If your home was built or renovated between the mid-1960s and late 1970s, there’s a chance it contains aluminum wiring — and that could put your safety at risk.
Why Was Aluminum Wiring Used?
During the 1960s, the price of copper soared, leading many builders to turn to aluminum as a cheaper alternative for residential electrical wiring. At the time, it seemed like a reasonable solution. But over the years, aluminum wiring has proven to be far less reliable and potentially hazardous.
The Risks of Aluminum Wiring
Aluminum is softer and expands more than copper, which can cause several serious problems:
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Loose connections: As aluminum expands and contracts, it can loosen at terminals, increasing resistance and heat.
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Overheating and fire risk: Loose or degraded connections can lead to overheating, which is a major fire hazard.
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Corrosion: Aluminum oxidizes more easily than copper, and this corrosion can interfere with electrical flow.
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Incompatibility with modern devices: Many modern outlets, switches, and fixtures aren’t rated for aluminum, increasing the risk of unsafe connections.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), homes with aluminum wiring are 55 times more likely to have fire hazard conditions than those with copper wiring.
What Should Homeowners Do?
If you suspect your home has aluminum wiring, here’s what to do:
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Have a licensed electrician inspect it — They’ll confirm whether you have aluminum wiring and assess its condition.
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Don’t DIY — Avoid making your own repairs. Improper handling of aluminum wiring can make the situation worse.
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Consider safe solutions:
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COPALUM crimp connectors: A permanent, CPSC-recommended solution installed by a certified technician.
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AlumiConn connectors: A less expensive but still approved fix for certain conditions.
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Rewiring: In some cases, full replacement with copper wiring may be the best long-term option.
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Final Thoughts
Aluminum wiring isn’t always an immediate danger, but it should not be ignored. If your home is more than 40 years old, especially from the 1965–1975 era, an inspection is a smart move. Staying proactive can help prevent serious electrical problems — or worse, a house fire.
