Was your home built in the United States in the 1960s through the mid-1970s? If so, contractors used aluminum wiring to wire entire homes due to the exorbitant cost of copper wire. As with any house built 50 or 60+ years ago, there are going to be issues that come up. Some vital home systems need to be addressed for safety, and aluminum wiring is one of them. Let’s look at some areas of concern to keep you and your family safe.
Aluminum Wiring Problems
Data from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, or CPSC, determined 50% of house fires are associated with aluminum wiring. Based on that fact alone, you should seriously consider repairing or replacing your aluminum wiring. Dimmers, switches, fixtures, junction boxes, and outlets are some places where overheating will occur. Those connections produce the most heat and are where fires most often occur.
Repair Or Replace Your Wiring
Your best bet is to hire a licensed electrical contractor to inspect your electrical system. This is not a DIY project unless you’ve been adequately trained as an electrician. Unlike numerous other projects a DIY person could complete correctly, electricity is very unforgiving. Be sure that the technicians you use are licensed Maryland Master Electricians. Repairing is significantly less expensive than completely rewiring your home.
Replacing Aluminum Wiring
Replacing aluminum wiring completely removes all the aluminum, which is the primary cause of most house fires. The Consumer Product Safety Commission considers it the most lasting solution. However, it is considerably more costly than repairing the connectors. This factor keeps most homeowners from choosing this option over repairs. Replacing all the aluminum wiring is a very extensive, labor-intensive job.
Repairing Your Household Wiring
A certified electrician can repair your aluminum wiring instead of replacing it for a fraction of the cost. The process involves attaching a short section of copper wire to the aluminum. The electrician should address all of the points of connection in your house. That means every outlet or junction point needs copper attached to the aluminum. Copper is sturdier and handles heat more efficiently than aluminum.
Repairing every connection point with a copper connection is less disruptive, cleaner, and much easier on your pocketbook. Aluminum wiring is only problematic at the connecting points, so eliminating those takes care of the potential problem.
Safely Repairing Aluminum Wiring
To safely repair aluminum wiring, an electrician will use a process called pigtailing. Small amounts of copper cable are crimped to the aluminum wire. Then attached to the connection point. Taking out the aluminum wire is unnecessary. This will save time and money. If a licensed electrical contractor recommends this method, it is a safe alternative to rewiring your home.
DIY Electrical Rewiring
If you are a die-hard DIY person, you may be considering taking on this project yourself. An unlicensed person can complete many home improvement projects without serious repercussions. Repairing the electrical connections may seem simple enough on YouTube, but mistakes can result in a devastating electrical house fire. Leave this is one to the professionals.
The electrical wiring to our homes is an out-of-sight, out-of-mind system. Rarely given much thought unless a problem arises. If your US home was built in the 60s or 70s, give JQ Electric a call for a professional inspection. You’ll sleep better knowing your home’s electrical system isn’t a fire risk.
