Provincial electrical inspectors are advising Islanders that aluminum wiring can be safe but must be properly maintained.
Inspectors have received a number of inquiries recently about the safety of aluminum wiring, many calls coming from home owners considering alternate heat sources such as portable heaters, electric fire places and electric baseboard heating.
Although not commonly used anymore in residential dwellings, aluminum wiring was often installed in homes from the mid-1960's until the late 1970's.
Officials in the electrical inspection section of the Department of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour say aluminum wiring is safe and is permitted under the Canadian electrical code. However, inspectors stress the importance of maintaining proper connections and terminations in older wiring installations.
There have been some reported problems with aluminum wiring related to overheating and failure of the wiring terminations. This can happen as the wiring ages because aluminum has a tendency to oxidize and may not be compatible with devices designed for use with copper wire. As well, inspectors caution throughout the years, rodents may have used insulation around the wiring for nests, leaving the wires dangerously exposed.
Some homes may have a mixture of aluminum and copper. Each home where aluminum wiring was used will be different and must be assessed individually. Inspectors advise that anyone with concerns about the wiring in a home should contact a qualified electrical contractor who is knowledgeable in working with and repairing aluminum wiring.
Questions about aluminum wiring in residential dwellings can be directed to a senior electrical Inspector with the province at 902-368-5280.
Electrical inspectors advising Islanders to properly maintain aluminum wiring
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Comments
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- Mike
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:08:09
You should check your thermostats if it is that hot. If it is a new mini home it still should have a warranty and you sould give the supplier a call. If there were a wiring problem with the Electric baseboards I would think the breaker supplying it would trip. The baseboards should be supplied with 220 Volts. Have an electrician check it out
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- George
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:07:25
I dont mean to alarm you Concerned but in todays world products are manufactured for quantity not quality so corners get cut regulations dont always get followed and the consumer is constantly put at risk. Is your thermostat jacked up ? if it isnt then you definately have a problem, if it is jacked up but needs to be otherwise you freeze your butt off, then someone perhaps cut a corner on insulation, in which case you should have an independant inspection done and if this is a manufacturers defect or neglect then you should return their product to them for a full refund plus costs and start looking for alternatives. Your safety begins with you, you cant always count on others to have your back.
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- concerned
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:03:53
I have a new mini home that has electric heat. If u have something on or beside the rad. it will burn or melt it..Is this normal for electric heat??????????does any one know?????
