For homes wired from about 1965 to the mid-1970s
Aluminum Wiring Repair in Orem, UT, With Same Day Safety Checks
During a copper shortage in the mid-1960s, many homes were wired with aluminum. Orem built a lot of homes in those years. Aluminum connections can loosen and overheat over time. The good news: it can be fixed without rewiring the whole house. Our Orem electricians use the repair methods the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends. Warm switch plates or a burning smell? Call our 24 hour line now. Emergencies come first, and an electrician near you can often handle other aluminum wiring repair jobs same day.
Why aluminum wiring is a concern
The CPSC reports that aluminum connections can degrade over time, raising resistance and heat. In a survey it cites, pre-1972 homes with aluminum wiring were far more likely to reach fire hazard conditions at outlets than copper-wired homes.
The danger is at the connections: outlets, switches, light fixtures and splices. That is exactly where we focus.
- Warm cover plates on switches or outlets
- Flickering lights with no clear cause
- Outlets or lights that stop working
- A faint burning plastic smell
Repair methods compared
Not every 'fix' is a real fix. Here is how the CPSC views the common options.
| Method | CPSC view | Our use |
|---|---|---|
| Full rewire with copper | Permanent, removes the cause | Offered when it makes sense. See Home Rewiring. |
| COPALUM crimp pigtails | Permanent repair, installed by trained electricians | Preferred where available |
| AlumiConn connectors | Next best permanent option | Used where COPALUM isn't available |
| Twist-on wire nuts | Not a permanent repair, can overheat | Not used |
| CO/ALR outlets and switches only | Incomplete repair | Not used as a stand-alone fix |
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Publication 516, Repairing Aluminum Wiring.
How to tell if your home has aluminum wiring
Only check with the power off at that circuit, and never touch bare wires. If unsure, let us look.
Built 1965 to mid-70s
Homes, additions and rewired circuits from these years may use aluminum.
Cable jacket markings
Look for 'AL' or 'ALUMINUM' printed on the cable in the attic or basement.
Silver-colored wire
At a box or panel, the wire looks dull silver, not copper-colored.
Larger wire for the same circuit
Aluminum circuits often use a size larger wire than copper.
Our aluminum wiring repair process
Methodical work, every connection accounted for.
Confirm and count
We confirm aluminum wiring and count every outlet, switch, light and splice.
Pigtail each connection
Each aluminum wire gets a short copper pigtail with an approved connector.
Check the panel
Panel terminations get checked and tightened to spec.
Test and document
We test circuits and give you a written record for insurance or a future sale.
More help for older homes
Aluminum wiring often comes with other updates worth doing.
Helpful guides from our blog
- Buying a homeElectrical Red Flags in Older Homes
- Safety devicesGFCI vs AFCI Protection
Aluminum wiring questions
Is aluminum wiring dangerous?
Aluminum wiring itself carries power fine, but its connections can loosen and overheat over time. The CPSC considers it a fire risk at connections unless properly repaired.
Which homes have aluminum wiring?
According to the CPSC, wiring installed from about 1965 to the mid-1970s may contain aluminum. Homes built before 1965 are unlikely to have it.
Do I have to rewire my whole house?
Not usually. Pigtailing every connection with CPSC-recommended connectors is a permanent repair without full rewiring.
What is COPALUM?
COPALUM is a crimp connector that joins a short copper wire to the aluminum wire. It is installed with a special tool by trained electricians.
Are CO/ALR outlets enough?
The CPSC views CO/ALR devices alone as an incomplete repair. We use them only alongside a proper connection repair.
Will insurance companies care?
Some insurers ask about aluminum wiring. A documented repair can help. Check with your insurer.
Think your home has aluminum wiring?
We will confirm it, count every connection and give you a clear plan for a permanent repair.
Licensed through Utah DOPL and fully insured. Learn about our team.