Alum. Wiring R&R

zipicus

So I'm thinking of having all the aluminum wiring ripped out of my house. I know the dangers of AL wiring..have had a couple of scares, all because my water feature is drawing to much power...., but the process sounds like a cluster F---! With all that R&R and wall patch work, am I likely to have problems down the road anyway?? I can just imagine the electricians tromping insulation and drywall debris all over my home. I know, I know....it's better than having the house burn down.

SLSTech

Sorry had problems finding the actual question - if the work is done properly, you shouldn't have a problem.

Now a few quick points - your water feature should be on its own circuit & not impacting the rest of the house, if its not shut it off until its fixed. If you don't mind spending some extra cash (it may actually save you some) - see if they can find a licensed sparky that specializes in pulling the old wire out while using it to run the new wire in. (I think this is still an allowed practice)

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220/221

Find a good, OLD electrician to go over everything before you think of ripping everything out. A completre rewire is a LOT of work, ESPECIALLY in an occupied home.

I started out in the trade roping houses in the 70's with AL wiring and have seen some damage throughout the years. Some of the AL concerns are legit and some are exxagetated. There is a lot more GOOD AL installations than bad ones. A LOT of potential problems can be corrected and avoided without too much damage/expense.

I would pull out every single device and take down all fixtures. I would make sure that the proper devices are installed and look for any signs of burned wiring. If it aint broke, I wouldn't fix it. Proper devices, good connections, put it back.

Also, AFCI breakers may ease your concerns and smoke detectors are a good investment.

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Just because it's within code doesn't make it safe.

Just because it's against code doesn't make it unsafe.

TxElectrician

pigtail copper

220/221

Pigtailing w/copper

Pro: It allows the use of standard devices which are inexpensive and plentiful.

Con. There is not a good approved method.

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Just because it's within code doesn't make it safe.

Just because it's against code doesn't make it unsafe.

ampman

bite the bullit and get it done should help with HO insurance and on resale value not to mention a good nights sleep

mdshunk

You really need to hunt an electrician that is experienced in residential rewires. Some electricians simply don't do that kind of work. Some that do that kind of work only do it when other work is slow, so they don't do much of it. Some electricians have semi-specialized in service work and rewires of older homes, and that's the guy you want. When you find that guy, he won't track dirt all through your house, and will keep the extra holes in the walls and ceilings to a bare minimum (often, none at all).

ampman

well put i dont do many rewires unless thats all there is but the end results will be the same