Be ALUMINUM WIRING aware. Learn the potential dangers of aluminum wiring.
Despite being cheaper and lighter than copper, aluminum wiring can be a fire hazard. In this blog, we share the potential risks and what steps you can take to ensure the safety of your home and family.
“One of the biggest dangers of aluminum wiring is that it’s connections can become loose over time. This can lead to sparking, arcing, and even fires.”
– Dustin Prete, Master Electrician @ Exquisite Electric
In the 1960s and 1970s, the price of copper wiring rose sharply. As a result, aluminum wiring was used as an alternative to copper in most home construction.
However, in the years since, aluminum has been found to be a less stable material than copper and can cause problems over time. One of the biggest dangers of aluminum wiring is that it’s connections can become loose. This can lead to sparking, arcing, and even fires and is due to a number of factors, including expansion and contraction, corrosion, and improper installation.
What can you do if you think you have aluminum wiring in your home?
Call A Qualified, Licensed, and Insured Electrician
If you live in an older home with aluminum wiring, it’s important to have an electrician inspect the wiring to determine if it’s safe.
An electrician who specializes in aluminum wiring will be able to tell you if your home wiring needs to be fixed or replaced. They will also be able to recommend the best course of action to ensure the safety of your home.
Buying an older home
If you’re thinking of purchasing an older home in Calgary, it’s important to ask the seller if the home has aluminum wiring. If it does, have a professional electrician inspect the wiring before you purchase the home.
This will give you an idea of the potential risks and what needs to be done to ensure the safety of your home and family.
IMPORTANT: Home insurance providers require proof of aluminum wiring repair or remediation by a qualified and licensed electrician before they will offer you insurance coverage.
How electricians fix aluminum wiring
To fix aluminum wiring, you can have a professional electrician install pigtails, which are special connectors that help to ensure a secure connection between the aluminum wiring and the electrical devices in your home. These connectors are designed to reduce the risk of sparking, arcing, and fires.
Another option is to have the aluminum wiring replaced with copper. This can be a more expensive option, but it’s worth it to ensure the safety of your home and family.
A professional electrician will be able to tell you if this is necessary and what the best course of action is.
It’s important to be aware of the potential dangers of aluminum wiring in Calgary
If you own an older home or are thinking of purchasing one, it’s important to have a professional electrician, like Exquisite Electric, inspect the wiring to determine if it’s safe. If it’s not, there are steps you can take to ensure the safety of your home and family, including installing pigtails or replacing the aluminum wiring with copper.
In short, if you own an older home in Calgary, it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers of aluminum wiring. And then take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of your home and family.
An electrician specializing in aluminum wiring can help you determine if your wiring needs to be fixed or replaced and recommend the best course of action to ensure the safety of your home.
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