I have aluminum wiring. An outlet in my bathroom made a crackling noise the last time I plugged something in.
Rather than call in an Electrician to install a GFCI outlet, can I just tie off the wiring with plastic caps and cover with a full wall plate?
Hi Joanne,
You have to be very careful with aluminum wiring. I have seen too many fires caused by the old system.
Please contact licensed electrician with the aluminum wiring knowledge to repair.
Mirek
You can cap each wire with plastic wire nuts as a temporary measure. Make sure the power is off to that cucuit beforehand. I would still get an electrician in to fix the problem correctly.
Do not remove the plug yourself or cap the wires, simply do not use it and remove any cords attached to it. If you had renovations done or there are heavy loads, such as pot lights, attached to the fuse or breaker, turn it off and call an ESA registered licensed electrician.
Shocks and fires could be a result of playing with old wires and devices if you are not experienced enough to deal with the wiring.
Adding "caps" or marrettes to aluminum wiring that is not done with aluminum approved marrettes or anti-oxidant compound could cause more problems than good.
All good advice. AL wire is unique and geneally needs experienced personnel to work on it. If you are not sure if your situation is safe or not, just turn off the power to the circuit.
You simpy cannot just install a GFCI on that circuit or bury it in the wall. There are special precautions that you need to take with AL wire. GFCIs are not rated for AL wire so some work would be required before you install that type of receptacle.
Cheers
John Kuehnl-Cadwell
Master Electrician
Datawise Solutions Inc
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