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Aluminum Wiring in Canada
Between the late 1970s and the early 1980s, electricians and other contractors used aluminum wiring in Ontario to construct new homes. It was an approved home wiring method. Also, it was a more affordable option than copper.
By the late 1980s, this home wiring practice became obsolete. All related home devices compatible with aluminum were slowly phased out. Today, these devices with aluminum ratings are virtually non-existent. If at all available, they usually come overpriced.
The danger right now is that copper-rated devices are being installed in systems with aluminum wiring in Toronto. This can produce arcing at connection points. Worse yet, in extreme cases, it can even cause fires.
Aluminum Wiring Replacement
While that may be a complicated scenario, Langstaff and Sloan can offer expert solutions:
- Rewiring and replacement of residential aluminum wiring.
- Check and correct all accessible points of connection within your property.
- Open and inspect all devices for loose or improper connections
- Reconnect devices with copper wire tails
- Link the aluminum wire with the approved joint compound and connectors to the copper-rated devices
Once completed, we will arrange an E.S.A. Certificate of Inspection for you. We can also provide a letter to your insurance company if needed.
Replace Aluminum Wiring with Copper
If your home was built in the 1960s or 1970s, there’s a chance it may have aluminum wiring. While aluminum wiring was commonly used during that era, it poses certain safety concerns and may require replacement with copper wiring. Here’s why.
Aluminum wiring has been known to cause electrical hazards due to its higher electrical resistance and a greater propensity for oxidation, leading to loose connections and potential fire risks. Upgrading to copper wiring can significantly enhance the safety of your electrical system.
Copper wiring boasts superior conductivity, making it more efficient for carrying electrical currents. It is also more resistant to corrosion and less likely to overheat. By replacing aluminum wiring with copper, you can reduce the risk of electrical fires, overheating outlets, and flickering lights, ensuring a more secure living environment for you and your loved ones.
To replace aluminum wiring, it is crucial to hire a qualified electrician with expertise in handling such upgrades. They will carefully assess your electrical system, provide a comprehensive plan, and execute the replacement process adhering to safety regulations and best practices.
Investing in aluminum wiring replacement with copper is a proactive step towards safeguarding your home and minimizing electrical hazards. Ensure the well-being of your property and occupants by considering this crucial upgrade for enhanced safety and peace of mind.
Hire Licensed Electrician for Aluminum Wiring Replacement
We often hear customers say they have never faced any issues with their wiring. With aluminum wiring in Toronto homes, you’ll never know when issues will arise. It is always better to be prepared instead of waiting for something to happen. Have your entire home assessed by certified electricians.
When it comes to electrical work, it’s crucial to hire licensed professionals who have the expertise and knowledge to handle the job with precision and care. At Langstaff and Sloan, we boast a team of highly skilled electricians who are not only licensed but also extensively trained in dealing with aluminum wiring replacements.
By choosing Langstaff and Sloan, you can have peace of mind knowing that your home’s electrical system is in safe hands. We prioritize safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, ensuring that your electrical needs are met to the highest standards.
Calling An Electrician About Aluminum Wiring in Canada
It is always wise to be proactive. Call a technician when faced with any of these issues:
- If power outlets or faceplates are unusually warm and release strange odours
- Flickering lights
- Unexpected static on your tv or radio
- Smoke or sparks near your switches
How to Maintain Residential Aluminum Wiring?
It is important to keep your aluminum wiring in good condition. Ensure that they are regularly inspected by certified electricians.
Here is how aluminum wiring in Toronto naturally works:
- It heats up and expands when the current flows
- It cools down and contracts when not in use
This continuous process can lead to gaps forming in the wiring. This can later get exposed to air and increase the chances of catching fire.
Make sure your wiring is working properly by keeping an eye on:
- Unusually warm switches
- Bad odours
- Sparks
During repairs on your aluminum wiring in Ontario, ask the electricians to provide a certificate for insurance purposes.
Experts in Aluminum Wiring Replacement in Toronto
Does your home need regular inspection? Looking for certified electricians in your area? Langstaff and Sloan are electrical contractors that can provide the help you need. We conduct residential aluminum wiring inspections that ensure your safety. Contact us today, and we’ll send our expert electricians to check on your aluminum wiring in Ontario!
Aluminum wiring can present serious hazards, such as overheating and electrical fires. Our team of highly skilled electricians specializes in identifying and replacing outdated aluminum wiring systems, ensuring your property meets the latest safety standards. We take pride in our meticulous approach, ensuring a thorough assessment of your electrical system to determine the best course of action.
At Langstaff and Sloan, we understand the importance of swift and efficient service. Our team is equipped with the latest tools and techniques to complete your aluminum wiring replacement project with minimal disruption to your daily routine. We prioritize clear communication and transparent pricing, providing you with peace of mind throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aluminum wiring is long-lasting, as it has a life expectancy of approximately 80 to 100 years. However, many factors can affect the lifespan of electrical wiring, such as how the wiring is installed, damage to the sheathing, past modifications, and so much more. If you’re looking for exceptional aluminum wiring in Ontario, our electricians at Langstaff and Sloan Inc are the right choice.
While aluminum wiring itself is perfectly safe, it must be properly connected and terminated without damaging the wire or it can lead to hazards. The risks of using aluminum wiring include rust and creeping, warping due to its soft texture, expansion, oxidation, or excessive vibration. However, the main safety risk associated with aluminum wiring is that copper-rated devices are being installed in systems that have aluminum wiring connections. This mix-match of materials can produce arcing at connection points or even cause electrical fires.
If you discover that you have aluminum wiring in your house, it is good practice to repair or replace it as soon as possible. Aluminum wiring can easily and frequently overheat, which poses a huge risk of electrical fires. Whether or not you have experienced any negative side effects of aluminum wiring, such as flickering lights, dead circuits, or the smell of burning plastics, it is important to protect your home long-term by replacing the wiring with a safer, more durable material, such as copper. At Langstaff and Sloan Inc, we offer various solutions, from reconnecting devices with copper tails to complete rewiring or replacement of residential aluminum wiring.
Aluminum electrical wiring was common practice between the early 1970s and 1980s, as it was an approved and affordable wiring method. However, beyond the 1980s, aluminum was phased out, but many pre-existing houses still had this type of wiring installed. This means that appliances and other electrical items are created with the expectation of copper wiring, but houses may still have aluminum wiring, which can cause arcing at connection points or electrical fires. Similarly, aluminum wiring is known to start electrical hazards due to it having a higher electrical resistance and greater likelihood of experiencing oxidation. The side effects lead to loosened connections and fire risks, which are significant safety hazards.
Was your home built in the 1960s or 1970s? Do you experience light flickering, the smell of burning plastic, hot light switch or outlet plates, or even dead circuits? If you have answered “yes” to either of these questions, your home may have aluminum wiring. If you’re unsure what kind of wiring you may have, contact Langstaff and Sloan Inc. We will send out one of our experienced electricians or electrical contractors to confirm what your wiring method is and any next steps that you should consider.