Aluminium wiring

[Steve T]

Hi all,
I'm helping a friend of mine do up an old cottage that he has bought recently. Most rooms are in such a state that they need completely redoing. Our first project was to rip out one of the bathrooms, and in doing so we had to disconnect an old infrared wall heater, where we discovered aluminium t&e. It's definitely PVC not rubber. I had a quick look in the ceiling rose in that bathroom and it also appears to be wired in aluminium t&e. We didn't look at anything else today so I don't know what other circuits may or may not have aluminium t&e.

The property has clearly had quite extensive electrical work over the years(has had an extension and loft conversion) as well as some diy bodges, as I suppose is to be expected. The CU is also not original, it looks like it should be a 16th edition split load but someone has replaced the main switch with an RCD. So clearly the CU has been changed at some point.

I'm definitely going to suggest he gets an EICR done, but do you think the aluminium t&e presents an immediate problem and should be rewired, or is it still OK to be in service?

Also if we have to work with the aluminium t&e at all (changing lights, sockets etc) how should we treat it? It's all stranded of course, so should we use ferrules on the ends and connect to screw terminals directly or into wagos and 'pigtails' in copper to the accessory?

I haven't got any pictures at the moment unfortunately but I am back at his house tomorrow so I can get some (of the CU, and anything else?)

Thanks!

 

[pc1966]

If the house is in that bad a state as you mentioned rewire it anyway

Have to agree. If the cable quality, rating, or soundness of any connections is in doubt the best use for it is to pull new stuff through.

But step back and ask the question of what should the final installation look like? How many sockets per room and where?

Anything from that era will probably be sadly lacking and so starting from the desired outcome, instead of what is already there, is the best thing I could suggest.

 

[Steve T]

Have to agree. If the cable quality, rating, or soundness of any connections is in doubt the best use for it is to pull new stuff through.

But step back and ask the question of what should the final installation look like? How many sockets per room and where?

Anything from that era will probably be sadly lacking and so starting from the desired outcome, instead of what is already there, is the best thing I could suggest.

If it was my house I would certainly rewire it.

It does seem to have sufficient socket outlets but none look original so its safe to assume lots of additions have been made. Also the light and switch points don't have any CPCs, they have used junction boxes in the attic space and double insulated singles to the switches and lights. At least everything is fairly easily accessible.

I will certainly suggest a rewire to my friend as he is planning quite extensive work and I'm sure when he gets an EICR done that will at least suggest rewiring the lighting circuits as well as a new consumer unit etc.. But I'm sure you're all familiar with people who don't see a problem if it all 'works' so we will see what he decides to do!