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1980
Dangers of aluminum wiring. Studies show a 55 times greater risk of electrical fire if your domicile is wired with aluminum as opposed to copper wiring. So why is aluminum still used in millions of homes across America? This clip starts with a review of the Beverly Hills Supper Club fire where 165 people died. At trial a jury found that aluminum wiring was not the cause of the fire, although too late for 9 major electrical companies whom had already settled out of court with the families of the dead and injured. This detailed report explores market prices of both aluminum and copper, expert opinions, incidences where aluminum wiring definitely caused the fire, and much more.
In the decades before this report was made, aluminum wire was used extensively for home wiring due to a spike in copper prices, despite fixtures and appliances not being designed for the unique properties of aluminum wire.
Improved alloys and connection systems have largely mitigated the safety risks of aluminum wiring, and it is used in a variety of applications, although rarely in residential homes.
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