August2017

ELECTRICAL... from page 29.

od is less costly than complete replacement, but more costly than the other, non-approved methods. The work will also need to be done by a licensed electrician who has been trained and certi- fied for COPALUM remediation by the equipment manufacturer. Be aware, if an electrician provides a quote for “pig-tailing” of aluminum wiring, it is imperative that property owners verify that the preferred COPALUM method is to be used, as opposed to some less effective methods (shown below). • AlumiConn Connectors (Not Recommended): This type of connec- tor uses another method of “pig-tail- ing”, which connects the current alu- minum wiring to copper wiring, but it uses a setscrew type connector, rath-

er than the COPALUM Connector. Because of this, it is not approved by the CPSC as a permanent repair, although they do recognize it as the next best option. This method will be the less costly than COPALUM, but will not serve as effectively. Most insurance carriers do not consider this method as an acceptable reme- diation. • CO/ALR (Not Recommended): There is another remediation meth- od in which the electrical switches and receptacles are replaced with CO/ALR switches and recepta- cles. However, the CPSC consid- ers this replacement to be “at best, an incomplete repair”. As with AlumiConn, most insurance carriers do not consider this method as an acceptable remediation.

Accepted): This method joins cop- per wire to the existing aluminum wiring with special connectors referred to as COPALUM, which is a proprietary system. This meth- od involves attaching COPALUM connectors to all switches, outlets, fixtures and wiring connections throughout the home. A perma- nent connection is accomplished by using special connectors and a specific tool set that exerts over 10,000 lbs. of compressive pres- sure on the connection. This meth- od is approved by the CPSC and is considered a permanent repair. Nearly all insurance car- riers accept this method as a permanent remediation. This meth-

CONT I NU E S ON PAGE 32

pick the right tools for your next project. With community association lending expertise like ours, you’ll get the job done right.

take that to the bank.

Matthew Driscoll VP/Regional Account Executive 443-866-9076 Toll Free 866-800-4656, ext. 7561 matt.driscoll@mutualofomahabank.com

mutualofomahabank.com

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

AFN46062_0913

EQUAL HOUSING LENDER

30

A U G U S T , 2 0 1 7