Is Aluminum Wiring Safe?

Aluminum wiring, popular in homes built in the 1960s to the mid-1970s because of its low cost, is considered unsafe and poses a significant risk of electrical fires. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), homes with aluminum wiring are reported to be 55 times more likely to experience fire hazard conditions than those with copper wiring. Studies showed that homes with aluminum wiring installed before the 1970s are at even greater risk.

In this blog, we will explore the reasons why aluminum wiring is dangerous and discuss the best possible solutions to make your home safer.

Why Aluminum Wiring is Unsafe for Your Home

Aluminum wiring is considered unsafe compared to copper wiring and most electricians recommend replacing it with updated wiring. Here are the primary reasons why aluminum wiring may be hazardous. 

Oxidation

Aluminum readily oxidizes when exposed to air as compared to copper. This oxidation creates a layer of aluminum oxide on the wire's surface, which is less conductive than the metal itself, leading to increased electrical resistance and potential overheating at connections. This overheating can result in electrical fires if not properly addressed.

The oxidation of aluminum wiring worsens over time with repeated heating cycles, further compromising the connection quality. That’s why homes with old wiring are at higher risk of fire hazards. 

Expansion

Aluminum wiring expands and contracts more than copper when heated by electricity. This causes loose connections at terminals within outlets and switches, increasing resistance. The higher resistance in turn can lead to overheating, sparking, and potential fire hazards.

Breaking

Aluminum wiring tends to oxidize or corrode easily, when exposed to air at connection points, compared to copper wiring which is more durable and less prone to corrosion. This leads to loose connections that can overheat and potentially cause fires.

Overheating

As mentioned above, aluminum wiring is prone to overheating due to oxidation and its tendency to expand and contract when heated by electricity. The quick oxidation coupled with expansion/contraction causes loose connections at termination points. This in turn generates excessive heat and increases the risk of electrical fires.

High Malleability of Aluminum

Aluminum is more malleable and softer than copper, causing it to compress under screws in connections, leading to loose connections that can overheat and potentially spark fires. Over time, the aluminum wire continues to deform even after tightening, further loosening the connection and increasing fire risks.

Improper Installation

Since aluminum expands and contracts significantly more than copper when heated, specialized connectors designed for aluminum wiring are recommended to ensure proper installation. Otherwise, there is a high potential for loose connections and overheating which can lead to fire hazards. 

These reasons show that aluminum wiring can be dangerous for your home. But, how can you know if you have aluminum wiring in your home, and what are the possible solutions to ensure wiring safety?

What to Do If You Suspect Aluminum Wiring in Your Home

If you are unsure about the presence of aluminum wiring in your home and its safety, here’s what you can do.

Check Wire Markings and Color 

You can identify aluminum wiring by looking for the word "aluminum" or "AL" on the wire jacket. The color of the wire can also help distinguish it from copper wiring, as aluminum typically has a silvery appearance. Look for these signs in exposed areas like the basement, attic, or electrical panel. It’s recommended to have a professional electrician to quickly and safely identify aluminum wiring in your home.

Look for Signs of Aluminum Wiring Problems

While most electrical wiring is concealed within walls, potential signs that indicate the presence of aluminum wiring, often considered outdated, include:

• Overheating: Outlets, switches, or walls feel warm.
• Flickering Lights: Lights flicker for no apparent reason.
• Burning Plastic Smell: You smell burning plastic near outlets or switches.
• Damaged Outlets: Outlets are scorched or melted.
• Discolored Faceplates: Faceplates show signs of discoloration due to excessive heat.

If you notice any of these alarming signs in your home, consult a licensed residential electrician to inspect and replace outdated wiring professionally.   

Consider the Age of Your Home  

While checking wire labels and looking for signs of wiring issues can help, you can check the date your home was built to know the presence of aluminum wiring. This is because aluminum wiring is more common in houses built from the 1960s to the mid-1970s. So, if your home is old or you haven’t inspected and upgraded your wiring recently, there is a high chance of old aluminum wiring presence. Have an electrician to thoroughly inspect and fix the outdated wiring.

Consult a Professional Electrician

A certified home electrician can inspect your electrical system to know if you have aluminum wiring. Depending on the severity of the wiring issues, the expert can suggest the following possible solutions.

‍Full Rewiring

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the safest method to address aluminum wiring in a home is to completely replace it with copper wiring. This is the most effective method to eliminate potential fire hazards; however, the cost of such a complete replacement can be a concern for some homeowners. 

Depending on your needs and budget, your licensed electrician may rewire your home with copper wiring or use AlumiConn or COPALUM repair methods, “pigtailing” methods approved by CPSC. 

‍COPALUM Repair Method

The CPSC considers the COPALUM method as a safe and permanent repair for aluminum wiring. This method involves using a special crimp connector to securely attach a copper wire to the aluminum wire (pigtail), creating a "cold weld" between them through high pressure application.

COPALUM repair method eliminates electrical arcing and glowing connections, reduces the risk of fire, and creates a safer electrical connection. 

‍AlumiConn Repair Method

Like COPALUM, AlumiConn is designed to connect aluminum wiring to copper wiring by using a pigtail method, but instead of a crimp connection, it uses a setscrew to secure the connection.  While the CPSC prefers the COPALUM repair method for fixing aluminum wiring issues, if COPALUM connectors are not accessible in a particular area, the AlumiConn connector can be used as an alternative repair method. 

When dealing with aluminum wiring in your home, both AlumiConn and COPALUM connectors can be used as viable repair options instead of a full rewiring. However, you should consult a certified electrician to determine the best solution for your specific situation and to ensure any modifications are done correctly. 

Repair or Replace Aluminum Wiring Safely with Randy’s Electric

Outdated aluminum wiring can be a significant fire hazard, putting you and your family at risk. Our licensed residential electricians at Randy’s Electric are eager to address any concerns about your electrical safety, from basic troubleshooting to thorough inspection and fixing old wiring issues. Contact us to know how we can help you make your home safer and more functional.