I want to share my experience and advice for safely replacing aluminum wiring in your home. As a homeowner, I learned the hard way how dangerous faulty aluminum wiring can be. Replacing it yourself is a big project, but totally doable if you educate yourself and work carefully. Here’s how I did it in my 1970s era home.
Dangers of Aluminum Wiring
Before we get into the how-to, you need to understand why aluminum wiring is a problem.
Aluminum wiring was used in many homes built between 1965 and 1973. It was cheaper than copper at the time. But aluminum expands and contracts more than copper. This can loosen connections and cause:
- Hot spots - dangerous overheating that can start fires
- Flickering lights - from loose connections
- Short circuits - which can damage appliances and electronics
So old aluminum wiring poses serious fire and safety risks. Replacing it should be a top priority for any homeowner.
Develop a Replacement Plan
Replacing all the aluminum wiring in a home is labor intensive. Break it down into manageable chunks.
I recommend replacing it room-by-room. Start with high priority areas like:
- Kitchen
- Bathrooms
- Bedrooms
Make a list of all switches, outlets, and fixtures in the room. This helps you:
- Budget number of supplies needed
- Track progress
- Identify aluminum wires
Safety should be your top concern during planning. Be sure to:
- Turn off power at fuse box before starting
- Only work on one circuit at a time
- Use a voltage tester to ensure power is off
Purchase the Right Supplies
For each aluminum wire you identify, you will need:
- A length of copper wire of the same gauge
- Aluminum to copper connectors
- Wire nuts, electrical tape, etc.
Match the copper replacement wire gauge to existing aluminum wire gauge. Using a thicker gauge can overload circuits. Common sizes are 10, 12 or 14 gauge.
Buy only connectors listed for joining copper and aluminum. These have special compounds to combat corrosion and oxidation between the different metals.
Joining Copper and Aluminum Wires
Here are the step-by-step basics to safely join copper and aluminum wires:
- Turn off power at fuse box and verify it's off
- Remove aluminum wire from switch/outlet/fixture
- Clean aluminum wire end thoroughly with wire brush
- Slip copper/aluminum connector over new copper wire
- Insert cleaned aluminum wire fully into connector
- Secure connector per manufacturer instructions
- Cover connection with wire nut and wrap with electrical tape
- Mount new copper wire to switch/outlet/fixture
Repeat for all aluminum wiring replacements in the room. Go slow and be super diligent with each connection.
Finishing Touches
Once all switches, outlets and fixtures in the room are upgraded, do some finishing steps:
- Verify all connections are tight and secure
- Turn power back on and test operation
- Affix labels noting the update at each junction box
- Cross room off your list!
Take your time and don't cut corners. If you stay organized and follow safety precautions, you can successfully replace aluminum wiring yourself. But don't hesitate to call an electrician if you hit snags or don't feel comfortable. Safety first!