Various materials and techniques have characterised the path of electrical wiring in homes. Aluminium wiring is used in this story, one of its noteworthy chapters. This blog article will discuss the era in which aluminium wire was used in homes, the factors contributing to its acceptance, and the difficulties it caused.
The Age of Aluminium Wiring
In North America, aluminium wiring was primarily employed in home building during the 1960s and 1970s. During this time of intense home building and fast urbanisation, aluminium wiring was considered more affordable than copper wiring.
Why Wire with Aluminium?
At this time, aluminium wiring was widely used for several reasons:
Cost-effective: Builders and homeowners wishing to cut expenditures on building found aluminium a more appealing option than copper because it was less expensive.
Lightweight: Compared to copper wiring, aluminium wiring weighs significantly less, making it easier to handle during installation.
Abundant Availability: Aluminium was widely accessible during that period, which added to its appeal.
Difficulties in Aluminium Wiring
Although aluminium wiring has advantages, its use has decreased because of several issues and worries:
Fire Hazard: The main problem with aluminium wiring was that it was more likely to overheat, which may result in a fire. The leading cause of this was aluminium’s propensity to expand and contract in response to temperature variations, which might eventually result in loose connections.
Oxidation: Aluminium wiring was vulnerable to oxidation, which might lead to reduced conductivity and higher resistance, creating electrical issues.
Compatibility: Installations became more complex since aluminium wiring required unique connectors to work with electrical equipment made for copper wiring.
Safety Concerns: Copper replaced aluminium wiring as the material of choice for household electrical systems as worries about aluminium’s safety increased.
In summary
Although aluminium wiring was initially considered more affordable than copper wiring, it eventually became a safety risk when used in homebuilding. Due to its heightened risk of overheating, corrosion, and incompatibility with older devices, copper wiring has become the industry standard.
It is essential to have the condition of any home built in the age of aluminium wiring inspected by a licenced electrician. They may evaluate the integrity of the wiring and suggest any necessary fixes or replacements to guarantee your home’s electrical safety.
