Warning: If your home was built between 1965 and 1973, an electrical fire could be around the corner!

From 1965 to 1973, aluminum wiring was sometimes substituted for copper branch circuit wiring in residential electrical systems. Back then, copper was in short supply, so electrical contractors and homeowners started installing aluminum wiring. It was close to ten years of installing aluminum wiring before it was discovered unsafe.

There are some cases where aluminum wiring can be safe. If properly maintained, aluminum wiring for outside services would be an example. However, many jurisdictions will not allow aluminum wiring, no matter the circumstances.

Due to certain qualities inherent in aluminum wire, it is more likely to become defective much quicker than copper—neglected connections in outlets, switches, and light fixtures containing aluminum wiring become increasingly dangerous. Poor connections cause wiring to overheat, creating a fire hazard and possible electrical shock.

Problems with aluminum wiring:

Aluminum wiring expands and contracts. When current passes through the wire, it heats up and expands. When there is no current, it contracts. After many of these cycles, the connections at the devices and in the electrical panels will loosen over time, which can cause fires.

Aluminum also oxidizes or corrodes. If it's misconnected to another type of metal, like copper, it can cause a fire. The National Electric Code requires that aluminum wire be connected using a particular UL-listed device with an anti-oxidant compound.

Another problem we see is when someone attaches copper wire to aluminum wire. This configuration is dangerous and can lead to fires.

Fixtures and devices must be listed by UL-listing authorities, stating that they can be hooked up to aluminum wiring.

Should I purchase a home with aluminum wiring?

It's imperative to know all the facts before purchasing a home. We believe that homes with aluminum wiring should have a complete rewire due to the dangers associated with aluminum wiring. At the very least, all fixtures should be checked, and all receptacles and switches should be replaced in conjunction with UL-listed splicing techniques.

It should be noted that most insurance agencies in Florida do not cover homes with aluminum wiring.

If you have any questions, whether your home or potential new home has aluminum wiring, or if your insurance company is going to drop you, then call the experts at In Charge Electric today at (352) 350-7878 or use our online Request Service form.