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The standards for electrical wiring are basic and easy to understand for
homes, as the structure of homes is rarely modified and there are generally
low power requirements. Meanwhile, in commercial buildings and offices, it
is likely that the wiring is changed more often and there might be special
factors that influence the wiring, such as moisture in the walls, etc. In these
cases, it is extremely important that electricians and homeowners are
careful to follow standard practice and label the wiring appropriately.

Aluminum Wiring
In recent years there has been an increase in the concern over the safety
of aluminum wiring. In particular, purchasers or owners of  homes built from
the 1960’s to the late 1970’s with aluminum wiring are finding that many
insurer’s will not provide or renew insurance coverage on such properties
unless the wiring is inspected and repaired or replaced as necessary. In
some  cases the insurer may require replacement of the aluminum wiring
with new copper wiring. Many homes in Washington have a mixture of
both aluminum and copper wiring.

Problems with aluminum wiring
Reported problems with aluminum wiring have been related to the
overheating and failure of aluminum wiring terminations. This is due
to the tendency of aluminum wiring to oxidize, and aluminum’s
incompatibility with devices designed for use with copper wiring only.
Aluminum has a high rate of expansion that copper wiring, which can
lead to loose connections, arcing and melting, eventually fire. Warm
cover plates or discoloration of switches or receptacles, flickering
lights or the smell of hot plastic insulation may be evidence of poor
or improperly made connections.

Aluminum Wiring Upgrading
Replacing all the outlets and switches in the home, with ones that
are rated for aluminum wiring, and treating all other connections at
light fixtures and junction points with an antioxidant, and replacing
wire connectors with ones that are rated for aluminum.

Rewiring
Rewiring would be the best long term solution for eliminating problems
associated with aluminum wiring, but it also represents a substantial
investment. This may be the best solution in some cases.