I live in a house that still has aluminum wiring (built in the 60's). The lights and power are low associtated with one of the 20A circuit breakers. I have replaced it hoping that was the problem, but still the lights are low. Any suggestions what the problem may be?

You need to go to each outlet or device on that circuit and check the connections. This really needs to be done at all connections through out the house. This is more than a low current problem, it is a fire hazard.

There are connectors that can be use to splice on a short length of copper wire to the aluminum wire to eliminate this problem.

The "low electrical current" must be due to a high resistance in the circuit. If you replaced the circuit breaker, it's almost surely not there. It is most likely oxide buildup on the aluminum somewhere in the circuit. The big problem with it is that it's producing heat somewhere. The voltage drop is being caused by the resistance of the aluminum oxide and this will get worse and worse. Eventually, it will cause a fire.

You may be able to narrow down the location of the problem with an ohmmeter, if you know what you're doing.

I'm not sure you have the tools to troubleshoot. You basically need to trace the circuit from start to finish examining each connection for ozidation and using an AC voltmeter on a sensitive scale looking at the drop across the connections.

The breaker could also be bad. What happens is the aluminum oxidizes and then is has some resistance that heats up. Aluminum wiring must be used with devices that are Cu/AL rated and an anti-oxidation paste must be used.

HK mentions a cure without re-wiring. It's a system mad by Tyco which crimps a piece of copper to the aluminum at each device. Training is required and the tool can only be rented and not purchased. It cannot be rented by someone who is not trained to use it.

Perito:

An ohmeter may be of little use because of the low values involved. It's best to measure between the terminal and the wire with a load on the circuit on a MV AC scale.

Second, Aluminum usually creates a self protecting oxide. Once the surface oxidizes it usually doesn't get worse like iron oxide (rust) on steel.

Take a voltmeter and check the voltage at the breaker first. One lead of tester to the neutral bar and the other lead of tester on the wire connected at the breaker. If you have 120volts at that point then you may have to trace the wire to the problem. Also make sure all the screws on your neutral bar that has wires in them are also tight.

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Originally Posted by johnmen2002

I live in a house that still has aluminum wiring (built in the 60's). The lights and power are low associtated with one of the 20A circuit breakers. I have replaced it hoping that was the problem, but still the lights are low. Any suggestions what the problem may be?

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When you say 'low power" are you saying 'low voltage'? If so, how low? At what point did you measure the voltage?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by johnmen2002

I live in a house that still has aluminum wiring (built in the 60's). The lights and power are low associtated with one of the 20A circuit breakers. I have replaced it hoping that was the problem, but still the lights are low. Any suggestions what the problem may be?

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Bumpa James I would call your electric suppler all houses are on two 120 volt legs and one may be defective and it will only take them a short time. Thy are responsible from the power source to your meter .