I have BX wires with round junctions in the basement of my house, built in the late 1960s. Two electricians I've consulted suggested that I should replace them since they're "commercial" cables and could be tricky to deal with if an issue arises. However, I'm wondering if it would be possible for them to last another 30 years. How can I determine the best course of action regarding these wires? Thanks for any insights!
2 Answers
You might be surprised to hear that BX is actually pretty reliable. If you want to keep them, just check if the wiring inside is aluminum, as that's a reason to replace it. Also, old cloth insulation wires should be replaced over time as the fabric can degrade. Another important thing is to ensure that the power draw is within the cable rating—if it's too high, that could pose a risk!
I've worked in commercial construction, and honestly, fixing wiring in conduit is just as manageable as BX or Romex—you just need the right tools for the job. Plus, whether you replace the wiring now or later won't really change much if something goes wrong. It's a bit confusing why the electricians would suggest replacing them immediately.
How can I tell if the wires are aluminum? Also, how do I check the cable rating?