Should I Worry About Aluminum Wiring?

Aluminum wiring was used in the mid 60’s and 70’s, mainly in residential homes, because copper wiring was in high demand.  Manufactures couldn’t produce copper fast enough. With the Vietnam War going on, copper was going more towards military needs.  They thought of an alternative and it was aluminum wire, which is a little bit softer than copper, but still approved by the underwriter’s laboratory (UL).  The only downfall was it had to be increased in diameter one size to meet current code for individual branch circuitry.

In the electrical industry when customers hear that they have aluminum wiring they aren't sure exactly what that means, but assume it's not good. Also, when they’re considering buying a house with aluminum wiring in it, they automatically become concerned.  In my opinion, as long as the home has been maintained by a licensed electrical contractor the home will, more than likely, be safe. Usually when an unqualified person attempts to fix a problem with aluminum wiring is when it becomes a potential problem.

Issues with aluminum wiring usually arise when home owners attempt to replace a device (receptacle/switch). Most of the big box stores mainly carry copper rated devices. You have to be careful when you purchase them. One thing you need to look for is what kind of wiring the device is rated for. Copper devices will have a marking on them reading (CU) and an AL with a slash through it. That means it is not rated for aluminum. You will have to look for the devices that have AL with a circle around it, signifying it is OK to use with aluminum, to properly replace them. 

Splicing is another big issue if not done properly. No one carries aluminum wiring anymore so you will have to splice with copper wires. You cannot just splice them together and put a regular wire nut on them. A special purple wire nut/king alumiconn connector needs to be used to correctly connect them together. The connectors have a dioxide gel in them that oxidizes the two dissimilar metals together. This is the correct way to splice. At this point you are able to install a copper rated device.

The very best way to solve any of your electrical needs is to contact the professionals at Wireworks Electric.

-Rob