Aluminum Wire In A 1942 Cape Cod
I am considering buying a 1942 Cape Cod home with 1300 sf of living space.
The home inspector found aluminum wire on the 120 volt branch circuits in the house. His recommendation was to "Repair or Replace". Is this going to be a big deal and expensive? The panel needs to be upgraded as well.
Thanks. :-o
Hmmm good question. There were alot of homes especially mobile homes built in the 70's with alum wire...not necessarily a bad idea...problem was the aluminum expands at a different rate than copper so the screws holding switches/plugs/breakers etc began to expand and eventually they would work loose...arc and presto fire would burn the place down. It's going to cost some major dollars to replace the wire..not so much the wire but getting to it as in busting out drywall and ceilings and replacing,patching and then painting...I'm getting tired thinking about it already. However, 1942 homes only had two conductor wire be it copper or alum and no ground so it needs replaced regardless...If it was me I would try to neogitiate the seller into throwing some more cash your way for the expense of bringing it up to code.