PHOTOS: Runaway overheating of aluminum-wired receptacle and pigtail splice at less
than rated current.
(From tests at Wright-Malta Corp. for Consumer Product Safety Comm.)
The Basic Problem: But for the persistent problem of abnormal overheating connections,
aluminum wire would have worked out well. In the worst cases, failing aluminum wire
connections have caused fires resulting in property loss, injuries and deaths. There
are several hundred branch circuit wire connections in a typical home, and failure
of only one of them may result in a serious fire.
FORPROPERTYOWNERSANDPOTENTIALBUYERS: Read the report “REDUCING THE FIRE HAZARD
IN ALUMINUM-WIRED HOMES” for detailed information about the aluminum wire connection
problem, the scope and limitations of on-site inspections and the comparative merits
of various options for reducing the hazard.
FORFIREPREVENTIONANDINVESTIGATIONPROFESSIONALS: The report “FIRE DUE TO OVERHEATING
ALUMINUM WIRE CONNECTIONS” explains the ways fire ignition can occur from overheating
wire and cable connections. It is based on research and testing performed for the
Consumer Product Safety Commission and others since the late 1970’s. It See the
book “Hot Connections ...” (above) for description and discussion of several actual
fires attributed to aluminum wiring.
FOR REPORTS, TECHNICAL PAPERS, AND MORE:THE LIBRARY HAS test results, data, and
detailed discussions useful toward in-depth understanding and sound decision making
on aluminum wiring questions. THE PHOTO GALLERY presents representative examples
of field and test lab overheating failures. Follow the LINKS TO OTHER WEBSITES for
even more info.