Solve this equation!

[480sparky]

Aluminum wire + homeowner replacing devices =

 

[LarryFine]

The answer is 42.

 

[MD Automation]

The answer is 42.

Ha ha - assuming that's a Hitchiker's Guide joke - then yes that's correct. And Don't Panic.

Aluminum wire + homeowner replacing devices =

Another answer might be...
Aluminum wire + homeowner replacing devices = 2 (sad faced receptacles)

At the risk of anthropomorphizing a duplex outlet - the top one looks like it is shedding a tiny tear for his brother below. The brother on the bottom looks like Ralph from "A Christmas Story", who has naturally shot his eye out with a Red Ryder BB Gun. Just like his Mom knew he would.

Looks like a backsplash on the bottom? Maybe a kitchen counter with a toaster or coffee maker pulling a good sized load across that jumper on the "hot" side (that's a bad joke). Like an awful smelling slow cooker. Not what I want for dinner!

 

[Coppersmith]

= billable hours.

 

[480sparky]

......the top one looks like it is shedding a tiny tear for his brother below. ........

Yes.... they were almost stuck together forever.

 

[Bluegrass Boy]

Was the bottom wire going to another receptacle down line?

 

[robertd]

And the important part, is the receptacle not Al rated? I think the Al rating is being dropped from some receptacles and switches.

 

[romex jockey]

bad connection........~RJ~

 

[480sparky]

Was the bottom wire going to another receptacle down line?

Yes.

This was in the kitchen, and there was a whole herd of appliances on the counter. Microwave, coffee maker, toaster,.....

 

[gadfly56]

First, the upper black insulated conductor appears to be copper, not aluminum. Is there copper-plated aluminum out there? Second, did they snip the tab between the receptacles and put them on different circuits? I can't tell from this picture. Or is this just the easy way to daisy chain multiple receptacles?

 

[480sparky]

It's simply aluminum in and out.

 

[gadfly56]

It's simply aluminum in and out.

OK, but it looks like copper in the photo.

 

[kwired]

And the important part, is the receptacle not Al rated? I think the Al rating is being dropped from some receptacles and switches.

Unless specifically designed and marked so, they never were intended for direct connection to aluminum.

 

[480sparky]

OK, but it looks like copper in the photo.

Looks like aluminum that's been heated and had black insulation melted onto it to me.

 

[gadfly56]

Looks like aluminum that's been heated and had black insulation melted onto it to me.

OK, I don't have much experience (read, "0") with burned up aluminum conductors, so I'll shut up now.

 

[Besoeker3]

bad connection........~RJ~

I think you may be correct.........................

 

[Rock86]

The answer is 42.

= the number of times the homeowner reset the breaker thinking that would solve the problem.

 

[ptonsparky]

= the number of times the homeowner reset the breaker thinking that would solve the problem.

It may not have ever tripped. I've changed a lot that never had.

 

[Bluegrass Boy]

Yes.

This was in the kitchen, and there was a whole herd of appliances on the counter. Microwave, coffee maker, toaster,.....

I have seen similar before, but not burned as bad as this one. Too much load on the receptacle.
I have always made joints and pig tailed to the receptacle because of this, so it is not daisy chained.
I have seen several GFCI”s in kitchens that were overheating and melting from downstream loads.

 

[ptonsparky]

I have seen similar before, but not burned as bad as this one. Too much load on the receptacle.
I have always made joints and pig tailed to the receptacle because of this, so it is not daisy chained.
I have seen several GFCI”s in kitchens that were overheating and melting from downstream loads.

I am inclined to think improper torque had more to do with it than the downstream loads.