Aluminum wiring was commonly installed in homes built between 1965 and 1973. While safe when properly installed and maintained, aluminum wiring has been linked to an increased risk of fire due to overheating at connection points. Replacing aluminum wiring with safer copper wiring can greatly reduce this risk. Here is a step-by-step guide on how a homeowner can replace aluminum wiring in their home.

Dangers of Aluminum Wiring

Before deciding to rewire your home, it's important to understand the risks and dangers associated with aluminum wiring:

• Aluminum wiring is less flexible than copper and expands/contracts more with temperature changes. This can loosen connections over time.
• Loose connections cause heat buildup which can melt insulation and surrounding materials, creating fire hazards.
• Aluminum also corrodes more easily than copper, further degrading connections.
• Fires linked to aluminum wiring are responsible for tens of millions of dollars in property damage every year.

Replacing old aluminum wiring with new copper wiring eliminates these risks.

Evaluate Your Home's Wiring

The first step is to determine if your home needs rewiring:

• Homes built between 1965-1973 are most likely to have aluminum wiring.
• Check the breaker box - copper wiring will be orange/yellow while aluminum is silver colored.
• Examine outlets and switches for signs of heat damage like discolored or cracked plastic. This may indicate a loose connection.
• Hire an electrician to do a thorough inspection if you are unsure.

Document all identified aluminum wiring to get a scope for rewiring. Prioritize high load areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

Develop a Rewiring Plan

Creating a plan is key to an efficient and safe rewiring project:

• Decide which circuits need rewiring first based on load and visibility of aluminum wiring.
• Determine if you will tackle the project yourself or hire an electrician. Rewiring is complex and potentially dangerous.
• Check local permitting requirements for home electrical work. A permit may be required.
• Budget materials like copper wire, junction boxes, outlets, and switches. Rewiring a whole home can cost thousands of dollars.
• Schedule any required electrical shutoffs and ensure power stays off for safety during work.
• Plan proper disposal of old aluminum wiring which often cannot go into standard recycling.

Replace Wiring and Devices

With proper planning and safety precautions, you can methodically replace old aluminum wiring:

• Turn off power at the main breaker and verify it is off. Use a contact voltage tester.
• Remove cover plates, disconnect the aluminum wire from outlets and switches, and pull it out from the wall cavity.
• Run new copper wire through the wall cavity and terminate at each box location using copper pigtails or alumiconn connectors.
• Attach the copper pigtails or alumiconn connectors to outlets and switches.
• Use oxide inhibiting compound on all copper wire connections.
• Label all new copper wiring at its origin in the breaker panel.
• Have an electrician inspect the work if DIY before turning power back on.

Prevent Future Issues

To get full value from your rewiring investment:

• Have electrician do annual safety inspections to catch any loose connections before they become a hazard.
• Avoid tapping into existing wiring. Pigtail or branch off properly sized new wiring.
• Use arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) which can detect dangerous arcs before they start fires.
• Label all breakers clearly.
• Check for outlets and switches that feel hot, which may indicate a bad connection.

Replacing aluminum wiring requires planning, electrical skills, and attention to detail. For many homeowners, hiring a licensed and experienced electrician is the safest option to eliminate fire risks from outdated wiring.