Could have been worse! Aluminum wiring, kid was running a gaming PC, dual monitor setup, a PlayStation and a mini fridge on a janky power bar. Fire department cut the receptacle out and threw it outside. Lucky.
this post was submitted on 22 Jul 2023
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Is aluminum wiring still very common to have in houses? I understand it’s not currently code-compliant.
Some older houses from the 70’s around here still have it. Insurance will make you rewire if they know about it. If there’s a fire and they find out you knew about the aluminum but didn’t disclose it, they’ll tell you to beat it
This is not true in all countries.
For example in Canada some insurance companies will insure you for nearly the same price. You just need an electrician to come certify it.
It's impossible not to disclose that to insurance companies, it's public information at City Hall.
I’m in Canada and in our area insurance will want it rewired. You do have the option of getting a licensed guy to sign off on it, but you’d have a hard time finding someone to do that. Because of issues like the posted photo, I’m not willing to bet my license on it. You can check those connections once a month if you want. Shit like this will still happen because the average homeowner doesn’t understand the risks and limitations of aluminum wiring.