CPSC Sets Aluminum Wire Hearings - Explore Potential Fire Hazards

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
March 1974  
Release # 74-015
CPSC Sets Aluminum Wire Hearings
Will Explore Potential Fire Hazards

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 1974)--The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission will hold public hearings into possible fire hazards associated with the use of aluminum wiring in home electrical systems. The hearings will be held March 27th and 28th at 10:00 a.m. in the Department of Agriculture auditorium, 14th and Independence Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. A second set of public hearings on the same subject will be held April 15th and 16th at 10:00 a.m. in the Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, California.

The hearings have been called as a result of several reports to the Commission of house fires caused by overheated terminals involving aluminum wiring and a receptacle or switch. Based on reports it has received and on the potential dangers presented by overheated electrical connections, the Commission noted that consumers may be subjected to u unreasonable risks of injury associated with aluminum conductors used in home electrical wiring systems.

The Commission has called the hearings to solicit the views of the public as to (1) the public's perception of the problem and alternative solutions, and (2) the relationship between the potential hazards of aluminum conductor connections and their design, construction, materials, technology, and similar factors.

The hearing will cover the following topics:

  1. Aluminum wiring connections in residential electrical branch circuits including, but not limited to, 15-ampere and 20-ampere circuits.

  2. Aluminum conductor connections from service entrance to the branch circuits.

  3. Factors contributing to the performance of aluminum electrical connections in residences, including the wire (or conductor) materials and types of conductors (wire binding screw, push-in terminal, pressure wire connector, etc.)

  4. Environmental considerations.

  5. The standards covering methods, practices, and workmanship in the installation of aluminum conductors.

  6. The extent of reports concerning fire and overheating involving aluminum conductors in residential electric wiring.

  7. Any other pertinent information pertaining to aluminum conductor safety.

In addition, information relevant to the following questions is also solicited:

  1. Information and Remedies for Residents. What factual information concerning the hazards and the remedies associated with aluminum conductors should be disseminated to owners and occupants of residences using such conductors? What costs should the consumer absorb to affect a given remedy?

  2. Replacement of devices. Are the potential dangers such that certain wiring devices incorporating aluminum conductors should be replaced with newer, improved types of devices?

  3. New Methods and Materials. Are there measures (including codes, standards, materials, and installation practices) now employed in the use of aluminum conductor connections in residences which would permit the installation of aluminum conductors without unreasonable risk to the consumer?

  4. Locations of Installations. How can installations incorporating suspect aluminum wiring connections be located and what is the estimate of the number of suspect installations?