Aluminum branch wiring was used in some homes built from about 1965 to 1973. The CPSC found that homes wired with it are far more likely to have connections reach fire hazard conditions than homes wired with copper. The wire itself is not the main problem. The connections are. The CPSC recognizes specific repair methods done by a qualified electrician.
What aluminum wiring is
From about 1965 to 1973, when copper was expensive, some builders used aluminum wire for the branch circuits that feed outlets, switches and lights. Many homes in the country were wired this way, including some in the West Valley.
Aluminum is still used safely today for large feeder and service wires. The concern is the smaller branch circuit wiring of that era.
Why it can be a problem
The weak spot is where the aluminum wire connects to an outlet, a switch, a light or another wire. Aluminum expands and contracts more than copper as it heats and cools. Over time those connections can loosen. A loose connection runs hot, and a hot connection can start a fire.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission studied this. It reported that homes wired with aluminum wire made before 1972 are 55 times more likely to have one or more connections reach fire hazard conditions than homes wired with copper.
Warning signs the CPSC lists
If you have any of these, stop using that outlet or switch and call an electrician.
Switch or outlet cover plates that are warm or hot to the touch
Smoke coming from an outlet or switch
Sparks or arcing at outlets and switches
A strange smell near outlets or switches, especially burning plastic
Lights that flicker for no clear reason
Outlets, lights or whole circuits that stop working
How to tell if you have it
You may be able to see the word ALUMINUM or AL printed on the outer jacket of the cable in an unfinished garage, attic or basement, or near the panel. Look without touching.
Do not remove outlet or switch covers to check. That puts you in contact with live parts. An electrician can confirm what you have safely.
The repairs the CPSC recognizes
The CPSC describes three methods it considers permanent repairs. All of them should be done by a qualified electrician.
Rewiring with copper. This replaces the aluminum branch wiring. It is the most complete fix but also the most involved.
COPALUM crimp connectors. A short piece of copper wire is joined to each aluminum wire end with a special crimp connector, then the copper connects to the device. This needs an electrician trained and equipped for that system.
AlumiConn connectors. A purpose-built connector joins copper pigtails to the aluminum wire at each connection.
Repairs to avoid
Ordinary twist-on wire connectors and some older devices marked for aluminum are not considered a permanent fix by the CPSC. Replacing a few outlets on your own can make things worse. Every connection in the home, including outlets, switches, lights, appliances and junction boxes, needs to be addressed for the repair to be complete.
Insurance, buying and selling
Some insurers and home inspectors ask about aluminum branch wiring. If you are buying, selling or changing insurance, it helps to know whether you have it and whether it has been properly repaired. Keep the paperwork from any repair.
What to do next
Call us at (602) 999-2770 and a real person answers. If you have warm plates, a smell or flickering, we will tell you how soon it needs attention. You will hear the price before anyone drives out, and our work carries a two-year warranty on labor and material.
If you see smoke or smell burning from an outlet or switch, leave the area and call 911.
Common questions
Is all aluminum wiring dangerous?
No. Large aluminum service and feeder wires are still used safely. The concern is the small branch circuit wiring installed from about 1965 to 1973.
Do I have to rewire the whole house?
Not necessarily. The CPSC also recognizes COPALUM and AlumiConn connector repairs at every connection. An electrician can explain which fits your home.
Can I replace outlets myself with ones marked for aluminum?
We do not recommend it. Opening outlets means working near live wiring, and partial fixes are not considered permanent repairs.
