The Mystery of Aluminum Wiring
If you’ve ever seen “aluminum wiring” mentioned during a home inspection, don’t panic. It doesn’t automatically mean your house is unsafe.
The simple version
- Aluminum wire expands and contracts more than copper
- Over time, that can loosen connections at outlets, switches, and splices
- Loose connections create heat, and heat is what we’re trying to avoid
A few homeowner-level clues (no tools, no opening boxes)
- Flickering lights that come and go
- Outlets or switch plates that feel warm
- A faint “hot” smell near a plug or switch
- Breakers that trip more than they used to
Not all aluminum wiring is bad; it’s at the termination points on devices where issues arise. There are ways around it without rewiring your whole house: pigtails with AL-rated splices or AL-rated devices. Most heavy feeder runs to this day are still run in aluminum wiring and are totally acceptable practices.
If your house was built in the late 60s through mid-70s, it’s worth knowing what you have.
More mysteries: the Dead Outlets | the Flickering Lights | the Breaker That Won’t Stay On
Still stumped? Call or text and we’ll figure it out.
(720) 339-2016 | info@ilgelectric.com