Question about 3d printers and aluminum home wiring.

[Egon Spengler]

Hello, unfortunately where I live we have craptacular aluminum wiring and I was wondering how safe it is to use a 3d printer with aluminum wiring.

Thanks

 

[3Dsf]

I understand the biggest danger of aluminium household wiring is at the connection points. The metal expands and contracts with heating more than copper, and over time that can result in arcs that cause fires.

I don't think 3D printers or any other device alter that risk, particularly. I would, however, get an electrician to replace all the connections in your house with copper-aluminium connectors.

But I ain't no electrician, so...

 

[Karstein]

Most 3D printers have a PowerSupply that is less than 500 Watts, a deskop PC is between 400 Watts and 1000 Watts.

 

[Egon Spengler]

I understand the biggest danger of aluminium household wiring is at the connection points. The metal expands and contracts with heating more than copper, and over time that can result in arcs that cause fires.

I don't think 3D printers or any other device alter that risk, particularly. I would, however, get an electrician to replace all the connections in your house with copper-aluminium connectors.

But I ain't no electrician, so...

Yeah, totally going to have that done.

Most 3D printers have a PowerSupply that is less than 500 Watts, a deskop PC is between 400 Watts and 1000 Watts.

That's encouraging. Thanks!

 

[adinelt]

Our house has aluminum wiring and a few years ago, our insurance company required me to put in copper/aluminum switches, outlets, light fixtures, etc. otherwise they would cancel our insurance. Did all that and had it inspected by a certified electrician and we haven't had any issues since. If I could afford it, I would have all the aluminum stripped out and replaced with copper. Anyway, I haven't had any problem using my Ender 3 with aluminum wiring.