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TOPIC: what's wrong with this box?

what's wrong with this box? 8 years 5 months ago #62885

our inspector found single strand aluminum wiring in the 1st floor breaker box.  There is another box in the basement. I took a good picture of the box with the cover off, and sure enough I can even see the non copper connections alongside copper ones.  Since it was mentioned on the report that a certified Electrician should inspect the box, and it was't done, we did not sign off on the final walk-through.  I also read that not all certified electrician are qualified to inspect aluminum wiring. We are scheduled for the signing next week. 
As buyers, what should we do about this? 
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Re: what's wrong with this box? 8 years 5 months ago #62886

That is not aluminum wiring the wires are to old, that is tinned copper wire, "copper wires with a tin coating".

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Gary
Rusk Professional Property Inspection

Re: what's wrong with this box? 8 years 5 months ago #62887

After looking at it again; I see several open knockouts, also the old wires may be knob and tube. They appear to have loom sleeves protecting them. With knob and tube wiring a loom "a woven flexible insulating sleeve" is slipped over insulated wire to provide additional protection whenever a wire passed over or under another wire or when a wire entered a metal device enclosure. I recommend having a licensed electrician evaluate and advise or repair as necessary before closing. If this is knob and tube you may have problems with getting insurance. Good Luck

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Gary
Rusk Professional Property Inspection

Re: what's wrong with this box? 8 years 5 months ago #62889

Thank you Gary, we intend to get it looked at, but to clarify, I see knob and lube doesn't support grounded wires, but there are three pronged outlets throughout the house.  Are you sure that is tinned copper or is it single strand aluminum?

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Re: what's wrong with this box? 8 years 5 months ago #62890

I am sure, from the age of the wires that I can see in the picture, it is tinned copper.

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Gary
Rusk Professional Property Inspection

Re: what's wrong with this box? 8 years 5 months ago #62891

thanks Gary ... you know i looked again at our pictures of the rooms, and i was shocked noticed that a few of the rooms still have two prong outlets, which supports your theory of lock and tube .. I guess I saw three prong on most and just mentally crossed it off - I don't know how i missed that.  So now, I am trying to figure out the best way to approach this.  We still want the house, since it is in very good condition otherwise.  But procedurally, I am not sure what to do.  we did not close yet, and we did not sign off on the final walkthrough. I believe 2 rooms still have the two prongs, the living room and the back bedroom.

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