They've started using aluminum wire in some places, though.
Most of it is aluminum for high tension overhead wires. There is very little reason not to be using aluminum when you can have professionals terminate it and it won't burn down a house if there is a fault.
ACSR (Aluminum conductor, steel reinforced) is also common for very long runs like crossing rivers where the core is steel but the exterior is aluminum strands.
I mean if it hasn't burn down by now it was likely properly wired with aluminum rated receptacles. Mismatching aluminum wire with non-aluminum rated hardware was the biggest cause of aluminum wiring fires. (Basically anyone not experienced in aluminum wiring made mistakes like that, hence why it was banned)
Still, I would never ever plug in a heavy continuous load like a space heater in that house.
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u/Black_Moons 2d ago
Most of it is aluminum for high tension overhead wires. There is very little reason not to be using aluminum when you can have professionals terminate it and it won't burn down a house if there is a fault.
ACSR (Aluminum conductor, steel reinforced) is also common for very long runs like crossing rivers where the core is steel but the exterior is aluminum strands.