05/21/2023
A lesson learned...
If your house was built in the 1970s, there's a high possibility that you are living in an aluminum-wired house. During the 1960s and 1970s, aluminum wiring was used in many areas of Canada to reduce costs. However, aluminum wiring is more susceptible to the effects of thermal expansion and contraction compared to traditional copper wiring, which can lead to damaged wire connections and fire hazards (see picture 2).
There are basically two solutions for aluminum wiring:
Complete rewiring with copper wires: This method is costly and involves opening up walls and replacing all the wiring throughout the house. The expenses include the cost of copper wires and wall repairs.
Pigtail method: This method is more cost-effective. It involves connecting copper wires to the ends of the aluminum wires and using the copper wires to connect other fixtures, such as outlets. However, this method only reduces the fire hazard but does not eliminate it entirely.
I would like to remind everyone not to overlook the electrical panel or other less visible issues just because the house has a good appearance. When necessary, consult a professional real estate agent or relevant experts for advice.
