Is aluminum wiring safe?
Yes, aluminum wiring is safe. If your home has aluminum wiring you are not alone. In Southern Ontario, approximately 30% of homes have been wired with aluminum wiring. Many homes built between 1960 to 1979 used this type of wiring. The wiring itself inside your walls is safe. So what’s the big deal?
Can aluminum wiring cause fires?
Yes, aluminum wiring can cause fires. The problem with aluminum wiring is where it terminates, or connects to your plugs, switches, and lights. Aluminum wiring oxidizes when connected to dissimilar metals such as copper. Over time this oxidization causes gaps to form in the original electrical connections. As a result, that once tight connection slowly loosens and the current flow now begins to jump this gap causing a small arc to occur behind your walls. These arcs create a great amount of heat and increase your risk of a home fire.
How does aluminum wiring affect my insurance?
Your insurance company will most likely require that your home be inspected by the Electrical Safety Authority (E.S.A.) if it is wired with aluminum wiring before they are willing to insure you. The Electrical Safety Authority (E.S.A.) will asses your home, provide you with a list of items that need to be changed, and issue a Certificate of Inspection upon completion of those deficiencies by a licensed master electrician.
What is an Aluminum Rejuvenation?
During an Aluminum Rejuvenation you will be provided with two options. One option is where we replace all your receptacles and switches with COLAR rated devices. The second option, and more common, is where we use the “pig tail” method and connect copper wiring to the aluminum wiring using approved methods. With the new copper ends, we are able to connect any device rated for copper wiring. This allows for the use of a more diverse range of products. With both options, we remake all the connections at your light fixtures and junction boxes using the properly rated wire connectors and antioxidant. This work must be permitted through the E.S.A. and upon completion you will receive a certification of inspection stating that your wiring is safe.
How do I know if I need an aluminum rejuvenation?
Are your lights flickering? Does your switch seem warm to the touch? Perhaps you think you smell something burning but you just can’t put your finger on it. then yes, you should have your wiring assessed by an electrician. Do you need to rewire your home? No. As already mentioned, aluminum wiring itself is safe, if properly connected and terminated without damaging the wire. However, has your aluminum wiring ever had maintenance? If the aluminum wiring in your home has not undergone any maintenance you should really consider an Aluminum Rejuvenation.
Call us today for a Free Quote on your Aluminum Rejuvenation project.
Enrico’s Electrical Company
Your Ajax Electrician
Toronto & GTA
416-455-5796
Durham Region & Kawarthas
905-239-0077