<![CDATA[Professional Investigative Engineers - Articles - Mechanical and Electrical]]> http://www.callpie.com/articles en-us N/A sgoldwag@callpie.com Sat, 11 Oct 2008 04:35:58 CDT 20 <![CDATA[Possible Concerns with Aluminum Wiring]]> http://www.callpie.com/articles/articles/40/1/Possible-Concerns-with-Aluminum-Wiring/Page1.html Aluminum wiring was commonly used from about 1965 until about 1977 as an alternative to copper wiring. Aluminum (Al) was considerably less expensive than copper (Cu); thus, most homes built during this time frame have aluminum wiring.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), homes installed with aluminum branch circuits (manufactured before 1972) are 55 times more likely to have one or more connections reach "Fire Hazard Conditions" than a home wired with copper.

]]> no@spam.com (Stephen F. Biagiotti, SR., P.E.) http://www.callpie.com/articles/articles/40/1/Possible-Concerns-with-Aluminum-Wiring/Page1.html <![CDATA[Mechanical Systems]]> http://www.callpie.com/articles/articles/39/1/Mechanical-Systems/Page1.html In a previous article, we discussed ice dams frequently being the suspected cause of building leaks.  Further investigation revealed that inadequate detailing and/or construction methods were the cause. This month's issue deals with an inadequate mechanical system that led to condensation and humidity problems.

]]> no@spam.com (PIE Staff Engineer) http://www.callpie.com/articles/articles/39/1/Mechanical-Systems/Page1.html