C W Burfle posted:Well, the idea wasn't a bad one. Just not thought out very well. Back in those days, aluminum was becoming popular. Anyone remember the aluminum house wiring debacle
Yes.
According to my understanding if aluminum wiring is done properly, it's OK. The devices (outlets, switches, etc.) used have to be aluminum compatible. I've been told there is an anti-oxidation crème that should be used, and the terminals have to be tightened to a specific tension.
I was just talking with a contractor who is about to do some work for us, and the subject of main power panels came up. He told me that many of today's home panels have aluminum buss bars.
Yes, on the main feed from the utility pole, aluminum service cable is the material of choice because of it's lower price tag than copper. When electricians install a new panel and new service cable, they follow certain procedures that are meant for the aluminum.
For house wiring, aluminum can be a problem. It's brittle when bending it around receptacle and switch screws, and a crack may not be visible at installation. But if the wire breaks at the crack, an arc can start and create heat and fire. In the seventies, copper coated aluminum wire came on the market. It seemed like a good idea, but the same issues I mentioned above plagued it.
What we need is Tesla's idea of transferring electricity. But it may put some electricians out of work.
