exploreparadise2 Posted July 8, 2011 Report Share Posted July 8, 2011 Tax records indicate the house was constructed in 1965. I found two aluminum 15-amp circuits in the panel. The conductors are Romex and appear to be original. I wasn't expecting to see this in a house of this vintage. Click to Enlarge 55.32 KB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Kibbel Posted July 8, 2011 Report Share Posted July 8, 2011 If there are only 2, they are likely additional circuits added later. Although, "mid 1960s" is when aluminum wire, small enough for house wiring, started to be manufactured. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terence McCann Posted July 8, 2011 Report Share Posted July 8, 2011 The aluminum I see in homes here is from 73-76 time frame. All have been in condos too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Katen Posted July 8, 2011 Report Share Posted July 8, 2011 Tax records indicate the house was constructed in 1965. I found two aluminum 15-amp circuits in the panel. The conductors are Romex and appear to be original. I wasn't expecting to see this in a house of this vintage. I see aluminum cables from the late '60s fairly often. 1965 would be a bit early, but I'd find it believable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Kogel Posted July 9, 2011 Report Share Posted July 9, 2011 I have found Al wiring in older, like 40's, houses, where circuits were obviously added. But it is interesting that the cable on the left appears to be copper but has the same jacket material as the two aluminum cables. There is a possibility that times were tough and it took a few years to completely wire all the rooms. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neal Lewis Posted July 9, 2011 Report Share Posted July 9, 2011 Blair, were the hot and neutral also aluminum? I've seen cables where just the ground was aluminum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exploreparadise2 Posted July 9, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 9, 2011 I know the neutrals were aluminum as the bare ends were exposed at the bus bar. The circuits included lights and receptacles in the living room and bedrooms, which have not been renovated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Kogel Posted July 9, 2011 Report Share Posted July 9, 2011 I had a place recently that was inspected for final occupancy in 1960, but it had an electrical inspection in 1957. I think the builder got the panel installed and then spent 3 years finishing the house. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Moore Posted July 9, 2011 Report Share Posted July 9, 2011 Just to throw in another option...is it possible that those rag wrapped cables are tinned copper and not aluminum? All the solid Al I've seen, as well as photos online, had plastic cable covering. Did they make a rag wrap solid aluminum cable? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Douglas Hansen Posted July 9, 2011 Report Share Posted July 9, 2011 RM: Did they make a rag wrap solid aluminum cable? DH: Yes - see attached photo Click to Enlarge 10.71 KB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Moore Posted July 9, 2011 Report Share Posted July 9, 2011 Thanks Doug. I now knows more better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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