Aluminum wiring was commonly installed in homes built between 1965 and 1973. While safe if properly installed and maintained, aluminum wiring does carry risks like overheating that require special safety precautions. In this guide, I will cover everything you need to know to handle aluminum wiring safely in your home.
Dangers and Risks of Aluminum Wiring
Aluminum wiring carries higher risks of overheating and fire compared to copper wiring. This is due to a few key factors:
-
Aluminum is less conductive than copper, leading to more resistance and heat when electricity passes through.
-
Aluminum wires and connections can degrade over time, increasing resistance and dangers of overheating.
-
Standard installation practices designed for copper wires do not work as well with aluminum, leading to loose connections and increased fire risks.
These factors mean that homes with aluminum wiring require thorough safety checks and upgrades to remove fire hazards. Left unchanged, degraded or faulty aluminum wiring connections can overheat, spark, and ignite fires.
Checking Your Home for Aluminum Wiring
To stay safe, you first need to check your home's electrical wiring to see if aluminum wiring was used. Here's how to identify it:
-
Check the breaker box - aluminum wiring will be connected to the circuit breakers. It has a duller, lighter silver color compared to copper wiring.
-
Remove outlet and switch covers - outlets wired with aluminum will be labeled "CO/ALR". Check ends of wire for aluminum color.
-
Look for LIGHT BLUE WIRES with gray plastic insulation - this jacket color often indicates aluminum wiring.
-
Consult an electrician - they can thoroughly inspect for wiring material and connections.
If you discover aluminum wiring, it's crucial to take proper safety steps covered in the next sections.
Upgrading Electrical Panels for Aluminum Wiring
One key upgrade is replacing standard breakers in your electrical panel with arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs).
Unlike standard circuit breakers, AFCIs:
-
Detect hazardous electrical arcing - a leading cause of fires with aluminum wiring.
-
Quickly shut off power when arcing is detected to prevent fires.
Replacing all standard circuit breakers with AFCIs adds a critical level of fire prevention and protection.
Replacing Outlets and Switches with COPALR
COPALR refers to outlets and switches specifically designed for aluminum wiring. These have setscrews that grip and connect to aluminum wiring better than standard devices.
It's vital to:
-
Replace any outlets wired with aluminum with COPALR outlets
-
Replace any light switches using aluminum wiring with COPALR switches
This removes connections that are prone to overheating. Always hire a qualified electrician when replacing outlets and switches.
Using COPALR Connectors and Pigtails
At wiring connections, special COPALR connectors should be used when joining copper and aluminum wires. COPALR connectors and wire segments called pigtails help form safe, secure joints in wiring.
COPALR connectors have tapered teeth and a special compound to bite into and grip aluminum wires. Standard twist-on connectors often don't grip adequately.
Pigtails are short wire segments attached to outlets, switches, and other connections. They prevent directly splicing copper and aluminum wires together.
Used properly, these specially designed connectors and pigtails help prevent loose connections and overheating risks with aluminum wires.
Hiring a Licensed Electrician
Due to the fire risks of improperly installed aluminum wiring, it's highly recommended to have all inspections, repairs, and upgrades performed by a licensed electrician experienced with aluminum wiring.
Although more costly than DIY, an electrician has the proper:
-
Training - to identify and fix aluminum wiring safety issues
-
Equipment - including a thermal camera to check for hot spots
-
Certification - for legally covering electrical work in your region
Don't take chances with do-it-yourself electrical work when aluminum wiring is involved. Hire a professional electrician to ensure your home's wiring is safe.
Regular Safety Inspections
Even after upgrades, it's wise to have your home's aluminum wiring inspected regularly. Over time, expansion, contraction, and degradation can loosen connections. Frayed or damaged wiring can also occur.
To stay vigilant:
-
Have an electrician inspect wiring every 3-5 years
-
Check for hot outlets - a sign of loose connections
-
Address new flickering lights or appliances not working
-
Watch for light blue aluminum wires when remodeling
Staying on top of inspections, repairs, and maintenance is crucial for ongoing safety.
Is Rewiring With Copper Necessary?
In some cases with extensive aluminum wiring, rewiring an entire home with copper may be recommended. Factors include:
-
Wiring is very degraded or damaged
-
The original installation was improperly done
-
Dangerous connections are in hard to access areas
Your electrician can advise if a full rewire is the safest option. Although costly, it may be worthwhile to prevent the risk of fires.
In Summary
-
Aluminum wiring requires special precautions to use safely
-
Upgrade your electrical panel, outlets and switches
-
Use proper COPALR connectors and pigtails
-
Hire a licensed electrician for all repairs and inspection
-
Have your aluminum wiring reinspected every 3-5 years
With the right safety upgrades and ongoing maintenance, aluminum wiring can be managed safely in your home. But regular professional inspections and fixing hazards is essential.