what year did mobile homes stop using aluminum wiring

The end of aluminum wiring in mobile homes has been a long time coming. In fact, since the late 1980s when major fires caused by aluminum wiring in mobile homes were widely reported, homeowners and manufacturers have been looking for alternatives.

Aluminum wiring was popular in the 1960s and 1970s due to its cheaper cost compared to copper wiring. Unfortunately, aluminum is prone to corrosion and can become unsafe over time. This corrosion can create loose wires that can spark and cause a fire. The risks associated with aluminum wiring in mobile homes became evident in 1985 when a report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) revealed that there were over 150 fires caused by aluminum wiring in manufactured homes.

As a result, in 1995 the CPSC issued a regulation that banned the use of aluminum wiring in manufactured homes. This marked the end of an era for aluminum wiring in mobile homes and ushered in a new era of safety and security. With this ban, manufacturers had to find alternative materials that could provide the same strength and durability as aluminum, but without the risk of fires. Copper wiring became the most popular alternative, but other options such as flexible aluminum conductor cable or plastic-sheathed cables are also available.

Though aluminum wiring in mobile homes has officially been banned since 1995, many older homes still have the material installed. If you own a home built before that year, it is important to do some research and find out if your wiring is safe. If it’s not, then your best course of action is to contact a certified electrician to assess the situation and make any necessary repairs.

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