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What you need to know

The last aluminum wire was used in mobile homes in 1971 so this problem is rapidly becoming of little concern. The problem arises because over time aluminum combines chemically with the oxygen in the air and forms a coating on the wire that is resistant to the flow of electricity. This resistance causes the wire to get hot and can lead to fire. The solutions to aluminum wiring problems are so exotic and expensive that they probably no longer make sense for a mobile home owner. You can buy a new home for less then the cost of a fix and then at least you will own something you can sell later on.

Aluminum wire is easy to spot if you are working on the electrical system. When you strip the wire, it will be the light gray color of aluminum rather than the copper color of pennies. It is not possible to use wire nuts or other common electrical components when working with aluminum. Special crimp tools and materials are needed, otherwise the best case scenario is that a connection will not be made successfully. The worst case is that enough of a connection will be made to let power flow, at which point the splice is likely to cause a fire.

The best idea is to avoid any home that has aluminum wiring. If you have one, it may be challenging to sell it without rewiring the home. But again, unless the home is 1971 or earlier, you shouldn't see this issue. Owners of site-built homes are more likely to still have problems with aluminum wiring since the houses are more durable. Aluminum wire was cheaper than copper to install, but it's a big hassle now if you happen to be stuck with it.