Originally Posted By: loconnor This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
During an inspection today, I noticed stranded aluminum wiring on a 240 Volt breaker connection to the stove/range. I wrote it up and pointed it out to the buyer as a concern. Is there an exception for branch wiring being aluminum if it connects to an appliance of 240 volt?
Originally Posted By: bkelly1 This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Most if not all fires and bad reputation came from solid core aluminum. Almost all houses that are re-wired today leave the aluminum to larger appliances. I not that it is there, but do not go overboard on it. At least in my area rarely are the larger appliances changed to copper. That is at least the case in my area. I would not recommend replacing . but that is just me.
Originally Posted By: rcooke This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
bkelly1 wrote:
Most if not all fires and bad reputation came from solid core aluminum. Almost all houses that are re-wired today leave the aluminum to larger appliances. I not that it is there, but do not go overboard on it. At least in my area rarely are the larger appliances changed to copper. That is at least the case in my area. I would not recommend replacing . but that is just me.
I agree I do try and see if I can see no corrode on the end of the wire .
Heavy industry used many miles of stranded it and it seldom gives a problem .
Small single conductor is where most difficulties are.
Originally Posted By: pdickerson This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I see stranded AL at the service entrance conductors 95% of the time and at the range 75% of the time. I make sure that the anti-ox paste is at the terminations and merely note it on the report.
Originally Posted By: brian winkle This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Aluminun stranded wire is totally a non issue and is still used today. Yes I am not a home inspector but I feel that noting aluminum stranded wire on your report raises unjust concerns for potential home buyers. I don’t see why you would make note of something that is standard practice and acceptable.
Originally Posted By: rcooke This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
brian winkle wrote:
Aluminun stranded wire is totally a non issue and is still used today. Yes I am not a home inspector but I feel that noting aluminum stranded wire on your report raises unjust concerns for potential home buyers. I don't see why you would make note of something that is standard practice and acceptable.
Thanks for your thought Brian but in todays society where some are looking
for any reason to complain we must try and protest our selves .
Reporting it and then telling the client it is very little concern helps to protect the home inspector.
Originally Posted By: loconnor This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Thank you everyone for your feedback.
I was aware the service wiring could be alluminum,. I did not question that.
I was not aware that multi-stranded aluminum was acceptable for 240 volt branch wiring. I missed the fine print...single strand vs. multi-strand. I corrected my report before sending it.
This was the first time I came across aluminum branch wiring during my inspections.
Originally Posted By: Greg Fretwell This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
The real issue with aluminum is the terminal, not the number of strands in the wire. The bad rep came from aluminum wrapped around a screw. If it is in a “hole and set screw” type terminal is should be OK if the terminal was made up tight. Noalox is a good idea but it is really up to the manufacturer’s instructions to require. That is not a code requirement.
Originally Posted By: jwortham This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Quote:
Aluminun stranded wire is totally a non issue and is still used today. Yes I am not a home inspector but I feel that noting aluminum stranded wire on your report raises unjust concerns for potential home buyers. I don't see why you would make note of something that is standard practice and acceptable.
I am required by the state to report on the presence of AL distribution wiring.