Is Aluminum Wiring Safe?

Is Aluminum Wiring Safe?

If your home was built between the 1960’s and early 1970’s, it is likely your home has aluminum wiring throughout its branch circuits. Homes built after the mid-1970’s were built using copper wiring.  Overtime aluminum wiring tends to oxidize which can result in overheating and eventually failure.  Aluminum also has a higher rate of expansion and becomes flattened at termination points, causing arching, sparks and possibly fire. Learn more about the dangers of aluminum wiring. 

Due to the increase failure of aluminum wiring, most insurance companies require a thorough electrical safety inspection completed by a certified electrical contractor. These inspections are usually required before issuing a new policy or upon renewal. Electrical modifications are usually needed to ensure the home is safe on a permanent basis. Here are 7 ways to prevent a house fire.

There are currently 4 ways to remediate or bridge aluminum/copper connections:  Re-Wire, Marette and Anti-oxidant, Copalum© and Alumiconn©.

Re‐Wire: This method is very costly and not necessary. This may be recommended if the home was being gutted and renovated.

Marette and Anti‐oxidant: This method is the most cost effective and a common DIY method. With proper application this method is a good start in improving the safety of your home’s electrical system. However, in CPSC‐sponsored laboratory testing and in‐the‐field tests, a substantial number of these connectors failed and overheated. Currently CSA approved, generally not recommended as a permanent solution

Copalum: This method requires a crimping tool that can only be operated by an electrician who is certified to use it. It can be limiting if there is not a certified technician in your area. This is one of the preferred methods as it is deemed to be a permanent solution.

Alumiconn: This method also requires a trained electrician to install. This device keeps all wires separate from each other, but is still deemed a pigtail method. This method is considered to be a permanent solution and is readily available in all markets

No matter what form of remediation you choose for your home, it is a good step towards ensuring safety of your home and protecting your electrical system from future failure.  If you are concerned about aluminum wiring or have questions contact an Master Electricians in Edmonton.

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