What's Wrong with Aluminum Wiring - 01/05/12 07:20 PM

Aluminum wiring is more prone to start a fire than copper wire due to some inherent properties in the metal.  In this discussion it is important to realize that we are talking about single strand aluminum wire used for 110/120 circuits as opposed to the multi-strand 220/240 aluminum wire.   The single strand wire was used from 1965 to 1974. 
 
One of the problems with the aluminum wire is that it has a higher resistance to electricity than copper does. This higher resistence cause heat to build up with obviously is a problem.  This problem is compounded by the … (3 comments)

Charlotte Home Inspector Explains GFCI Outlets - 01/01/12 03:09 PM
A GFCI outlet may be wired in a branch circuit, which means other
outlets and electrical devices may share the same circuit and breaker
(or fuse). When a properly wired GFCI trips, the other devices down
the line from it will also lose power. Note that devices on the circuit
that come before the GFCI are not protected and are not affected
when the GFCI is tripped. If the GFCI outlet is improperly wired, none
the other loads, upstream nor downstream are be protected.
 
If you have an outlet that doesn't work, and the breaker is not tripped,
look for … (0 comments)