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November 2006

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Subject:
From:
Joe Fjelstad <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
(Leadfree Electronics Assembly Forum)
Date:
Thu, 16 Nov 2006 03:16:15 EST
Content-Type:
text/plain
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text/plain (41 lines)
Aluminum wiring was implicated in a number of home fires over the years 

I am sure that they are aware of this and improvements have been made over 
the years (see snippet below) 

If they are seeking to use aluminum it would most likely be to reduce weight.

Joe

"On April, 28, 1974, two persons died in a home fire in Hampton Bays, New 
York. Fire officials determined that the fire was caused by a faulty aluminum 
wire connection at an outlet. 
Since that tragic accident, the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission 
staff and other government officials have investigated numerous complaints from 
homeowners throughout the nation who have had trouble with small gauge aluminum 
branch circuit wiring.  The Commission has also had research conducted that 
shows that homes wired with aluminum wire manufactured before 1972 (“old 
technology” aluminum wire) are 55 times more likely to have one or more connections 
reach “Fire Hazard Conditions”** than is a home wired with copper"
"The hazard investigated by the Commission staff occurs at connections to old 
technology aluminum wire, such as at outlets or switches or at major 
appliances such as dishwashers, furnaces, etc.  Corrosion of the metals in the 
connection, particularly the aluminum wire itself, causes increased resistance to the 
flow of electric current and that resistance causes overheating.
Homes built before 1965 are unlikely to have aluminum branch circuit wiring.  
 Homes built, rooms added, and circuits rewired or added between 1965 and 
1973 may contain aluminum wiring.
In 1972, manufacturers modified both aluminum wire and switches and outlets 
to improve the performance of aluminum wired connections.  Sale of the old 
style wire, switches and outlets still on dealer’s shelves however, continued 
after 1972."
 

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