Silver tipped?

[Gary Schering, II]

Is there any sure way to determine that this type of wiring, its the set wrapped in cloth, is not aluminum? It appears to be silver coated?

[Mark Nahrgang]

I can't tell from the picture, but if it's "coated" it's "tinned copper".

[relliott]

It is not aluminum
Mark is right
Very old type which will need to be replaced at some point.
The covering cracks easy.

[Gary Schering, II]

Do you guys call this out and make an issue out of it. It's connections is solid.

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

The tinned copper wiring is OK, but its sheathing is a problem. The rubber deteriorates and may eventually expose the conductor. So the fact that the "connections are solid" means nothing.

I don't make an issue of it, I simply recommend replacing it. . .

[relliott]

I mention that it is older wiring and should be checked further for safety.
Spent years working with the stuff in older buildings and often the covering falls off and crumbles.

This can be a hazard.Think knob and tube and how you word that?

[Mark Nahrgang]

I never see it. (Most of the homes I inspect in this county are less than 40 years old.)

I might say something on the lines of: Noted some of the circuits in the home are older "tinned copper" wiring. While it does not appear to be causing any problems at this time, the insulated covering becomes brittle and crumbles with age, causing a safety concern. This wiring is currently considered obsolete, and you should consider budgeting for re-wiring these circuits in the near future.

Caveat... Once again I never see these. So others that do see these more regularly may have a stronger, and more educated opinion.

[Gary Schering, II]

Thanks to all

[Doug Edwards, CMI]

Lightened up. look at it now.

[ccurrins]

Originally Posted by dedwards

Lightened up. look at it now.

There's a more serious problem. N G DT

[Erby Crofutt]

The problem(s) discovered in the main electric panel such as

• yada yada
• more than one "grounded conductor" (neutral /white) wire per screw on the neutral bus bar (double tapped/lugged) Each "grounded conductor" is supposed to have it's very own screw on the bus bar, no other "grounded conductor" or "equipment grounding conductor" (bare copper wire) should be under the screw with the "grounded conductor".
  {Some electricians (who haven't done their homework) will tell you that it is OK to have more than one neutral (white) wire under a screw on the bus bar. They are wrong. It has long (at least as far back as 1967) been required by manufacturer's instructions and Underwriters Laboratories Standard 67 for panelboards. See this link for a narrative description of the reason for single neutral wire - single screw.

• Double Lugged Neutral Narrative Also see this link for a visual interpretation. Double Lugged Neutrals Visual}. Ensure the electrician is familiar with UL Standard 67 requirements

• yada yada

and any other problems that an electrician may discover while performing repairs need correcting. I recommend a licensed electrician repair as needed.


+++++++++++++++
Must be a limit on bullet point stuff. Won't break it right here.

[Mark Nahrgang]

Originally Posted by ccurrins

There's a more serious problem. N G DT

Agreed. I'd be more concerned about the G & N together too.

[David P. Valley]

It's definitely tin coated copper. Report on the defects already noted.

Now this is Aluminum Wiring...

[relliott]

Did you check to see if the recepticales or appliances they were hooked to were rated for aluminum.?
Assuming the panel was of course.

[Gary Schering, II]

Breakers are rated for copper and aluminum. I have also raised the issues with the grouned and grounding wires being on the same lug.