Power and the RA82(actually aluminum wiring)

[McFadden, Mike, A]

In the late 70's my apartment/townhouse in Hazelwood/St. Louis had
aluminum wiring.  Both out electric dryer and TV acted erratically.  We
were watching TV one night and we saw sparks around the electric outlet.
Since there were 3 electrical engineers living there out came the
insulated screwdriver, pliers, and VOM.  We took off the cover plate and
you could see the charred stud.  We applied a temporary fix until the
apartment owner had an electrician come repair it and he attached a
copper pigtail to each wire before reconnecting it to the electric
receptacle.  We asked about this and the electrician explained that the
copper wouldn't expand, contract, and oxidize under the screw on the
receptacle.  
 
Being it was the 1970's of course we had a TV, VCR, stereo, and a green
Lava lamp plugged into that socket.  I think we had shag carpet and a
bean bag chair also.  
 
Mike