If you’re looking for support with aluminum wiring in your home, you’ve landed on the right page. Though it’s outdated, many homes today still have this type of wiring — or a combination of aluminum and copper wiring. This makes it important to be mindful of common issues that can occur with this wiring and the options available to you to have it fixed.
Keep reading to learn more from the professional team at Langstaff & Sloan Electrical Contractors in Toronto.
What is Aluminum House Wiring?
This type of wiring was an approved home wiring method in decades past, and it was a more affordable option in comparison to copper. Most houses that have this outdated wiring were built in the 1960s and 1970s. By the late 1980s, this practice for home wiring became obsolete. Related home devices that were compatible with aluminum were slowly phased out, and today these devices are almost non-existent.
There are properties of aluminum wire that we’ll explore in this blog, which make it more susceptible to electrical problems. In some cases, aluminum wire can continue to operate without issue, but it does come with risks that you’ll want to be mindful of if your home has this type of wiring.
How to Find Out if Your Home has Aluminum Wiring
If your home was built in the 1960s or 1970s you may have aluminum wires. Further, if you experience flickering lights, a burning plastic smell, light switches or outlets that are hot to touch, or dead circuits, these are telltale signs that you may have this wiring.
However, if you’re not 100% sure what kind of wiring you have in your home, contact Langstaff & Sloan. We will arrange for one of our experienced electricians or electrical contractors to determine which wiring method is installed in your home. They can also outline any next steps for you to consider.
Identifying Issues with Your Wiring
Aluminum house wiring was commonly used in the past, but it poses safety concerns today and may require replacement with copper wiring. Here are some of the common issues that aluminum wires can present:
- This type of wire expands and contracts significantly more than copper wire. This can result in instability and loose connections that may get progressively worse over time and compromise your home’s electrical system.
- If copper-rated devices are being installed in systems that have aluminum wiring connections, the mix-match of materials can produce arcing at connection points or even cause electrical fires.
- If aluminum wires have been poorly installed, this can worsen issues with the wiring. Poor installation practices include not applying a corrosion inhibitor, not wrapping wires around terminal screws or doing so the wrong way, and/or too much torque on the connection screws that damages the wires.
If your home has this wiring, be sure to stay alert for warning signs that often signal it’s time to source expert repairs or even replacement measures. Ensure you are mindful of the following taking place in your home:
- Circuit breakers that won’t reset
- Flickering lights
- Intermittent power
- Noises or smells coming from outlets or switches
- Warm outlets or light switch faceplates
It’s important to note that aluminum electrical wiring can be safe, but it must be properly connected and terminated without damaging the wire. Otherwise, it can lead to hazards. It must also be regularly inspected by certified electricians.
Whether or not you have experienced any of the noted warning signs, it’s important to protect your home, family, and assets for the long term by fixing and/or replacing the wiring with a safer, more durable material, such as copper.
How to Maintain and Fix Your Electrical Wiring
If your home has aluminum wires, there are measures you need to take to ensure that they’re safely maintained, including:
Receiving the Right Support
Contacting licensed electricians, such as the experts at Langstaff & Sloan, to conduct an inspection. They will assess your wiring and advise if upgrades or rewiring is required — and will also advise on next steps.
Ensuring Insurance is Up to Date
Reaching out to your insurance company. You may find that your insurance company won’t provide or renew insurance coverage on houses with aluminum wires unless the wiring is inspected, repaired, or replaced. You may also have to provide a certificate from the inspection to be insured.
Hiring Professional Help for Repairs
If repairs are needed, it’s essential that you hire licensed professionals to complete the job. Contact us at Langstaff & Sloan for all your residential electrical needs. Our licensed electrical contractors have the knowledge and experience to assess and address your wiring needs, as well as reduce potential dangers and hazards in your home.
Your Next Steps for Aluminum Electrical Wiring in Toronto
If you discover that you have aluminum wires in your house, we believe it’s good practice to repair or replace them as soon as possible; this will prevent any issues that may arise because of this outdated wiring.
Remember, it’s important to only hire experienced, licensed individuals for electrical work in your home. Avoid attempting electrical repairs or upgrades on your own and running the risk of electrical damage or fire. Instead, reach out to the professional team at Langstaff & Sloan Electrical Contractors in Toronto. We offer residential electrical services at reasonable rates. You can depend on the excellence we bring to the table with safety at the forefront of every job.
Our experienced team will carefully assess your home’s electrical system, develop a comprehensive plan, and execute the necessary work while adhering to safety regulations and best practices. We’ll also walk you through your options for addressing the outdated wires in your home. This may include reconnecting devices with copper tails or complete rewiring or replacement of your home’s electrical wiring.
No matter your situation, you can count on our team’s expert guidance when it comes to determining the best course of action for your home’s electrical system.
Learn more by reaching out to us today.