Is Aluminum Wiring Bad? How To Fix Bad Aluminum Wiring in Your Home

As homeowners, it’s hard to stay on top of every single problem in the house — especially when the problem is inside the walls and out of sight. A major concern for Dean’s professional electricians is outdated wiring in homes around Minnesota. A major safety concern for electricians is aluminum wiring in your house because you have a fire waiting to happen. Many houses built between 1965 and 1972 were wired with aluminum instead of copper.

What Are the Signs of Bad Wiring?

• Frequently tripped circuit breakers.
• Flickering or dimming lights.
• Buzzing or crackling sounds.
• Frayed wires.
• Aluminum or knob-and-tube wiring.
• Warm or vibrating spots on outlets or walls.
• Smoke coming from outlets or appliances.
• Burning smells or scorch marks on electrical fixtures.

Why Is Aluminum Wiring Use in Older Homes a Problem?

• Failure at the connection points, such as splices between wires, connections at outlets, circuit breakers, switches, lights, etc.
• There are thousands of houses in Minneapolis/St. Paul but especially the surrounding suburbs built during this period
• In 1972, the formula for aluminum wiring changed, making it a much safer product. Aluminum wiring was used in single-family homes for a few years after that but was completely phased out by the mid-’70s. 

Issues With Aluminum Wiring Compared to Copper

1) Rusting: When metal rusts, it oxidizes. Oxidized copper is still conductive, while aluminum is not so much. Thus interfering with the flow of electricity.

2) Softness: Aluminum is a lot softer than copper. It’s much easier to nick or break.

3) Cold Creep: Wire heats up when electrons flow through it. Aluminum expands when heated expansion and contraction cause connections to loosen.

Contact Dean’s for Home Wiring Services in the Twin Cities

Upgrade your home’s safety and electrical efficiency today! Trust Dean’s Home Services for expert aluminum wiring replacement in Minneapolis. Ensure your family’s well-being and safeguard your property from potential hazards. Schedule your consultation now and enjoy peace of mind with our top-notch electrical solutions!