What is your procedure for checking aluminum wire for a 4Point inspection? I recently had inspected a home for a buyer, and the seller insisted the aluminum wire had those “purple things” and the wire was taken care of. I opened several outlets and found no mitigation. I pointed out to the buyer that the local AHJ DOES require a permit to be pulled for aluminum wire mitigation.
I just went back today and found AlumiConn connectors in place, but no permit was pulled. The buyer has no documentation from the seller… and they’re expecting me to “pass” it.
I updated the 4Point report, and I have recommended the buyer get a letter from the electrician to document the work to keep with the home’s documentation. Installing AlumiConn connectors is more than simply “pig-tailing” the wires…
Write what you see.
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Alumiconn Connectors | Information by Electrical Professionals for Electrical Professionals
Great information. My quandary is that if there is no record of a licensed electrician doing the work, and these are available at Home Depot… how can I state on a 4Point report that the aluminum wire has been properly mitigated? Just wondering what other FL inspectors are doing… AL wire is very common in my area. I’m considering refusing to update the 4Point without documentation from a licensed sparky…
I’m not in Florida, thus no direct FL. 4-Point knowledge, but…
In Minnesota, when a client asks me to return to verify a condition (for whatever reason), I require a copy of the Contractors Itemized Invoice which needs to include their Letterhead and License number, and a statement of exactly what was performed/corrected.
Without this, I decline the job. Money is not the issue here for me. My reputation is!
All too often, Sellers attempt repairs themselves, or get a drinking buddy to do the work, or even a so-called Handyman. Again, Handymen need to be Licensed also!
Is this type of repair required by the state or the equipment manufacturer to be performed by a licensed electrician? In many locales a licensed electrician is not required to do small repairs.
I have checked with several county building departments. Each one states the aluminum wire mitigation does require a building permit. So yes, it would require a license.
Here in NJ the homeowner could pull a permit and do the work himself but at least it would need to be inspected. Sounds like you found your answer. Demand the permit and inspection report or don’t do anything.
Need permit in So Florida.
I make it very clear that I require the invoice or statement from a licensed
electrician for me to proceed for a re-inspection.
No papers, no re-inspection.
I do use the Citizen’s form as it seems to be the most accepted form, except for Tower-Hill. But it doesn’t specify what type of documentation. I’m leaning toward asking for permits… That is the only way documentation would last through ownership if the house is sold or flipped. How an I, in good conscience, say that mitigation has been done if it is possible for Joe Homeowner to run down to Home Depot, buy a bunch of AlumiConns, and put them in. Unless I check EVERY connection…I feel uneasy that it’s adding liability for me. A few insurers are now not accepting AlumiConns for mitigation, insisting that the home be re-wired as it’s difficult to ensure that every connection is mitigated.
It spells out that it be provided and certified by a licensed electrician.
Have the client that hired you get that written letter/invoice to show you and to accompany the 4-point.
When I find AlumiConns (or suspect they’re present) I check some random locations to see, but always tell them to get it in writing 'cause the underwriter is going to need it. And you’re right, I’m not checking each device, there could a hundred or more in the home.
Most of the time, I find it already done in a flipped house, and the seller has no idea what was done or who did it. That’s why a permit would be ideal… I have suggested to several electricians that they put a sticker on the panel to show mitigation done - would save me a lot of time.