I have a home which I listed that has Aluminum Wiring which the buyers wanted fixed as part of the Inspection. Well, how much will that cost to fix my clients asked!!!! I truly couldn't even give them a ballpark number. All I knew it had to be a chunk as a Electrician was involved.
I did some research and learn a lot from the Consumer Product Safety Commissions (CPSC) website. The CPSC approves only Three methods for permanent repair.
1) Complete Replacement with Copper Wire
2) COPLALUM Method of Repair
3) Acceptable Alternative Repair Method- AlumiConn Connector
The Complete Replacement would have been way too much money, so it came down to options 2 or 3. This meant that every Receptacle, Switch and light had to have a Copper "PigTail" using a special connector.
How Much? Coplalum Crimping
Option #1 Option #2 Option #3
My clients did understand the Buyers concern of the Aluminum Wiring even though the home has had no issues since the build in 1975 and resolved with the "Pigtails". Although still not a cheap fix it sure beats Option #1.
For more information concerning Aluminum Wiring and why is could cause a danger and a completed pamphlet on the acceptable repairs please visit the CPSC website for Aluminum Wiring at
www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/516.pdf. This is easy read with only 12 pages
****CPSC reconmends using a Licensed Electrician to repair/replace
I hope this helps....
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