Sometimes wiring gets damaged, be it by age or other factors. When this happens, it is important to repair the wiring soon. However, repairing aluminum wiring isn’t necessarily the best thing to do. Broken and damaged wiring should be repaired, but with aluminum wiring, a replacement may be a better option due to potential fire hazard, oxidation & corrosion, compatibility issues and the reduced resale value of your home.

Aluminum wiring, especially in older homes built between the 1960s and 1970s, can pose a higher risk of fire. This is because aluminum has different properties compared to copper, which is commonly used in modern wiring. Aluminum is more prone to expanding and contracting with temperature changes, which can lead to loose connections and increased electrical resistance. These factors can generate heat and potentially cause electrical fires.

Over time, aluminum wiring can oxidize and corrode more easily than copper wiring. When the aluminum wires interact with certain metals, such as copper or brass connectors, it can result in galvanic corrosion. This corrosion increases the resistance in the electrical connections and can lead to overheating, sparks, and potential fire hazards.

Aluminum wiring might not be compatible with modern electrical devices and appliances. Many electrical devices are designed for use with copper wiring and may not be compatible with aluminum. This can result in poor connections, unreliable performance, and potential damage to the devices.

Some insurance companies may be reluctant to provide coverage for houses with aluminum wiring due to the associated risks. Additionally, when it comes to selling the house, potential buyers might be wary of purchasing a property with aluminum wiring. Upgrading to modern wiring can help alleviate these concerns and potentially increase the resale value of the house.

What If You Have Aluminum Wiring

If you discover that you do, have aluminum wiring in your home, and there are no obvious issues with it, then maybe you can put off upgrading for a short time. It then it becomes a matter of when you should upgrade, rather than if you should upgrade. Ultimately it will need to be upgraded at some point in the future regardless, but if you don’t have any issues with it now, it gives you time to plan and find the right electrician.

The Warning Signs of Aluminum Wiring

Bad connections cause the trouble, and the symptoms are no different than with copper wiring. Though these warning signs are not proof of the presence of aluminum wiring, they will indicate that attention to the wire is needed. However, if you do in fact have aluminum wiring, and experience these warning signs, it is time for some immediate action. Some of these warning signs are:

• Incandescent lights that dim or brighten when an appliance is started

• Without a breaker being tripped, things stop working

• Burning plastic smell

• Flames, sparks or smoke

• Overheating signs

 A lot of times, the burn out goes unobserved. However, if you look behind the faceplate, you may find scorching marks or soot. If you find soot at the slots of a receptacle, it is normally just a sign of worn-out receptacle and not a poor connection.

If you suspect aluminum wiring or you are wanting to replace your wiring, then it’s time to set up an appointment with Empire Electrical Solutions before you experience extensive damage. Our technicians are licensed, trained, and experienced in upgrading aluminum wiring to modern standards. Though it may not seem like you have a problem with it now, it is inevitable to happen with time.