New homeowner needs help...

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Gauge

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Hey all,

I apologize if this is the wrong forum, but I'm no electrician. My wife and I are considering purchasing a home that has aluminium wiring. I've done some research and found that COPALUM, which is available from AMP Incorporated, is the "best" solution for connections with aluminium wiring (except rewiring with copper).

I realize that there are some that will advocate other solutions, but I'd prefer to be able to advertise that we've used the CPSC-approved method when we resell the house if at all possible. That being said, here's my question...

I have read that the equipment (crimping tool, etc) from AMP Incorporated is very expensive. I've also read something about it only being available to electricians who are trained to use it. To what extent is this true? My father is a licensed electrician (in Houston), but he is not familiar with COPALUM so he wasn't able to answer this question for me.

I'm basically trying to do my research on how to get this stuff, whether or not my father and I will be able to use it, and how much it is going to cost. I need to get a good idea on all this info before our option time on the house is up, so I come to you. Can you please enlighten us? Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.
 
Re: New homeowner needs help...

The only legit way you are going to get your hands on the tools is by being an electrical contractor and going through the certification training that the company does. The company does not sell the tool to anyone who doesn't meet the above criteria. The tool and training are indeed expensive. I'm not certified, nor do I plan to become certified, because it's not really worth it for me. I wouldn't try to get the tools outside the company's normal procedure. If you did that and did the work yourself, if something went wrong afterward (e.g., the next owners experience a fire related to your work), you'd be the target of a lawsuit at the very least, and you'd have little leg to stand on.

If you really want to go through with this, you'll need to find a certified contractor to do the work, and be prepared to pay thousands. The actual amount of money it will cost will depend on how much aluminum wiring needs to be spliced with the new connectors.

I'd buy a different house. Or get the sellers to have the work done before you become the owners.

[ October 18, 2005, 04:50 AM: Message edited by: jeff43222 ]
 
Re: New homeowner needs help...

I would look for a different house. Aluminum wiring may never have any problems, or it can be a can of worms. I wouldn't take that risk if I were you.

gerry
 
Re: New homeowner needs help...

If it bothers you, I suggest passing on the house. I am not convinced that any of the "solutions" to aluminum house wiring really solve anything.

I have come to the conclusion that (at least for me) the solution is either replace the wiring or live with what is there. The half step of this expensive "fix" is not a satisfying answer to me.
 
Re: New homeowner needs help...

I am sure that the current homeowners bought that house knowing the wiring was aluminum. They did not choose to replace it themselves. My read is they have to expect to deal with it now. Keep in mind that if you buy the house and later plan to sell it, then some buyer is going to be asking you the same questions, and expecting you to pay for the "fix."

I will go along with the "make the current owners pay for it" recommendation.

Good luck. Let us know how it turned out for you.
 
Re: New homeowner needs help...

My area has a lot of high end homes with aluminum wiring. I've lived in the same community for 15 years and never heard of a fire related to the wiring. That being said, I have repaired numerous outlets in these homes that were near disasters. In all of these cases though there were indications that the outlets were malfunctioning long before they called me. It was usually the outlets that they always used to vaccuum or the hair dryer outlet in the bathroom. Do your research, ask for a rebate from the sellers, but what is most important, if you will lie awake at nigh worrying about your family then it's not worth it.
 
Re: New homeowner needs help...

I'd say either rewire it or pass on it. If you could get a price reduction to perform a complete rewire than I say buy it. Yes it will be a little messy, but in the long run if you really love the house you'll end up with a home with an entirely new and modernized electrical system.
 
Re: New homeowner needs help...

Really not that messy.You likely will be repainting anyways.So have it rewired with understanding they can make needed holes to keep cost down.Hire a good patch man for a half day Good ones will make the wall look better than it ever did.In the end you have a house with wiring up to 05 standards.Worth more when you sell it than others in same hood that were not fixed.
 
Re: New homeowner needs help...

Since I've not done any residential work since the 70's, I'm actually trying to learn something here.

I was under the impression that AL wiring (although inferior to CU) would perform well if a regular inspection and maintenance program was in place.

True or no?
 
Re: New homeowner needs help...

Originally posted by hardworkingstiff:
I was under the impression that AL wiring (although inferior to CU) would perform well if a regular inspection and maintenance program was in place.

True or no?
Click to expand...
True, but in reality, this does not occur. Homeowner's don't typically have scheduled PM's and scheduled down time. :D It would be an opportunity for a savvy EC to sell an "aluminium wiring annual maintenance contract".

I am a copalum contractor, but I do the hard sell on rewiring, and only do the crimps when all my sales efforts fail. I say have the joint rewired, and just delay the move-in date a couple few weeks.
 
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