Do I need to replace the aluminum wiring in my home?
In the right setting, aluminum wiring can be a safe choice. As a cheaper option to copper, it is a lightweight and strong; when properly installed and maintained, aluminum wiring is a reliable choice.
However, when used in branch circuit wiring, testing has shown that aluminum wiring has problematic characteristics when compared to copper wiring. Aluminum wiring has a higher rate of expansion than copper. This can result in loose terminations and connections, which in turn can cause melting, arcing, and in extreme situations, fire. Additionally, breakage from improper installation has created problems in aluminum wire use as well. In comparison to copper, aluminum tends to oxidize when exposed to air which can result in overheating.
Aluminum wiring has been banned from use in branch circuit wiring and often complete rewiring is recommended to eliminate the hazards of aluminum wiring.
Identifying aluminum wiring in your home.
Most homes built in the 1960s to late 1970s were wired entirely with aluminum wiring. When you purchase a home, your home inspector will likely alert you of aluminum wiring. You can also check your electrical panel or look at cables running through the basement or attic (they may be marked AL, ALUM, ALUM ACM, AL ACM or ALUMINUM).
Having a certified electrician inspect your home is the best way to determine whether or not you have hazardous aluminum wiring. Unless you are qualified to do so, do not open or disassemble or touch any electrical panels, devices, components.
Safety Concerns
Some signs of aluminum wiring and the hazards due to overheating and oxidation:
Hot-to-touch face plates on receptacles or switches
Flickering lights that cannot be traced to a failing bulb
Circuit breakers or fuses that trip for no apparent reason
The smell of burning plastic at outlets or switches
Smoke or sparking around electrical devices
If you notice any of these signs, contact a qualified electrician immediately.
Some homeowners will change their receptacles and switches to a newer style such as decora and unknowingly create additional hazards. Many newer devices are not rated to be used with aluminum wiring. When replacing devices with aluminum, check the device is marked ‘suitable for use with aluminum wiring’.
Solutions to making the aluminum wiring safer in your home.
Most insurance companies will not insure the home without pigtailing or re-wiring your home completely. The below methods are solutions to reduce hazards that come with aluminum wiring.
Replace Devices
One option is to replace all devices with devices that are rated for aluminum wiring. This can be more cost effective, however you are limited in the types of devices that can be used as many newer styles such as decora style are not rated for aluminum.
Copper Pigtails
The most common method of reducing hazard from the aluminum wire in your home is bridging a new copper pigtail wire between the existing aluminum wire and any electrical device.
This can be done by a certified electrician by using specific wire connectors with an anti-oxidant paste to increase conductivity and eliminate corrosion.
The cost of this method will vary depending on the number of devices (receptacles and switches). It is a cost-effective solution that will bring your home up to safety standards.
Complete Home Rewiring with Copper Wiring
As opposed to copper pigtails with specialized twist-on connectors, this solution involves entirely replacing your home with copper wiring. It can be coordinated on its own or alongside large-scale renovations.
This is the safest, but most expensive option; the cost varies with the size of the home and accessibility but would eliminate all hazards that come with aluminum wiring.
Contact us today for a quote or any questions you may have about aluminum wiring.
(780) 951-6144
scott@ptelectricinc.ca
(780)667-7061
terry@ptelectricinc.ca