CPSC Testifies On Residential Aluminum Wiring

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) testified today before the House Subcommittee on Oversight and Investiga- tions regarding fire hazards associated with residential aluminum wiring systems manufactured between 1965 and 1973.

CPSC has filed suit against 26 manufacturers of aluminum wire and devices used in these systems in a Federal Court in the District of Columbia. The case is pending. In the suit CPSC has asked the court to declare the product to be an imminently hazardous consumer product. The Commission has also asked the court to order the industry to warn consumers of the hazard and to repair the dangerous conditions existing in as many as 1 1/2 to 2 million homes.

The Commission said "that the primary responsibility for alerting the public and correcting the hazard rests with industry. However, because of the delays inherent in the judicial process and the grave danger to an unwary public, the CPSC is searching for ways to best warn consumers."

In response to questions about what consumers can do, the Commission advises:

-- Write CPSC, Washington, DC 20207 or call our toll-free Hotline (800)638-2772, for our pamphlet titled "DO You Have An Electrical System With Aluminum Wiring?"

-- If you think you may have aluminum wiring installed between 1965 and 1973, call an experienced electrician for an inspection.

-- Do not attempt repairs yourself.

-- Watch for warning signs such as:

   * cover plates on switches and outlets which are warm or hot to the touch;

   * smoke coming from outlets or switches;

   * sparks or arcing at switches and outlets;

   * strange odors, especially the smell of burning plastic, in the area of outlets or switches;

   * lights which flicker periodically (in some cases, faulty appliances or other unrelated causes may result in lights flickering);

   * outlets, lights or entire circuits which fail to work.

Call an electrician immediately if you detect any such danger signals.