I have discovered that the electrical wiring in my home is made from aluminum. While aluminum wiring was commonly installed in homes built between 1965 and 1973, it can present fire hazards if not properly maintained. Replacing aluminum wiring with copper wiring is the best way to eliminate the risks. Here is how I can safely replace aluminum wiring in my home.
Dangers of Aluminum Wiring
Aluminum wiring became popular in the 1960s and 1970s because it was less expensive than copper wiring. However, aluminum has some properties that make it less ideal for electrical wiring:
- Aluminum expands and contracts more than copper when temperatures change. This can loosen connections between the wire and outlets/switches over time.
- Aluminum conducts electricity less efficiently than copper, leading to overheating at connections which can start fires.
- Aluminum oxide rapidly builds up on connections, increasing resistance. This leads to more overheating.
Loose, overheated connections are the main fire hazard with aluminum wiring. Outlets, switches, and light fixtures are the most susceptible locations. Signs of loose connections include flickering lights, discolored outlets, melted plastic around switches/outlets, and buzzing from devices.
Dangers of DIY Aluminum Wiring Replacement
While I may be tempted to replace aluminum wiring myself to save money, this carries serious risks:
- Working with live electrical wires is extremely dangerous. Mistakes could result in electrocution or fires.
- Special training and tools are required to handle aluminum wiring safely. COPALUM crimp connectors must be used to join copper and aluminum properly.
- If any connections are done improperly, it could make electrical failures even more likely.
For safety, it is essential to hire a licensed electrician to replace aluminum wiring. Attempting a DIY repair is not worth the risk.
Finding an Experienced Electrician
When hiring an electrician, I need to find someone who is properly trained and experienced in safely replacing aluminum wiring. Here are some tips:
- Look for an electrician who is licensed in my state. This ensures they met training requirements.
- Ask prospective electricians how much experience they have specifically with aluminum rewiring. I need someone very familiar with the process.
- Request references from past aluminum wiring replacement jobs. Reach out to the references to ask about their experience.
- Verify that they are bonded and insured. This protects me in case of damages.
- Ask if they are certified by the International Electrical Testing Association (NETA). This indicates robust training.
I should get written quotes from 3-5 electricians before deciding who to hire.
Overview of the Aluminum Rewiring Process
Once I hire an electrician, the general process to replace the wiring will be:
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The electrician will evaluate all wiring and connections throughout the home to assess conditions.
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They will repair any loose connections as a temporary safety measure before rewiring.
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When ready to start, the power will be turned off at the main electrical panel to make conditions safe.
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The electrician will remove the existing aluminum wiring.
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They will install new copper wiring in its place, securing it properly.
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COPALUM crimp connectors will be used to join the copper and any remaining aluminum wiring. This prevents future corrosion.
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Electrical power will be turned back on, and each outlet/switch will be tested for correct function.
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The electrician willissued dated certificates showing the aluminum wiring has been replaced with copper.
Questions to Ask the Electrician
Before getting started with the aluminum replacement, I should ask the electrician:
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What wiring connections are they planning to reuse vs. replace? All connections should be evaluated.
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How will they prevent electrical arcing when joining copper and aluminum? The COPALUM crimp connectors are essential here.
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For any wiring connections they plan to reuse, how will they be tested for safety?
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Will the existing wire sizes be matched when installing the new copper wiring? Proper wire sizing prevents overheating.
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How long will the replacement process take? How will my power needs be met during the rewiring?
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What permits and inspections will be required? I want to ensure proper approvals are obtained.
Costs of Replacing Aluminum Wiring
Rewiring a whole house with copper wiring is a major undertaking, so there are significant labor and material costs involved. On average, I can expect to pay $8,000 to $15,000 to have aluminum wiring replaced in a 2,000 square foot home. Getting quotes from multiple electricians will help me understand the true costs for my specific situation.
While the aluminum wiring replacement project represents a major expense, it is absolutely worth it for me to protect my home and family from fire hazards. The safety benefits are invaluable. By selecting the right electrician and understanding the full process involved, I can ensure the wiring replacement is completed properly.