ALUMINUM HOUSE WIRING

[Jim W in Tampa]

What year did aluminum wiring start being allowed in residential houses for general lighting and receptacles.
If memory serves me right it started about 1967. Reason for concern is need to know if it was used in 1963.
Also might have issue with square D panel that appears to not have a main breaker.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I read that it is unlikely to have aluminum wire before 1965---

 

[masterinbama]

I agree with the 1965 number too. As far as the panel without a main, make real sure it is not a split bus panel. They were used quite a bit back in those days.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Here is a blurb from a website on the history of wiring

Homes built before 1965 were unlikely to have aluminum conductor branchcircuit wiring, however, from the mid-1960’s through the 1970’s, aluminum wirebecame very popular because of the sudden escalating cost of copper.Aluminum wire before 1972 is generally referred to as “old technology” aluminumbecause of its higher iron content. After 1972, the newer technology wireimproved upon the alloy and its propensity for high resistance connections.However, as the price of copper began to retreat in the mid-1970’s, and withhomeowner concerns over the bad publicity surrounding aluminum wire,aluminum is rarely used for residential branch circuit wiring today

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

Thanks, I was reasonably sure but need be careful. Son is thinking of buying the house and at my age rather
not be rewiring.