Aluminum wiring in homes you’re looking to buy is something you’ll need to have upgraded, but it shouldn’t stop you from completing a real estate transaction. There are many ways to deal with aluminum wiring in the home. Finding an experienced Toronto area electrician is the first step in learning more about your options.

Many people aren’t aware that aluminum wiring replacement is something they’ll likely have to deal with if a home was built in the late 1960s and early 1970s. At that time, aluminum was cheaper than using copper. Unfortunately, aluminum wiring expands when it gets hot and shrinks when it cools, resulting in loose wires that could lead to a fire. The good news is that aluminum wiring in homes can be fixed and shouldn’t be considered a deal-breaker.

What You Should Know About Buying a Home with Aluminum Wiring

If you’ve found a house you love but have learned that it does have aluminum wiring, have an electrician (in addition to a home inspection) examine the entire electrical system to ensure that there are no immediate issues with the wiring right now.

Your electrician should also be able to provide you with an estimate on what it would cost to either pigtail the aluminum wire with copper or change all the wiring to copper completely. You may be able to use this information when negotiating the selling price of the home you’re interested in.

One of the more significant issues for aluminum wiring in homes comes from the fact that the electrical panel carries too much load. This can cause aluminum wires to get too hot and begin to cause problems. Be sure to ask your electrician to review the electrical panel as well.

If you’re concerned about aluminum wiring insurance, call around and ask a few insurance companies what it would cost to insure a home with aluminum wiring. Doing research and planning before you purchase the home will go a long way in reducing unwanted surprises.

How to Make Your Home with Aluminum Wiring Safe

Completing an aluminum wiring replacement needs to be done by a certified electrician. They can provide the best expertise when choosing the right method to remove or replace the older wiring. Depending on the home, some of the solutions can include:

Pig tailing an aluminum wire to a copper wire.
Installing new copper wiring throughout the entire home.

Once you choose a method and have the work completed, you won’t have to stress about aluminum wiring insurance. You can let your insurance company know about the upgrades that have been done, which will hopefully result in a reduced insurance rate.

Need an Aluminum Wiring Replacement in Toronto?

If you find a home you love with aluminum wiring, there are options are available to you. One of the most critical factors for getting the replacement done correctly involves finding a professional, experienced, and licensed electrician to complete the work. Langstaff & Sloan has been performing high-quality electrical work in Toronto and Etobicoke for almost 20 years. We work with homeowners to ensure their electrical is safe, functional, and efficient. To find out more about working with us to replace your aluminum wiring, give us a call at 647 492-8193.

Replacing Aluminum Wiring: Essential Information

Your first step for replacing aluminum wiring begins by connecting with our team at Langstaff & Sloan. We will be able to conduct an inspection to evaluate the wiring’s current state. If a full replacement is recommended, you can count on us to provide a comprehensive plan and execute expert solutions, including:

Rewiring and replacing aluminum wiring
Checking and correcting all accessible points of connection
Opening and inspecting all devices for loose or improper connections
Reconnecting devices with copper wire tails
Linking the aluminum wire with the approved joint compound and connectors to the copper-rated devices

Our team adheres to the safety regulations and industry best practices to furnish your home with proper electrical fittings. In addition, once the project is complete, we arrange an E.S.A. Certificate of Inspection for you.

Cost to Replace Aluminum Wiring: Factors and Estimates

The aluminum wiring replacement cost may vary from home to home. Factors such as the size of your home, the complexity of the project, and more need to be taken into consideration.

However, it’s important to remember that by replacing your aluminum wiring, you’re making a smart investment that will increase the overall value of your property. If you choose to sell your home one day, aluminum wiring may deter the buyers from investing in your property, thereby lowering its market value.

By replacing aluminum wiring in your home now, you make an investment that will pay off. It adds value to your property and offers safety and assurance to you and your family. If you are ready to make this investment, contact us today.

Rewiring a House from Aluminum to Copper: Pros and Cons

You may be on the fence about rewiring your home from aluminum to copper, wondering why aluminum wiring was once acceptable but is now a cause for concern. By the early 1980s, due to an alarming increase in fire hazards, aluminum wiring was no longer considered safe for houses. And, as more information about aluminum wiring came to light, it became evident that this type of wiring presented more risks than rewards.

Some notable concerns regarding aluminum wiring are:

Aluminum wiring expands and contracts more than copper wire, making it less stable.
Aluminum’s properties make it more prone to loosened connections.
Loose connections can lead to arcing, melting, and an increased risk of electrical fires.

Ultimately, the biggest benefit of rewiring a house from aluminum to copper is safety. You’ll be making a significant, proactive step towards safeguarding your home and minimizing electrical hazards. When the well-being of your home and family are at stake, you simply cannot afford to overlook this critical upgrade.

Cost of Replacing Aluminum Wiring with Copper: Budgeting Guide

As we noted, the cost of replacing aluminum wiring with copper may vary due to several factors. For more information on how much it will cost you, connect with us, and let us help you decide on the best course of action for your budget and needs.

However, a little planning can help you minimize potential disruptions. You also have the option to add additional electrical features during the project that can further increase your home’s value. Perhaps your new home needs more outlets, pot light replacement, or further electrical upgrades. A rewiring project is an ideal time to address all these concerns to improve your dream home.

Consider reviewing more information about planning an electrical rewiring project.

Aluminum Wiring Pigtail: What You Need to Know

There are options when it comes to updating your electrical system and “pigtailing” is one of them. This process involves repairing the wiring by adding copper wire to the ends of the aluminum.

Before selecting this approach for your home’s electrical system, it’s best to consult with our qualified electricians for more information and a quote on the cost of pigtail aluminum wiring. Our team has the knowledge and expertise to advise whether “pigtailing” is suitable for your home or whether it’s best that you fully replace your aluminum wiring. While a full replacement could be very costly, it is sure to address all your concerns.

Can You Insure a House with Aluminum Wiring?

If you’re planning to go ahead with your purchase of a house with aluminum wiring, consider taking these actions:

Contact the licensed electricians at Langstaff & Sloan to conduct an inspection. We will assess your wiring’s current state and discuss options about completing upgrades or rewiring. Even if the aluminum wiring is in good condition, we recommend having your heavily used circuits thoroughly inspected each year.
Connect with your insurance company to discuss your options. Some homeowners learn that their insurance company won’t provide or renew insurance coverage on houses with aluminum wiring unless the wiring is inspected, repaired, or replaced. You may also be required to provide a certificate during the inspection to be insured.
If repairs are necessary, it is critical that you hire someone to complete the job, such as our team of skilled professionals. You can count on our licensed electrical contractors who have experience with aluminum wiring.

Aluminum Wiring and Home Insurance: Understanding the Relationship

As noted, it’s best to contact your insurance company for more information about aluminum wiring insurance. It’s possible that you may be required to complete a certain percentage of upgrades to eliminate aluminum wiring in your home. In the event of this instance, be prepared to make some repair investments upfront and possibly pay a higher insurance premium.

Is Aluminum Wiring Safe? Historical Perspective and Safety Standards

Wiring homes with aluminum wiring was discontinued by the late 1980s. As mentioned, more information has come to light about this material over time, bringing awareness to several concerning issues.

In addition to these issues, it was found that aluminum wiring was often not installed properly in homes built in the 1960s and 1970s. Some concerns in this regard include:

Not applying a corrosion inhibitor
Not wrapping wires around terminal screws
Wrapping wires around terminal screws the wrong way
Too much torque on the connection screws, causing damage to the wires

In some instances, it may be possible to maintain aluminum wiring in your home so long as it’s been properly connected and terminated in compliance with the electrical safety code. Be sure to reach out to us for an inspection to determine if this is the case in your home.

However, it’s important to be mindful of the following warning signs and contact us right away should any of them occur:

Circuit breakers that won’t reset
Flickering lights
Intermittent power
Sizzling noises or smells coming from switches or outlets
Warm outlets and light switch faceplates

When Did They Stop Using Aluminum Wiring? Evolution of Electrical Standards

During the 1960s and 1970s, aluminum was used for electrical wiring when the price of copper reached an all-time high. At that time, it was an approved home wiring method. However, 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 today is that copper-rated devices are being installed in systems with aluminum wiring, which can produce arcing at connection points. Worse yet, in extreme cases, it can even cause fires.

That’s why we believe investing in aluminum wiring replacement is a proactive step towards safeguarding your home and minimizing electrical hazards. Our team at Langstaff & Sloan is equipped with the knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to complete your aluminum wiring replacement project.

What are the risks associated with aluminum wiring?

If you’re wondering, “Is aluminum wiring safe?” it’s important to note that there are concerning issues with aluminum wiring like:

It expands and contracts more than copper wire, making it less stable.
The properties of aluminum make it more prone to loose connections.
Loose connections can lead to arcing, melting, and an increased risk of electrical fires.

Review more information about concerns with aluminum wiring.

FAQs About Aluminum Writing

How do I determine if my house has aluminum wiring?

Your home may have aluminum wiring if it was built in the 1960s or 1970s and you experience flickering lights, a burning plastic smell, hot light switches or outlets, and/or dead circuits. If you’re unsure about the wiring system in your home, contact us to request an assessment and determine your next steps.

What are the benefits of replacing aluminum wiring?

Replacing aluminum wiring is an investment in safety for your home and family. Since aluminum wiring can pose hazards such as overheating and electrical fires, you will have the greatest peace of mind in having this wiring replaced. Further, if you plan to sell your home one day, it’s safe to say that having new wiring will add value to your property and won’t turn interested buyers away.

How much does it cost to replace aluminum wiring in an average-sized home?

The cost of replacing aluminum wiring with copper will vary depending on your home’s size, the scope of the project, and other factors. We encourage you to reach out to us at Langstaff & Sloan and request a quote. We offer reasonable rates and written, itemized quotes that include all the details and costs per project.

What is the pigtail method for aluminum wiring?

The aluminum wiring “pigtail” method involves adding copper wire to the ends of aluminum. Our licensed electrical contractors can advise if “pigtailing” is the best method to approach aluminum wiring in your home. Reach out to us to request an assessment, learn about the cost to “pigtail” aluminum wiring, and discuss the recommended course of action for your aluminum wiring.

Will insurance companies provide coverage for homes with aluminum wiring?

We suggest that you contact your insurance company for more information about aluminum wiring insurance. You may find that your insurance company won’t provide or renew insurance coverage on a home with aluminum wiring unless the wiring is inspected, repaired, or replaced. However, your insurance company will be able to provide you with more information about home insurance with aluminum wiring.

Can I do the aluminum wiring replacement myself, or is it better to hire a professional?

Only a licenced professionals should be tasked with the responsibility of completing electrical work in your home. They will have the applicable skills, experience, tools, and techniques required to complete the work safely, efficiently, and to code. Connect with us at Langstaff & Sloan for thorough and efficient residential electrical work that you can depend on.

Is copper wiring the best replacement option for aluminum wiring?

Copper wiring has superior conductivity, which makes it more efficient for carrying electrical currents. Copper is also more resistant to corrosion and less likely to overheat. When you replace your aluminum wiring with copper, you’ll be making a smart investment in:

Reducing the risk of electrical fires.
Lowering the chance of electrical warning signs i.e. overheating outlets, flickering lights, etc.
Adding value to your property to support selling your home in the future.
Providing a safer, more secure living environment for your family.

What safety measures can I take if I can’t afford to replace the aluminum wiring right away?

First and foremost, it’s best to connect with our team of licensed professionals for advice. We will conduct a thorough inspection and discuss with you the best next steps that will reduce potential dangers and hazards. When it comes to the safety and efficiency of your home’s electrical system, we’re happy to guide you in making smart decisions based on your budget and needs.

How has electrical safety evolved since the era of aluminum wiring?

In the 1960s and 1970s when aluminum wiring was used, it was a more affordable option than copper. While aluminum wiring was an approved wiring option, by the 1980s it was no longer considered safe due to its recognized increase of fire risks. Today, you have options for fixing aluminum wiring in your home. Connect with us at Langstaff & Sloan to learn more about the choices available to you for rewiring a house from aluminum to copper.

Is it Okay to Buy a House with Aluminum Wiring?