😃 Thanks for the info. Nice job! ---
**Author:** ![Greg\_Fretwell](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/f1d935/32.png) [@Greg\_Fretwell](https://forum.nachi.org/u/Greg_Fretwell)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2008, 4:47am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/aluminum-wire-fire/24207/6 "2008-01-24T04:47:01Z")
That looks more like a short than a loose connection. Did a wirenut pop off or a wire break and short to the box? ---
**Author:** ![Marc\_D.Shunk](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/marc_d.shunk/32/958_2.png) [@Marc\_D.Shunk](https://forum.nachi.org/u/Marc_D.Shunk)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2008, 5:21am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/aluminum-wire-fire/24207/7 "2008-01-24T05:21:25Z")
I see in that second picture that you found my 10-in-1. Thanks for keeping it safe for me. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![badair](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/badair/32/166699_2.png) [@badair](https://forum.nachi.org/u/badair)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2008, 11:08am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/aluminum-wire-fire/24207/8 "2008-01-24T11:08:44Z")
> [@lkage](#): > > Sounds like he saved a house from burning down. > > Is it typical for TREC inspectors to “sample outlets to check wire connections”? Larry, Here is a link to the rules Texans work under… [TREC Rules](http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=5&ti=22&pt=23&ch=535&sch=R&rl=Y) thanx JP also [AlumiConn](http://www.alumiconn.com/contact.html) will send samples and flyers ---
**Author:** ![tdietrich1](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/tdietrich1/32/1561_2.png) [@tdietrich1](https://forum.nachi.org/u/tdietrich1)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2008, 1:55pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/aluminum-wire-fire/24207/9 "2008-01-24T13:55:18Z")
I’ve run into this in the past. Ideal makes Al purple wire nuts. Some people see the cost and then next to them, are regular purple wire nuts. Another glance, they find no-oxide compound the shelf below, and the the light bulb goes on. Why pay $10 for four Ideal Al Purple Wire Nuts, when for $4 you can make a whole bunch of home-made ones! tom ---
**Author:** ![bzimbelman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b5e925/32.png) [@bzimbelman](https://forum.nachi.org/u/bzimbelman)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2008, 3:22pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/aluminum-wire-fire/24207/10 "2008-01-24T15:22:44Z")
Barry & Brian - Good info! Permission to use photos please! – bz ---
**Author:** ![kgerhauser](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/kgerhauser/32/1149_2.png) [@kgerhauser](https://forum.nachi.org/u/kgerhauser)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2008, 5:10pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/aluminum-wire-fire/24207/11 "2008-01-24T17:10:32Z")
Barry; I’m mot sure from your post if the pigtailing was or was not done with approved connectiors. If approved were they “[FONT=Verdana][size=2]COPALUM” or [FONT=Verdana][size=2]“ALUMICONN”?[/size][/FONT][/size][/FONT] ---
**Author:** ![jbushart](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@jbushart](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jbushart)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2008, 1:43pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/aluminum-wire-fire/24207/12 "2008-01-25T13:43:46Z")
> [@kgerhauser](#): > > Barry; I’m mot sure from your post if the pigtailing was or was not done with approved connectiors. If approved were they “[FONT=Verdana][size=2]COPALUM” or [FONT=Verdana][size=2]“ALUMICONN”?[/size][/FONT][/size][/FONT] The “Ideal” purple wire (which appears to be what is pictured) nut is UL approved and, accordingly, is NEC approved — but the Consumer Product Safety Commission and others have recommended strongly against their use. CPSC favors the Copalum clip in its place. ---
**Author:** ![badair](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/badair/32/166699_2.png) [@badair](https://forum.nachi.org/u/badair)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2008, 2:13pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/aluminum-wire-fire/24207/13 "2008-01-25T14:13:52Z")
> [@kgerhauser](#): > > Barry; I’m mot sure from your post if the pigtailing was or was not done with approved connectors. If approved were they “[FONT=Verdana][size=2]COPALUM” or [FONT=Verdana][size=2]“ALUMICONN”?[/size][/FONT][/size][/FONT] Karl, This wasn’t my inspection and the photo is too fuzzy to be certain, but as I James stated and from what I can see these appear to be the Ideal 65 “Twister” here’s the AlumiConn in action, obviously due to their size/configuration excessive bending stress and box overfill is/may be an issue ---
**Author:** ![kgerhauser](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/kgerhauser/32/1149_2.png) [@kgerhauser](https://forum.nachi.org/u/kgerhauser)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2008, 5:06pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/aluminum-wire-fire/24207/14 "2008-01-25T17:06:28Z")
Thank, I couldn’t tell anything, but black and melty, from the photo. I have not seen the ideal twister in this area, I was hoping this wasn’t “[FONT=Verdana][size=2]COPALUM” that I have seen.[/size][/FONT] ---
**Author:** ![bbassett](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/bbassett/32/171204_2.png) [@bbassett](https://forum.nachi.org/u/bbassett)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2008, 4:34pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/aluminum-wire-fire/24207/15 "2008-01-26T16:34:36Z")
Yes, ---
**Author:** ![badair](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/badair/32/166699_2.png) [@badair](https://forum.nachi.org/u/badair)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2008, 4:47pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/aluminum-wire-fire/24207/16 "2008-01-26T16:47:43Z")
> [@bbassett](#): > > Yes, Brian, A lot had been stated before this last post what is your Yes referring to? You were there and can enlighten all of us. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![bbassett](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/bbassett/32/171204_2.png) [@bbassett](https://forum.nachi.org/u/bbassett)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2008, 5:09pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/aluminum-wire-fire/24207/17 "2008-01-26T17:09:46Z")
Follow-up on this house with aluminum wiring. Spoke with my client (buyer) yesterday and he “passed” on the house. It was a “buy as is” property. Too much money for him to spend to get the the electrical system corrected. Besides the aluminum wiring problems, electrical system had reversed wiring at several outlets, ungrounded 3-prong outlets, paint/texturing overspray inside numerous outlets, and breakers in main service panel with double wiring. I’m sure you’ve all run into these type of problems. ---
**Author:** ![gporter](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/gporter/32/1274_2.png) [@gporter](https://forum.nachi.org/u/gporter)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2008, 5:13pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/aluminum-wire-fire/24207/18 "2008-01-26T17:13:52Z")
Outstanding ---
**Author:** ![pbennett1](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/pbennett1/32/59556_2.png) [@pbennett1](https://forum.nachi.org/u/pbennett1)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2008, 12:38am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/aluminum-wire-fire/24207/19 "2008-06-20T00:38:04Z")
**So you removed a receptacle with a LIVE CIRCUIT. NOT SAFE and NOT SMART.** NJ SOP says we do not have to do anything that’s unsafe. This is exaclty why I don’t remove receptacles from the walls, as it can cause a fire. ---
**Author:** ![jtedesco1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/258eb7/32.png) [@jtedesco1](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jtedesco1)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2008, 11:13am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/aluminum-wire-fire/24207/20 "2008-06-20T11:13:27Z")
[http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/516.pdf](http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/516.pdf) [Next page](https://forum.nachi.org/t/aluminum-wire-fire/24207.md?page=2)