Is Aluminum Wiring Dangerous? What North Carolina Homeowners Should Know
During the copper shortage of the late 1960s and early 1970s, many homes were wired with aluminum branch circuits. Aluminum expands and contracts more than copper and oxidizes at connections, which can loosen terminals and create heat.
How to tell if you have aluminum wiring
Look at exposed cable in the attic, basement or panel. Aluminum cable is often marked "AL" or "ALUMINUM" on the jacket. Never remove outlet covers or open the panel unless you know how to do so safely.
Warning signs
- Warm switch plates or outlet covers
- Flickering lights not tied to appliance use
- Burning plastic smell
- Outlets that stop working intermittently
Your options
Full rewiring replaces the aluminum with copper — the permanent fix. COPALUM crimps or AlumiConn connectors are approved remediation methods that pigtail copper to every aluminum connection at a lower cost.
Insurance considerations
Some insurers require remediation or replacement before issuing a policy. We provide documentation after the work is complete.
Explore whole house rewiring or local pages for Durham, Gastonia, High Point and Hickory.