Aluminum wiring in older houses poses a serious risk of fire and injury—here’s why
Homes built before 1972 may have aluminum wiring.
Aluminum wiring in homes can pose a danger to your home and its occupants.
Homes with aluminum wiring are also 55 times more likely to have outlets that pose a fire hazard.
Hire an experienced electrician to identify aluminum wires in your home.
You may have heard the dire warning from a well-meaning friend or colleague: “Don’t buy a house with aluminum wiring in it!” While your chances of finding any newly constructed home with aluminum wiring are pretty slim, many older homes still have their original electrical systems intact. That doesn’t necessarily mean you need to have all your wiring replaced right away. Here’s how to find out if your home has aluminum wiring and what to do about it.
Unfortunately no, the aluminum wiring that was common in homes built in the 1960s and 70s is prone to loosening, breaking, oxidizing, and other issues that increase the risk of an electrical fire. These days, aluminum wiring for residential homes has largely been phased out in favor of copper wiring.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, homes with aluminum wiring are 55 times more likely to have at least one outlet connection reach “fire hazard conditions” such as hot receptacles, electrical sparks, and charred materials.
Aluminum expands and contracts far more than copper does in load temperature changes, which can cause connections to come loose, or worse, expose the bare wires. Prolonged exposure can corrode and oxidate the wires and overheat where it connects to outlets, light fixtures, or where it splices.
In addition to the expansion, loosening, and oxidation problems, aluminum wires are also less malleable, and over time, become more susceptible to breaks, frayed edges, and fire risk.
What’s more, these problems begin to reinforce each other in a vicious cycle:
The expansion and loosening mean the connections begin to deteriorate, creating more fire risk.
As resistance builds in the wire, the hotter the wire becomes.
As the wire heats up, it expands more.
As the wire expands, the more the connections deteriorate.
That’s not to say that all aluminum wiring is dangerous. Large-diameter aluminum wires are safe for use in some commercial purposes and even in some airplanes. However, it's definitely worth a closer look when it’s incorporated into an older home’s electrical system.
Aluminum wiring may be a fire risk, but it is fairly easy to identify visually or with the help of a professional electrician near you.
Your first clue in the hunt for aluminum wiring is your home’s age. Homes built during the mid-1960s to the early 1970s probably have aluminum wiring. (After that date, most home construction switched to copper wires.)
Next, inspect any exposed wiring that runs through your attic, basement, or other unfinished spaces in your home. Look for markings that read “AL” or “aluminum” on one side of the plastic sheath of the cables covering your wiring. The labeling should repeat every few feet or so.
Remember, look but do not touch, as live wires can be very dangerous. If you’re unsure, can’t find any markings, or don’t see a safe way to examine the sheath, then call a professional electrician to determine whether your home has aluminum or copper wiring.
Aluminum wires are notorious overheaters. Touch the surface of the plate covers on your outlets and switches, which should feel cool or neutral. Warm connection points may signify an electrical issue. Flickering lights or the smell of burning plastic are also key aluminum indicators (more on this below).
If your home contains aluminum wiring, you should strongly consider replacing the wiring, but you have a few options here.
The safest course of action is to completely replace the aluminum wiring in your home with safer copper wires. The cost to rewire your home ranges from $1,500 to $10,000 or more, depending on the size of your home and your local safety codes. You should also factor in the costs for permitting and inspections.
Alternatively, when rewiring the whole house isn’t in the budget, you can hire a licensed electrician to make the connections safe by adding a short section of copper wire to the end of each aluminum wire. That way, your switches and outlets are connected to copper rather than aluminum.
While this solution won’t completely resolve every potential problem associated with aluminum wiring, it addresses places where loose wires are most likely to create gaps, greater resistance, higher heat, and fire risk.
Given that aluminum wiring can be hazardous, it’s important to know the warning signs of a dangerous electrical issue.
Your circuit breaker frequently trips.
You experience a mild shock or tingle after touching an appliance.
An outlet frequently sparks when you plug in or unplug appliances.
Ceiling light fixtures or the surrounding area are warm to the touch when in use.
Light switches or outlets malfunction regularly or lights flicker (even after you replace the light bulb).
You notice a distinct burning smell that isn’t attributable to cooking food or burning candles.
If you spot any of these signs in your home, the best and safest course of action is to unplug any involved appliance and call a local electrician immediately.
Rewiring a house costs $4,000 to $8,000. However, depending on the size of your project, it can be as little as $1,500 or as high as $12,000 when rewiring a larger, older home. The cost per square foot averages $2 to $4. As with any home project, labor costs in your local area can drive up or down your total expense.
Unless you’re a certified electrician, you should not attempt to DIY rewiring your home. Doing it yourself might save money, but it requires a thorough understanding of electrical systems and strict adherence to safety codes. Mistakes can lead to severe hazards, including electrical fires and injuries.
Additionally, laws regarding do-it-yourself electrical work vary nationwide and may not be legal in your local area. Remember, hiring a professional ensures the job is done safely and correctly.
Homeowners insurance may cover aluminum wiring, but it often comes at a higher cost and conditions due to its higher fire risk than copper. Insurers might require safety upgrades, such as installing anti-oxidant paste and using aluminum-compatible outlets. It is essential to know that this type of wiring has not been used in new construction for the last 40-plus years.
A house with aluminum wiring doesn't always need a complete replacement but requires careful maintenance and potential safety upgrades. Aluminum wiring can pose fire risks due to its tendency to expand and contract, leading to loose connections. Safety measures include installing aluminum-compatible outlets, applying anti-oxidant paste, or using copper pigtailing at connections. Consulting a licensed electrician for an inspection and necessary updates can ensure the wiring meets current safety standards without needing a total replacement.
Buying a house with aluminum wiring requires careful consideration due to potential fire risks. Ensure a thorough inspection by a licensed electrician to assess the condition and identify necessary safety upgrades—factor in these additional costs when deciding. While it may not be a total deal-breaker, understanding the risks and required maintenance is necessary. Also, you should consult your insurer about coverage for homes with aluminum wiring to know whether the house is insurable.
