Watch out: CO/ALR dual receptacles that you are recommending are *NOT* recommended by the US CPSC for aluminum wiring repairs. That’s because they are not safe. Contents hide
Do CO/ALR receptacles fail?
[Aronstein reports in summary that there were] "... many failures and burnouts of the "old technology" receptacles, and one failure (burnout) of a CO/ALR device." Electrical devices that are stamped CU-Only are intended only for use with copper wiring and should not be used with aluminum electrical wiring.
What is a CO ALR rated device?
CO/ALR Rated Devices. Leviton offers a selection of CO/ALR rated wiring devices for use with aluminum wires. In CO/ALR devices, the terminal screws are plated with the element Indium. Indium is an extremely soft metal that forms a gas-sealed connection with the aluminum wire, eliminating the problems caused by oxidation.
Can a CO/ALR device be replaced?
Not every connection can be replaced as a CO/ALR device (such as GFCI’s and permanently wired appliances and ceiling mounted light fixtures) and these connections can loosen up more than copper connections creating hazardous gaps.
Do CO/ALR devices perform better with aluminum wire?
It has been determined that CO/ALR devices perform better with aluminum wire when installed carefully and according to best electrical practices than do the types of switches and outlets usually used in the original installations of aluminum branch circuit wiring.
Do I need co ALR switch?
Use only CO/ALR wall switches and outlets. If your home has aluminum wiring and you need to replace a switch or outlet, the replacement should be a type that is specifically approved for use with aluminum wiring. Approved devices are marking “CO/ALR”.
Are aluminum rated outlets safe?
The wiring itself isn't a problem; aluminum conducts electricity safely. The trouble is at the connections. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that homes with aluminum wiring are 55 times more likely to have “fire hazard conditions” than homes wired with copper.
Are AlumiConn connectors safe?
Due to its simple installation process and its low cost to repair aluminum wiring, this is by far the most cost-effective way to address your building's wiring problems. On top of all that, AlumiConn lugs are UL listed products so you can ensure that these products are safe to use.
What does co ALR mean?
Electrical device ratings Unfortunately, CU/AL switches and receptacles failed to work well enough with aluminum wire, and a new specification called CO/ALR (meaning copper-aluminum, revised) was created.
Can you use co ALR outlet with copper wire?
CO/ALR” Switches and Receptacles The other repair recommended by the industry is to use switches and receptacles labeled “CO/ALR.” These devices are intended for direct connection to aluminum wire, although they can be used with copper or copper-clad wire.
Is it OK to buy a house with aluminum wiring?
Aluminum wiring is not illegal, but it is no longer up to code and new homes are now built with copper wiring. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home with aluminum wiring, you will be ok as long as you follow the instructions on how to deal with it. How much does it cost to rewire a house?
Is AlumiConn approved?
The following insurance companies accept all Consumer Product Safety Commission approved repairs, including the AlumiConn Aluminum to Copper Lug: Citizens Property Insurance. CNA.
Is Pigtailing aluminum wiring safe?
CPSC staff considers pigtailing with a COPALUM con- nector to be a safe and permanent repair of the existing aluminum wiring. The repair should include every connection or splice involving aluminum wire in the home, in- cluding outlets, dimmers, switches, fixtures, appliances, and junction boxes.
How many house fires are caused by aluminum wiring?
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 50% of home fires happen in homes with aluminum wiring.
What is a co ALR switch used for?
CO/ALR. If a switch is rated for aluminum wire, it will have the label "CO/ALR." This indicates the switch is approved for use with either copper or aluminum wiring. If your house happens to be wired with aluminum wire (not common), this is the type of switch you will need to use.
What year did they stop using aluminum wiring in homes?
1972In 1972, the formula for aluminum wiring changed, making it a much safer product. Aluminum wiring was used in single family homes for a few years after that, but was completely phased out by the mid-'70s.
What kind of outlet do I need for aluminum wiring?
Usually, receptacles approved for aluminum wiring will get stamped CO/ALR, CU-AL, or AL-CU, indicating they may get used for both copper and aluminum. More modern “decora” switches and outlets are not aluminum wire rated. Do not use outlets marked with AL and a line through it.
When did UL allow AL-CU?
This was allowed (by UL) until about 1972. Most of the devices marked this way are identical to those (of the same model # "family" from the same manufacturer) that are not marked AL-CU or CU-AL. The AL-CU or CU-AL marking was a manufacturer's option.
When did the UL test for aluminum wire?
Electrical devices marked COALR or CO/ALR. In about 1972 , UL and the wiring device manufacturers agreed on a test standard for receptacles for use with Aluminum Wire. The devices that passed the standard were marked CO/ALR.
Can you use CO/ALR with copper wire?
These devices are intended for direct connection to aluminum wire, although they can be used with copper or copper-clad wire. CO/ALR devices perform better with aluminum wire than non-CO/ALR devices when installed carefully and according to best electrical practices.
Is COALR the same as AL-CU?
Since devices marked COALR or CO/ALR conform to the UL standard for compatibility with aluminum wire, the devices with CO/ALR markings must be considered differently - they are not the same as the AL-CU or CU-AL devices.
Is a COALR marked device the same as an AL-CU?
However COALR or CO/ALR - marked devices are not and should not be treated identically with electrical devices marked CU-AL or AL-CU. Also, devices marked CU-only are intended for use only with copper wire.
Do electrical wiring devices need markings?
If the electrician and/or jurisdictional electrical or building inspector required the wiring devices to have the markings , they were available with the markings . Since the markings were optional with the manufacturer, there was a wide variety, but most commonly either none or "Al-Cu",
What is CO/ALR wire?
CO/ALR Devices. Underwriters Laboratory lists CO/ALR devices primarily for use with aluminum wire because they use special metals at the terminal areas that are compatible with aluminum wire. CO/ALR wiring devices, like the one shown above, have special terminals designed just for aluminum wiring.
What are the advantages of aluminum wiring?
Advantages: All connections will be cleaned of debris and devices will be checked for prior damage. All “old technology” devices will be replaced with new aluminum approved devices. Every connection will be completed using best electrical practices and be tight. This repair will reduce the hazard risk of aluminum wiring.
Is a CO/ALR repair an impermanent repair?
The CO/ALR replacement repair is considered an incomplete and impermanent repair . Not every connection can be replaced as a CO/ALR device (such as GFCI’s and permanently wired appliances and ceiling mounted light fixtures) and these connections can loosen up more than copper connections creating hazardous gaps.
Can you use aluminum wire with copper wire?
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) lists these devices especially for use with aluminum wire, although they can be used with copper or copper-clad wire. It has been determined that CO/ALR devices perform better with aluminum wire when installed carefully and according to best electrical practices than do the types of switches ...
