Aluminum Wiring - Hazards and What To Do About It

According to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), aluminum wire is more than 50 times more likely to have one or more connections reach electrical "Fire Hazard Conditions" than a home wired with copper.

Aluminum wiring was used in new construction, additions and remodels in the Vietnam war era (1965-1973) due to the high use of copper by the military during the war. Electrical contractors were relegated to use aluminum wire because of the high price copper commanded. Aluminum is softer than copper and reacts (expands and contracts) to fluctuations in temperatures. Because aluminum is more reactive than copper, there is a higher probability the electrical connections made in your home will become loose. When connections are loose, they create an electrical safety and fire hazard.

What Homes are Affected?

Homes built before 1965 are unlikely to have aluminum branch circuit wiring. Homes built, rooms added, and circuits rewired or added between 1965-1973 and some post-1973 houses may contain aluminum wiring.

It is important to note that aluminum wiring is still permitted and used for certain applications, including residential service entrance wiring (the wiring that enters your electrical panel) and single-purpose higher amperage circuits such as 240V air conditioning or electric range circuits. The electrical fire hazard lies in the branch circuits that go from your electrical panel to each room and area in your home.

What can be Done to Fix the Problem?

There are only two methods that are endorsed by CPSC to fix the hazard permanently.

1.Remove all aluminum wiring and rewire branch circuits in the home with copper wire.
2. Using a special tool and technique at each connection. The electrician makes special splices and shrink wrapped connections at each switch and outlet in the home's branch circuitry. Only trained and certified electricians that have attended TYCO training and leased TYCO's proprietary COPALUM system may perform this procedure

An alternate method is referred to as "pig-tailing" This method is considered inferior to the two previous methods. The "pig-tailing" method is inexpensive compared to CPSC endorsed methods. It is highly recommended this task be performed by an experienced and licensed electrician because if done improperly, "pig-tailing" may pose a greater fire hazard than what originally existed.

Call 719-219-0960 or e-mail SCC Electrical, Inc. to learn more about identifying aluminum wiring in your home and how it can be repaired.

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